The Bay of Islands Yacht Club hosted the 2010 Javelin Nationals sailing the contest in the waters off Waitangi. Eleven Javelins competed in the class for the national championships including two brand new boats that were launched earlier in the season. Numbers were down on last year due to some clashes in sailing calendars and injuries to crewmen off several boats.

 Sailing conditions were near perfect with ten to twelve knots on day one with crews just able to trapeze and keep the boats planning. Race one was taken out by local defending champion Phil McNeil sailing with Steve Ussher. There was a little bad luck as well on the first race with Grant McInnis breaking the mast on his newly acquired “Flying Circus” having only agreed to buy the boat that very morning.  Phil’s win looked ominous for the fleet who had been training all season for this regatta.

Race two saw a new winner with the current Sanders Cup holders Nathan Bax and Colin Shanks streaking away from the rest of the fleet to a commanding lead by the top mark which was never threatened. The last race of the day resulted in the third race winner with Tauranga’s North Island Champions Ben Bax and Adam Scott Mackie taking Line Honours.

 Day two brought a little more breeze with winds around fifteen knots and a small sea swell which set up a really fun day on the water. Nathan and Colin took out race four and had a blistering pace. Race five saw the fourth different race winner of the series with Antje Muller and Craig Gilberd winning a closely fought race. The top boats were now all in breathing distance of the title with the places switching amongst the top boats frequently. Racing was extremely close, which has been a feature in the class over the entire season. Antje and Craig also won Race six, with Ben and Adam winning the last race of the day.

 The last day saw the wind drop and was sailed in very light winds. Crews were crouched inboard and never used the trapezes. Despite jumping the start line and having to return Antje and Craig mowed down the fleet and took out the first race of the day wrapping up the contest. The last race which also counted towards the final score saw the skippers and crews swap places for the annual crews race. This race is also held in very high esteem especially by those who sail at the “sharp end”. It was led from start to finish by the newly launched “Trailblazer” helmed by David Feek with David Brown crewing, which made for the fifth boat in total winning a race through out the series.

Kerry Roger successfully defended the DFL Trophy. After winning it last year together with Antje, he had Barbara Caley on board this time.

 The weekend was extremely enjoyable with very close racing and beautiful weather. Congratulations must go to Antje Muller and Craig Gilbert sailing Bungholio who took out the title from Ben Bax and Adam Scott Mackie second. This is the first time a lady has won the Javelin Nationals and is the result of a lot of training and a several years in the class.

 Many thanks go to the event sponsor Sailutions of 44 Barrys Point Rd, Takapuna. Please call Kjell on 09 488 7605 if you need any rigging parts or solutions!