Bay of Islands
Accomodation in Paihia 
Weather Forecast

NZ Nationals
Notice of Race (pdf)

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Photos

Results, a few words and photos

Final Results

Sailed: 9  Discards: 2  Ratings: VY

This year's Nationals were a closely competed event, with the title being
decided in the last race, won by David Brown and Graham Roberts on Flying
Circus. A premature start in race two cost the defending champions, local
Phil McNeil with Matt Smith on Phlipnhel, who finished first in 4 of the 9
races, the lead. Sanders Cup holders Ross and Colin Shanks on Riders on the
Storm could claim one first place and finished third overall. 

The Masters trophy was won by Phlipnhel, and the best Juniors were Richard
Bell and Todd Gilbert on Plan A. The DFL Trophy went to Tauranga's Kez
Cameron and German visitor Eike Ehrig on Black Bart. Blossom was voted the
first C-Division boat, and a brand new Fyfe Sails jib went to Wellington
with Callum and Peter Gilbert. 

Another honour for Phlipnhel was the Crews Race being won by Matt Smith,
congratulations! It was decided to offer the Javelin model (formerly awarded
to the best boat launched in that year) as the Crew's Trophy. The tenth race
had the strongest gusts of the whole contest, but all the crews had a very
good handle on the helm. To their delight, the only capsize of the race was
by Roger Barnes, the only skipper who did not surrender the helm. 

Matt Michel and Daniel Hayward with Wildfire deserve special mention for
their great improvement over the contest. Starting off rather off the pace
as the only starter with an alloy rig, they closed in on the fleet with some
help from the more experienced Javelin sailors. This is a special invitation
to all the other Javelins out there: so long as the boat floats, bring it
out to our competitions, there will be someone for you to sail with and
against! 

With a very high standard of gear at the front of the fleet, it was a great
feat by Roger Barnes and Nils Hansen on the veteran Bad Blood to finish
second in race 2, leading the race all three laps and only being overtaken
by Flying Circus on the finish line. 

Light to moderate sea breezes and frequent wind shifts made for great
tactical sailing. The standard of the fleet is definitely high at the moment
as the majority of the fleet usually finished within 5 to 10 minutes, and
there were many close finishes on all places.   


"Well done to the organising committee of the 2007 Javelin Nationals from
the Bay of Islands yacht club.  This was an excellent event for which I am
sure all competitors have only praises.  I do not envy the job of Wellington
in organising the 2008 event as the bar has been set high. 

Sailing conditions for this national championship where light and variable
though fair.   A highlight of this event was the close racing with all crews
having highlight.  Several races where won by a matter of boat lengths with
the majority of the fleet rounding the first bottom mark of one race bow to
stern.  Even the old Bad Blood managed a close second in race two just being
pipped on the finish line by the eventual regatta winners so therefore
national champions Flying Circus.  Congratulations Dave and Graham; the rum
must taste much sweeter from the cup when you have just won it.

Fortunately the social events were as exciting as the sailing.  Saturday
night saw a number of competitors enjoy dinner aboard the Sugar Boat where
many an ale was sunk.  Previous to dinner finger food was put on by the
yacht club where a confident Ross Shanks took up a challenge to eat a plate
of 20 or so curried eggs in a given period of time.  After ‘a technicolour
yawn’ Ross won the challenge with a second to spare.  Not to be out staged,
the following night (prize giving night) a much older Shanks took the roll
of head brother and held a hilarious court session.  All fear the stupidity
of a brother who is given authority.

Again, thanks to the organisers, as this competitor will have fond memories
for years to come."