9 February 2009

What a great start to the weekend with a champagne breaky on friday. Thanks to Peter Margaret and Robin Hull for the superb meal.

As the champagne started to flow so did the stories. Stoney is up to 40 km bike rides,apparently training for the nats, and has a real spring in his step at the moment. An old mate of mine said, guys that go on a fitness binge or dye their hair suddenly usually are getting a bit on the side and are hoping to turn back the years. GO for it Stoney. He did mention about being a bit gay to be a good bike rider. Apparently his legs are too short. Not realising what he just said the boys climbed into him for a good laugh. Stoney was last to turn up for Sundays Finn champ race which is unusual, but I did hear on the radio there was a purse throwing competition in town earlier and he may have entered that with his other maties!!

Down to the racing. On Sat we had enough wind for one short race which was ok as there were a few hangovers on the start line. I got a jump on the fleet and held on for a win over the fast finishing Stoney and Jim Goodare with Dirk 4th.

On Sundays champ race we had a boat start and a true course set by Geoff Letcher and his helpers. With a true breeze and a hour long race, the competition was hot. Raymond Hall set the early pace as the rest of the fleet sorted themselves out. Once again I must praise my Ctech mast. As I cleared my air the boat felt high and fast and soon after the start I was crossing tacks with Ray. Jim G went for an early flier which saw him around the top mark first, but on the flat run Ray and I got a small jump on the fleet. Stoney, Duffy, Dirk, Gerrit and Jimmy were only a few boat lengths behind at the bottom mark so the next beat was a cracker with the lead changing hands frequently. Up the last beat I managed to get my nose in front and held on to take the gun with Stoney 2nd Ray 3rd.. Then Duffy Gerrit, Dirk and Jimmy.

It was good to see Ray sail the whole race without trying to knock himself out, and Gerrit using a Ctech mast and his good sail. Looked great Gerrit.

The nationals are getting close now and boats are really up to speed. I would like to mention the sportsmanship amongst the sailors was excellent with the racing being so close. Pat yourselves on the back.

Next weekend sees the junior sleep over at Clarke’s beach. Geoff, Justin and their crew will need all hands on deck to make this event another highlight for the season. So please put your hand up if asked to help. We have a committee meeting this Thursday to sort things out.

Will keep you in touch about the next Finn gathering.

PS don’t throw any of your old hand bags away.????

2 February 2009

An interesting weekend.

On the Saturday 5 Finns hit the water in 10 <> 15 knots. Commodore Geoff Letcher set a true course which helps clear the top mark. Kevin Stone took the first gun showing his excellent Pre nationals form. Brian 2nd me 3rd, Gerrit, Dirk, finished very close for the minor placings.The 2nd race my boat felt up to speed and I enjoyed an arm chair ride around the track while everyone else was fullystacked. That new Ctech mast is a pleasure to sail with and I'm sure some more orders will come in soon Alex. Stoney grabbed 2nd place with Butch finishing 3rd.

After sailing we had an enjoyable debrief on the deck and talked about what to do this Friday. A suggestion was to have a champagne breakfast which got my vote. Worth a thought.

Sunday was champs day and ten Finns were on the start line for a testing sail in 15knots and building. Peter Hull canned on the line with minutes to go but managed to recover to make the start. With a True course and a mile first best I was as keen as hell for the up wind drag race. Bag the gun goes and here's me over the line. A quick jibe and out to the right on port to clear my air and get back in the race. Roger Hall was setting the pace with a good break on the fleet but the sou'wester was sending lots of passing lanes down the track. With a bit of luck I was first round the top mark and a good squirt down wind saw nzl23 with a handy lead. BANG went my kicker, race over.

Back on shore it was a pleasure to see so many Finns enjoying the conditions and the lead changing hands between Roger H, Raymond H, Dave H and that ever in your face Kevin Bloody Stone. John Duff and Gerrit were keeping every one honest, but the conditions were starting to tell on Butch, Dirk, Stu and Peter. What a great finish. Raymond Hall canned after a jibe and did some real damage to his head. Thanks Geoff and the rescue boat crew for bring him and his boat back safely. On shore the 111 call went out and the ambulance arrived to do the repairs.

This left a tight finish to the champs' race between Roger, Dave, Duffy and Stoney. I wish I had a camera with me, but the lens wouldn't have been big enough to catch Stoneys smile as he won by a nose. Rodger 2nd and Dave 3rd, Duffy 4th. At the debrief it was hard to stop Stoney singing we are the champions my friends, and then later on I get a Text from him saying "Ben" just rung and said will done CHAMP.

A great day for the Finns. Action a plenty, good breeze, excellent racing and sportsmanship. Dave H even managed to can while getting some training in after the racing. First can ever in this boat in 2 1/2 years he says.

A month to go before we head south. Time to get the head space right and look forward to an enjoyable time at the Nats.

We have early sailing this weekend, and let me know what you think about this Friday.

Thanks to all the club members who chipped in this weekend to help the club run smoothly. The deck looks good Pete.

15 December 2008

The Waiuku waters have seen a lot of Finn action lately. With Finn training on Thursday and Friday, and racing Sat and Sun.

A big thank you to Raymond Hall for donating some of his used sails to the new Finn sailors in the club.

The two days training were well worth the effort and to see Peter Hull, Brian Saunderson and Stu Shadgett improving with more time on the water is great news for our class. We had ten practice races over the two training days.

Saturdays sailing saw the Hall brothers turn up and a total of eight Finns went sailing. I confused the camp by explaining the course to be sailed and then writing a different one up on the board. So as half the fleet were sailing another windward leeward Stoney was seen laughing as he took the gun. What was pleasing is the speed amongst the Finns is very close which makes for good racing. The second race was all about the start and I got one right at last and managed to keep my nose in front and take the gun. Dirk Enderson was the big improver on Sat and won the Jimmy Summerville sponsored prize for a dinner for two at the Patamahoe kitchen Bar and Grill.

Roger and I had Hartley sailing in town on sun while the Finns had a club champ’s day. Roger took two guns in the Hartley racing and I finished mid fleet, so not looking too good for me at the Jan Hartley nats.

In the Finns John Duff sailed the triangle course the best to take the gun from Stoney and Dirk in the first race. And Stoney won the second from a fast finishing Dirk Enderson. . Stoney said the racing was intense and with the longer course there was a lot of passing lanes. The breeze was 8 <> 15 knots and the reaching was a lot of fun with very close racing. Good to see Jimmy Goodare and Gerrit Bearda out on the water and enjoying their sailing. It all adds to the camaraderie which is so important in our class.

So Kevin Stone sailed 14 Finn races in 4 days. This is why he’s so dame hard to beat.

Well done to all the guys who went Finn sailing over the weekend. I will let you know what’s happening so we can get together for some Finn sailing soon.

2 December 2008

Hi all. We had a great weekend Finn sailing at Waiuku. A fleet of 8 boats on the water, and 7 of the usual ones not there. Wow, if it happens a total of 15 Finns on the start line in club racing would be a great site. Just like the old days.

The wind was out of the west, variable 6<>10 knots. Stoney was very fast all weekend and picked up 3 wins. I managed a couple and the rest of the results were hotly contested.

Duffy and Gerrit showed real speed at times only to be denied a better result by the tricky conditions. Gerrit had his new sail up the mast he has just repaired and was on the pace all weekend.

On Sat Peter Hull learnt just how deadly a smack from a Finn boom can be. He sat in irons for a while and then sailed his boat straight up the beach to seek some help. The cut over his eye didn't stop him from sailing his best race since owning the boat on Sunday.

Dirch Andersen in his new Finn 229 showed he is a very competitive sailor. He was the quickest boat down wind all weekend. He could do with a more modern sail than what he is using, so if someone has a bargain for him, have a talk.

Stu in 228 had my old boat looking like its ready to upset a few results soon and was on the pace for most of the racing.

We need to help the newer skippers start closer to the pack so they are part of the action for a lot longer. Maybe some handicap starts will help.

I'm happy with my new C-Tech mast and feel a lot more competitive in the lighter conditions. We did a bend test after sailing and the numbers came out very close to what I ordered. C-Tech masts are a great option for any Finn owner wanting to upgrade their stick, and are well priced compared to other makes.

The camaraderie after racing is now in full swing at the Waiuku Yacht Club. It takes more than the local drunk "Stoney' to make this happen. Its good to see others staying on helping with the BBQ and cleaning duties, and, enjoying the club atmosphere, sharing a few yarns and sailing knowledge. Its a great asset so lets use it.

The next regatta is at Pt Chev this weekend and maybe Dan Slater will make it. Great opportunity to see how much improvement we have made or need to make before the nationals.

A lot of work has gone into making the class more competitive and enjoyable so let's hit this regatta in numbers. The Pt Chev commodore has offered the use of the club for those who want to sleep over sat night, so no excuses.

3 November 2008

Another great weekend for the Finn fleet. On the sat we had five boats for the memorial race. Stoney set an excellent course after his rev up last week, and with a nor wester blowing 15 knots we all had a real blast. Firstly to Gerrit, a big thanks for repairing the boys’ masts in such quick time. Its so handy having someone with the skills to do this in our class.

In race one I managed to get a reasonable lead up the first 1km beat and hold on to take the gun from the fast finishing fleet. A great tussle for 2nd and 3rd between Duffy and Butch with Butch winning it by a nose.

In race two the start was hotly contested with Stoney trying his usual port start with no room. Duffy and I had a minor hiccup resulting in him doing a 360 and me with the boat half full of water. With both ventures open I head out to the right lay line and picked up a major windshift resulting in a handy lead at the top mark. Butch picked me up on the reach and we had a great tussle up the next beat till once again we split and I benefitted from a good shift. With the race in the bag and only two reaches to the finish my mind drifted to the cold beer in the fridge. Then a building breeze came in from behind and the whole fleet went passed me. Stoney was laughing his head off as he took the gun and watched the rest of the fleet mow me down. A great 2nd place to Gerrit and a 3rd to Butch. Devastated, but that’s sailing.

On Sun I went Hartley sailing at Manukau. Ray and Roger turned up in their Finns for some training. I noticed Ray had a new sail up and looked very fast up hill when they were drag racing. All the training will come to a head this weekend in Thames for the North Island champs. Very pleasing to see so many boats doing the trip down to Thames.

At Waiuku Sun sailing saw 7 Finns front for the 2nd champs’ day.

The phoned in results were. RACE 1 Dave H, Butch, Stoney. RACE 2 Stoney, Butch, Jim. The biggest improver over the weekend would have to be Butch. Well done. I can’t wait to see Christine’s face when she looks at her old boat this weekend.

28 October 2008

We had a couple of good days training at Waiuku on Sunday and Monday with a steady 15knots from the sou/west. On the Sunday Raymond, Stoney and I hit the water for 3 sprint races. Ray has his original centre plate back in the boat and lacked no speed or height. Stoney had his usual speed and sailed well to take the first gun with Ray 2nd and nzl23 bringing up the rear. With a more competitive start I had my boat flying in the 2nd race. I had Stoneys’ C-Tech mast in the boat and was pleased with the way it performed. Nzl23 took the 2nd gun with Ray 2nd and Stoney 3rd.

Yes believe or not the stiffest ever Finn mast made has a crack in it and Gerrit Bearda has the mast on the operating table all ready. Thanks Gerrit you’re a real asset to the class.

I can’t wait for my new C Tec to arrive.

So going into the last race we were all on equal points so the winner takes all. Ray raced with the eye of the tiger and took the early lead and covered well to take the gun. Me 2nd with Stoney 3rd. Another great sailing day in the Finn.

On Monday Gerrit fronted and forget about ”bring back Buck” Jim Goodare is back with nzl227. The four of us did three more sprint races with Stoney setting the smallest courses I’ve ever seen at Waiuku. Tooo much red wine the night before eh Stoney?.

Still some close racing and great sailing. Gerrit looked fast at times and Jim sailed as if he’s been doing some sneaky practice somewhere else. Stoney won the first race as usual and nzl23 picked up a couple. One bad shift costed Jim a gun in the last race.

The new fridge worked well and the debrief lasted a few hours. There was even some talk about doing a two tider?.

This weekend sees club sailing on Saturday and the 2nd champs’ race on Sunday.

Keep your eyes and ears open. We need another competitive Finn for John Simmons to buy and sail. John was very fast in the Lasers a few years ago and will add some real competition to the class.

Thanks to everyone that fronted. We had some great sailing, and socializing by the Finn boys. Keep up the effort. Just turn up and the rest will fall into place.

20 October 2008

We had a good turn out off boats at Waiuku this weekend. On Saturday, with the breeze a steady 25knots, we decided to have a “blast from the past” and sail one of the old 10km courses around the whole harbour. The course was set. Triangle windward-leeward triangle finish with each leg well over a kilometre long.

Geoff Letcher, having his first sail this season, was right on the pace and very fast on the reaches but couldn’t control his boat at the bottom mark and ended upside down. This allowed me to take the lead and the gun. I really enjoy the conditions and NZL 23 felt great. The wing mark was a real handful, but once the jibe was completed the speed and waves on the tight reach were exhilarating and worth the effort. Stoney pipped Duffy on the line. Justin finished 4th but was disappointed with his up wind speed which cost him a better finish. Brian and Geoff had the swims with Geoff recovering to finish 5th. A DNF for Brian and Stu but a great effort from all the Guys who ventured out in the conditions. I’m sure we will use this course again sometime.

Race 2 was one triangle. The start was hotly contested and Stoney trying the cheeky port start with no room. Duffy was off to a flyer and led on the first reach by a handsome margin. The pressure was on him at the wing mark to jibe and keep his lead. With arms and legs in all directions and fuelled by adrenaline Duffy started his jibe with confidence. Wack FUCK all over. Duffy upside down and swimming. I took the lead and really enjoyed the tight reach to the bottom mark. With the beat to the finish left all places were up for grabs. I went left and split tacks with Geoff who came back on a good lift to take and hold the lead for a well deserved win. I finished 2nd with Stoney 3rd Justin 4th and Duffy recovering for a 5th placing.

Sunday saw the clubs first champs race for the season and it was great to see 8 Finns rigged to start. Roger Hall turned up with his boat straight out of the paint shop and looking like a new Finn, It’s been a year for a tidy up of the boats. This is the third Finn to see a new paint job this season. A bit of pressure on the others to give their boats a birthday.

With perfect conditions for every one and a westerly breeze of 10 knots and some major shifts we started the race. All the boats looked up to speed at the start and the downwind leg was hotly contested to get to the bottom mark first. We had excellent up wind sailing with the lead changing hands on most crossings. Stoney had lent me his southern round mast for the day. I was pleased with the mast sail combo and felt as fast as the rest of the fleet in the lighter conditions. Brian, Stoney, Roger and I were having a real ding dong battle up wind and the lead changed several times till I got the shift that counted and took the gun. Brian was the big improver of the day. Especially his downwind speed.

The second race saw Roger and Stoney fight it out with Roger taking the gun.

I’m sure that the more we support the class the better sailors we will become. This was one of the most enjoyable sailing weekends racing Finns that I can remember, so keep supporting the class and we will all benefit on and off the water. Well done Stoney for keeping the new fridge full and cooking the steak sandwiches. It was a top idea of yours to buy the new fridge.

Sat Results race 1 2 Sun Results race 1 2

A Dawson 1 2 1 3
K Stone 2 3 2 2
J Duff 3 5 7 7
J Hurst 4 4 5 4
G Letcher 5 1
B Saunderson dnf dns 3 5
S Shadgett dnf dns 8 8
R Hall 4 1
G Bearda 6 6

See you all soon.
NZL 23

12 October 2008

Pt Chev

Hi all.

On Sunday at Pt Chev at 4.30pm with the sun going down and a 10knot breeze 5 Finns hit the race track. With Brian Saunderson and Kevin Stone as first timers to Pt Chev joining Raymond Hall, Dave Hoogenboom and I we set out for 3 races.

Stoney had just returned from his 5 week finn training camp in France and showed us all how much he has benefited from Colleens personal training and the diet regime he's been on. There's a rumor that the new Devoti is on the way and the Vanguard is 4 sale.

Race one.
Ray was very fast off the start line and showed good up wind speed and height using Rogers #1 sail. All 5 boats arrived at the top mark with little in it and the gains and loses were made on the reaches. With Stoney sailing like his life depended on it and with Dave getting in the groove these two slowly gained an edge on the fleet. The up wind battles were exciting with the lead changing hands on every shift, but there had to be a winner, and you guessed it. All the way from France. The frog himself, Monsieur Kevin Stone took the gun. Well done Stoney and Colleen. The pre season Finn camp paid off.

Race two.
We had similar close sailing as in the first race. Dave was now up to his usual speed. The two boats making the least mistakes to put some pressure on Dave were Ray and Brian. Brian showed very good all round speed, and with his first sailing day this season without a capsize; the boat performed as well as it looks. In the end a good win by Dave and well sailed Brian and Ray.

Race three
With a course of two up and downs we set sail in race 3. Similar close racing on the beats, and some gains made on the flat runs once the pumping flag was hoisted, but once again Dave edging slowly away on the fleet and taking his 2nd gun of the day and with me gaining a hard fought 2nd.

Race 4 was abandoned because we ran out of light. Back on land we had a couple of beers and a feed and headed home. A most enjoyable afternoon. A big thank you to Pt Chev and the crew for looking after the Finn fleet. What a great asset you guys have there.

Results Race 1 2 3

Dave H 2 1 1
Kevin S 1 5 3
Ray H 3 2 DNS
Brian S 5 3 4
Alan D 4 4 2

See you all at Waiuku this Saturday for a mid day start.

6 October 2008

Hi fellow finnsters.

What an opening weekend. The ice breaker series. Not the best turn out for the Clubs opening for 2008 <> 09 season, but I’m sure we would have been one of the very few yacht clubs that started the season sailing in the conditions we had. Well done boys and girls.

The sailors that did front will remember some of the reaches as the fastest they have experienced.

Four finns and a laser hit the line for the first race of the new season in 20 knot winds and building. This was hard work up hill but once rounding the top mark it was all on with white water and breath taking speed on the reaches. John Duff set the course with the wing mark in the windiest position, so some of the jibes were real survival manoeuvres.

It was pleasing to see Peter Hull out in his finn nzl 179 with his daughter and her friend as crew, but this wasn't enough to stop his first capsize in his new boat. Back on the shore Peter and the girls were having a real laugh about the experience.

Saturdays Results race 1 2

A Dawson 1 1
J Hurst 2 2
J Duff 3 3
E Hurst (laser) 4 4
P Hull 5 5

On the Sunday the wind had built to 25 knots but was more steady than Saturday. Gerrit Bearda and Brian Saunderson turned up to join the finn fleet. It was hard leaving the shore and trying to put the rudders on, but once out there it was great sailing. Brian completed his hat trick by capsizing every time he’s sailed this season. His last capsize saw the mast totally stuck in the uku (mud). I was pleased to see the rest of the fleet jump into rescue mode and in no time had the boat up right and boat and skipper back to shore with no damage to either.

We did our usual 2 races cleaned up and hit the new fridge for a well deserved refreshment. A light hearted moment was when we were filling out the result book and Gerrit said he got 4TH and two 3rds. Gerrit we only sailed 2 races. The wooden ramp is now called the John Duff boat ramp for now. Ask John why for a laugh.

Thanks to all the sailors that came and sailed. What a weekend.

I wonder what the rest of the world was doing when we were on those reaches.

Sundays Results race 1 2

A Dawson 1 1
J Hurst 2 2
G Bearda 4 3
J Duff 3 4
B Saunderson 5 5

These results are from my memory. The official results are in the book at the yacht club. Hope to see more members at the next sailing weekend in 2 weeks. Will let you know the time later.

29 September 2008

Excellent sailing on Sunday. What a great sight seeing the reserve full of Finn boats again and none looking better than Brian’s’ boat with the new paint job.

A big welcome to Peter Hull nzl 179 and daughter Robin who is keen to do the learn to sail.

The hard luck story for the day goes to Raymond Hall. He had trailer problems on the motorway and missed sailing. C U next time Ray.
With a Sou Wester 8 < > 14 knots and 15 degree wind shifts, the sailing was exciting and close. The best result was a fine win to Gerrit in the last race. And well done to Stu and Peter for completing the 3 races.

Thanks also to John for laying the course and retrieving the buoys after racing. Whose turn next time?

There were a few funnies.

Brian having a down wind swim. Broke his Vang.
Rodger for the fastest sail change between races. The new sail only needs 5 more sleepless nights and we will see it back.
John. If you have just painted your boat or have a new sail, stay away from John at the moment He has a hat trick all ready. Ask him about how to win the broken tiller award.
Stu had an itchy foot up wind while stacking. He checked it out to find a weta hanging of his toe.

All the winter sailing we have done has paid dividends. Everyone is keen and the sharing of technical issues has helped us all go faster.

The results Race 1 2 3

Rodger H 1 2 2
Alan D 2 1 4
John D 3 4 3
Gerrit B 4 5 1
Brian S 5 3 5
Stu S 6 6 6
Peter H 7 7 7

Don’t forget opening weekend at the club, the icebreaker series. Yep this weekend with a 1pm start and official opening at mid day. Remember Stoney will be back with all guns blazing.

To all the Finn sailors, it takes a little commitment to have a successful and enjoyable class.

22 September 2008

A great days sailing at pt Chev. 5 Finns and a 6<>12 knot breeze. Raymond, being the fastest of the line. Rodger, slowly getting the sail shape and mast compo working. The rig looking very big and powerful. John, enjoying the conditions and sailing fast with good height. Gerrit improving though out the race and just of the pace. Alan, happy with the boat but not the head space.

The results. RACE 1 RACE 2

Rodger H 1 1
Raymond H 2 2
John D 3 3
Gerrit B 5 4
Alan D 4 5

Next venue is Waiuku. The start time is 10.15am on the 28th.