6 April 2010

One way to have a relaxing Easter is a bunch of Finn sailors coming together for a 2 day regatta. We had 9 boats front up for the 2 days sailed in NNW breeze light and variable.

Commodore Geoff Letcher showed good speed in these conditions. It’s great to see Geoff sailing with the boys now that this year’s junior training has come to an end.

Dave Hoogenboom, Ray Hall, Roger Hall, Dirch ssss Andersen, Jimmy Goodare, Brian Saunderson, Peter Hull and I made up the numbers.

Roger used a C Tech mast on the Friday and looked fast enough, but no height. On the sun he used his mast with a different set up and new sail combo and looked the quickest up wind.(decisions decisions).

The mangroves and the Waiuku leveller came into play all weekend. It was exciting racing with boats finishing over lapped most races. On the Saturday we used a gate at the bottom and still the fleet arrived within seconds of each other. Carnage excepted for the inside boat on the favoured side. (He He. Me, thanks boys.)

There was quite a wave action with wind against tide (Ed. yeah right!!!!) so the ability to ride the waves downwind was all on and big gains by those that could use the correct (Ed. Illegal!!!!) pumping action could be made. Mainly the ssss dog who was at his best.

Jimmy G when in the groove is as fast as anyone and proved that there are other ways to be fast down wind. While the rest of us are concentrating on every wave and wind pressure Jim is rolling a taylormade smoke while overtaking a couple of boats at the same time.

I tried the “bear away Ray” trick at the top mark a couple of times, coincidently on Ray who invented this dirty trick, but my god it works. Thanks Ray for teaching me this skill.

Peter Hull has decided that he’s here to win races. Right up there at the start line and stacking like a pro have improved his sailing ten fold. If he keeps this mind set up the first gun is not far off. Well sailed Pete, and happy wedding anniversary as well.( Margaret’s still smiling.)

There’s not too many weekends go by that we don’t see the 7 nationals in a row champion boat up side down, and Butch didn’t let us down this weekend. The old death roll down wind is always good to watch as long as its not you involved. Hard luck Butch, but a good recovery.

Dave H was Mr consistent over the regatta and showed that sailing well and enjoying the conditions whatever they may be, is often a winning formula.

So at the debrief, who was the over all winner for the weekend?. Yes the winner of this years Craig Monk trophy had the best results over the 7 races sailed, but then Dave suggested a drop after 5 races sailed. A draw with Dave winning on a count back. Good suggestion to drop one Dave. Roger H 3rd. We will try and get the results on the website ASAP.

One weekend to go and the Manukau shield to defend. I will keep you in touch on both.

Alan (Pump Action) Dawson
NZL23

30 March 2010

Commodore Geoff Letcher ruled the waves on sat. It was good to see him sailing his Finn and he looked pretty chuffed with his results. An excellent sailing breeze with a 10<>15 SSW. Peter Hull sailed his best all season. Fast. High and in the right direction. Margaret was shocked to see him leading the action both days. She had a sparkle in her eye when Pete came to shore and they left the debrief quite early.

On sun we had the final champs’ day with the SSSS Dirch getting 2 guns. Duffy pushed him hard in the 1st race and should have won if he had thrown a cover on the SSSS. 2nd race saw Jimmy G fight it out for the gun but same result, the SSSS. The breeze was slightly lighter, and I had my hands full keeping Peter H at bay. He had a smile a mile wide when he arrived Sun morning and looked a little lighter and a real spring in his step. Margaret looked as if she had been up all night. Himmmmm. Great close sailing with only 2 boats coming together. Geoff and Jim with the 360 going to Jim.

The final results for the year. A Dawson 1 D Andersen 2 Ray Hall 3

We discussed Easter sailing. Do we sail Fri Sat Sun or as the programme states just the first 2 days? We decided to make a decision on Fri depending who fronts.

We, as a club need to have numbers at the Manukau regatta at Manukau to retain the shield which over the years has been a club priority. (sun18th)

23 March 2010

Roger, Raymond and I had an enjoyable sail at Pt Chev on Sunday. We had 3 races and shared the guns. With the breeze ranging from 8<>12 knots the conditions were quite testing. In race one I was that far out the back door while the Hall boys were at each others throats that I went right looking for a miracle.Then out of the blue I spotted the Pt Chev mermaid. She granted me one single wish, at that moment top of my list was a 20 degree right hand wind shift. Puff the next thing I'm on the lay line to the top mark. I had time to stop and yell out "bye" to the bros as nzl23 went on to take a deserving gun.

Roger won the second race comprehensively after Ray and I ended up match racing. Nzl23 had Ray on starboard at the top mark, so as we came together I tried an old Raymond Hall trick by bearing down on him so he missed the lay line. After a few words I had to remined him that he's the one with the nick name "bear away Ray". His reply was, ok Justin. All in good fun. This fired him up to win the last race.

After sailing we settled into the debrief and had a couple of quiet ones. Dave Hoogenboom turned up looking pretty happy with him self. Dave had won his golf pennent match earlier that morning. Well done Dave.

Roger invited me around to the Doyle sail factory and showed me how the our sails are made. Woo, we should organise a tour. Well worth it.
Looking at the WYC attachment we have a champs race next Sunday, and on easter weekend we sail Friday and Saturday.

Let me know your opinion if we make the easter regatta a three day,9 race series sailing Sunday as well. Could be a great way to end a very good Finn season with a low key enjoyable 3 day get together. Your thoughts please.

Make an effort to sail this week end at WYC.

16 March 2010

This reports been a while coming, but it’s given me time to reflect on the two regattas. Firstly, congratulations to the two winners. Raymond Hall Masters champion sailed at Waiuku, and Mark Perrow our 2010 national champion sailed at Maraetai.

Im sure those Finnsters that entered both regattas were pretty tired after the 8 days racing. We had some long days on the water, but at least both regattas were completed.

To John Simmons and Geoff Letcher, a big thanks for lending your Finns to Tom Brien and Brad Douglas to sail. Thanks also to Paul Kane for lending his rig to Tom. I hope we now have two new Finnsters joining the fleet. Also welcome to John Douglas who bought Stu Shadgetts boat. John was a very successful Finnster many years ago. John will add enthusiasm and knowledge to the class once he gets his boat in the water.

We need to thank the officials, helpers and the Waiuku and Maraetai Yacht clubs for hosting us. Both regattas ran smoothly with little problems because of the “hands on deck” attitude by their members.

What a pleasure competing against Dan Slater. The standard in the fleet has improved because at stages we kept Dan pretty honest up the beats, but man once the down hill legs arrived woo where did he go. I know Dan enjoyed the better competition, and the numbers of Finns on the start line looked impressive. Thanks Dan for sharing your Finn knowledge at the AGM, or when asked by fellow sailors. Maybe you can put together a basic Finn tuning guide for the class.

Thanks to Chris Wells, Maurice Ducan and Tom Brien for making the trip north. We enjoyed your company and it's great to see the Sth Island represented at the finn nationals.Hope the return trip went well.

Congratulations to Raymond Hall for winning the Craig Monk trophy for the best over all 2009<>10 Finn regatta results. What a beautiful cup.It holds a full 40 of Mount Gay rum and a litre of coke. Just what we needed to relax after the Nationals.

It was pleasing to see the number of Waiuku Finns support both regattas. We have the numbers and don't mind hitting the road. Thats healthy for the class.

Both regatta results are on the NZ Finn web site and I’ve heard there are plenty of photos around as well. Secretary John Duff has the disk.

There are so many stories to tell and rumours to report. That’s a sign the camaraderie amongst the fleet was first class on and off the water. We sailed at Waiuku on Sunday where Raymond Hall and the sneaky slippery sly smiling Dirch Andersen , Jimmy Goodare and I relived both regattas over 2 bottles of rum. I don’t know about those guys but a can’t remember getting home and today’s been a long one. I'm sure more stories will get told as we come together to complete the season.

We still have the Easter weekend regatta and our match racing series to sail so don’t put the cover on the boat just yet. It was suggested that we do a two tider on the Easter sailing dates. For those not sure what the two tider is, you sail on one tide and still debriefing when the next one arrives. Its been done before. Stay in the club was suggested.

The Jolly boats sound keen to join our winter sailing days. Stoney has organised the programme over the years so Im sure he will do so again and we will get it out to you all.

The Manukau Yacht club are running the Manukau shield regatta next month. We need to front up to this so the shield stays on the WYC wall.

Once again thanks for supporting your class at the regattas. No one said it would be easy, but the enjoyment of sailing in good fleet numbers out weighs most excuses not to.

2 February 2010

Great to see a good fleet of Finns race over the 3 day weekend. We had some close racing on sat and sun, then heaps of fun in the up da creek race on Monday.

The highlights being the return of Rex Erikson in his very fast boat. This is Rex’s 50th year sailing Finns so it was great to see him out there being competitive as ever.

Ray Hall came down on Sunday and set a good course for the conditions we had, 10<>15 sth east, a tricky wind for our waters. Those that used their light Doyle’s had a speed advantage over the rest of the fleet. So Ray had his heavier sail and cleaned up big time. His downwind speed and bright sailing made him the standout sailor on Sunday. A real worry with our two big regattas coming up. Some of us need to get our A into G to give him a run for the money. Gerrit B was a lot more competitive with his mast alteration and Jim G, John D and the SSSS Dirch all showed better speed with their Doyles.

Monday saw the boys sail the annual up da creek race. A two hour event with 7 buoys hidden up all the smaller water ways we could find. SSSS Dirch made a jump on the fleet and took the gun, but was disqualified for not bring back a compulsory mangrove. Bloody greenie.

Peter H had more swims than a Manukau crab over the week end. Margaret was quite worried about him, but Pete always comes up smiling and makes sure he finishes.

Thanks Margaret for cleaning the club rooms after 3 days use and the hot dogs supplied after sailing. Margret is learning the rescue boat duties and is keen to help run thinks on the water. Good girl.

We have the annual vet Finn regatta at home on the 27th of Feb, a must for all the locals as this is the 25th year we have run this successful series, then a days rest and of to Maraetai for the nats. We have Finnsters coming up from the South island, so mark these dates down as need to dos and front up and support your class. A great opportunity to rub shoulders with the Finn team and enjoy the on the water sailing and debriefs.

Hopefully Dan Slater and other Finnsters may show if time allows. Im sure we can find a few boats for those that would like to sail but are boat less. Let me know and we can ask around.

Maraetai are sailing Tues nights so might see some of you there. 6pm

5 January 2010

Peter Hull, John Duff, Dirch Andersen and I fronted for the Clarkes Beach New Years regatta. Raymond Hall joined us on day two for a couple of the 6 race series.

The first day saw a start at 5pm up the creek warm up race that John D, Peter H and I entered. Why at this time I don’t know as they had an 11am 4.5m tide that morning. With such high tides the lows were extreme uncovering rocks we didn’t know existed. I had a handy lead in this race. The OOD placed the gybe mark in the narrowest point of the channel with the tide running at 7knots plus and 15 knots of breeze. It's been a long time since I’ve seen the bottom of my boat while out sailing. No excuses’ but the vang jammed and over I went. What a mission righting the boat in these conditions, but what was worse is a fishing boat came over for a look and guess who the bloody skipper was??? Yep the slimy slippery smiling sly dog Dirch laughing his head off. Smirking away he said I will see you tomorrow. How embarrassing. Once up there was no catching Duffy so Peter H and I had a good go at each other over the rest of the race until he hit a rock and ripped his rudder and gudeons clean of the boat. Bad news. That night we organised the repair to keep Pete on the water while having a few quiet ones.

Next day Dirch and Raymond turned up for a promising days sailing on the outside of the harbour. A piece of 150mm half round and some silicon had Pete’s boat back out racing so 5 Finns on the start line. Great sailing conditions as Ray and I had a ding dong battle. I had the lead up the last beat only to drop one cover which Ray turned into the winning break with John and Dirch fighting out 3rd and 4th place. Once again John was sailing fast with Rodger Halls Doyle sail.

2nd race was even closer with nzl23 winning and John taking 2nd place ahead of Ray. Peter H was improving every race and wasn’t that far behind the action. Ray had to go so the 3rd race came down to me and Dirch taking the honours.

On the way back to the beach the current was at its max as we planed home. Peter canned completely up side down right in the channel. I turned back to stay with him while Duffy and Dirch launched another rescue boat. What a mission. Well done Pete on righting your boat and getting home. John and Dirch rescued two more boats as well.

It was sad news to hear that a father saving his kids further up the harbour drowned that afternoon.

We relaxed around Peter and Margaret’s camper van and shared a tot of rum "supplied by Ray" after a big day on the water. I couldn’t belief how thirsty Peter was. After spending most of the day upside down in the harbour I didn't think he would have room for much more. It wasn’t long before Pete was talking braille and Margaret had to tuck him into bed for a well deserved rest.

Day 3 saw similar conditions and the last 2 races were well contested and great sailing. Nzl23 took 2 guns with Dirch and John sharing the other placings. Peter did well to front up as the rum was still having some effect.

Thanks to the trolley dollies Margaret, and John’s wife Glenys. It was great to catch up with David Duff and his family. David had a good look over our rigs, giving them all a pass. Im sure we will see David in a Finn again some time soon.

The regatta was well sponsored. The Village Bar & Grill, owned by Jimmy Summerville, supplied several meal vouchers which the Finn boys won. We should make a night of it and show our support and thanks to Jimmy as the V K & B also sponsor the WYC.

RESULTS. A Dawson 1st John Duff 2nd Dirch Andersen 3rd Peter Hull 4th Ray Hall 5th.

22 December 2009

Great to see 11 Finns on the water for Sundays champs day. We had a decent westerly gusting 20 plus at times which made for some exciting and close racing. Thanks Ray H for setting the course with true beats and a good wing mark.

Dave H joined the fleet and showed he is sailing very fast due to all the OK training he has under his belt. Ray H and I chased him hard in the first race and up the last beat we had a ding dong battle right to the line. Instead of covering Ray I tried to catch Dave. Dumb move as this let Ray in for the gun by seconds with Dave 2nd and nzl23 third.

The close fleet racing must be healthy for the class, and I assure you not many other clubs are experiencing the close on the water action and the enjoyable debriefs after wards as we are..

John D use a Doyle sail and looked fast and high. There’s a rumour one is on the way. Paul Kane has purchased Ray’s wing mast, Doyle sail combo. So the day must be getting closer when the beautiful wooden Finn hits the water.

The second race saw Dave H hold off Roger H and Ray H with Kevin S a good 4th beating nzl23 by 2 seconds. Another competitive race with Dave exhausted afterwards. Some of the boys are really pushing themselve's and the efforts are telling. Roger missed the 1st start with outhaul damage so a good recovery in the second race. The racing is close for the minor placings with Jimmy G, the ssss dog Dirch A, John D, Gerrit B, and Butch all pushing for a podium finish.

Peter Hull came straight from work to join the fleet and was amongst the action for long periods before his capsizing practise kicked in. Well done Pete, and your efforts around the on shore duties to help the day run smoothly are appreciated. Well done to the to new Opti sailors that completed their first race on Sunday. Future Finn sailors one day. Thanks Stoney for the Xmas BBQ and Jimmy for the 40oz, straight out of the deep freeze. Beautiful.

Have a great Xmas and see you all on the water in the New Year.

7 December 2009

Great to see 10 boats on the water for WYC champs day on Sunday. The N/W breeze of 12<>18 knots gave us one of the more true courses so far this year. Roger helped me set the course with a wing mark thrown in and a true start line so all boats had a chance of the line.

Dave Hoogenboom had a rest from all the OK dinghy sailing leading up to the 2010 worlds in Wellington and joined the boys in his Finn.

The first beat was intense and close with bugger all difference in speed and height amongst the boats. Just playing the shifts gave nzl23 a slight advantage around the top mark and held this lead around the triangle with Dave H close at bay. Up the 2nd beat I let Dave have the left hand side as the right looked good. Dumb move as he made the winning break and sailed away to take the gun with nzl23 2nd just beating the fast finishing Roger H. Jim Goodare lived up to his name and sailed most of the day in “GOOD AIR” and showed excellent speed and tactics both races. His new gear is fast and it’s great to see him leading at stages. No time to role a smoke while sailing Jimmy when your boat is doing the smoking for you. The rest of the fleet all had close racing with the results alternating through both races.

Ray Hall controlled the 2nd race once he passed first lap leader Jim G. Then the two Hall brothers went for it with Ray doing the smiling at the end taking the gun even though he had Rogers sail up. Rumour has it you aren’t getting it back ether Roger. A classic battle with Dave H 3RD and Jim G 4th with Mr consistent Kevin Stone 5th. Another close race right through the results.

Steve Sharp sailed commodore Geoff Letchers Finn and had a ball. Lookout boys.

DAVE H 1/3 ROGER H 3/2 ALAN D 2/6 JIM G 4/4 KEVIN S 5/5 GERRIT B 6/7 JOHN D 7/7 STEVE S 9/9 RAY H DNF/1 PETER H 8/ DNS.

16 November 2009

4 boats raced on sat in one of the more competitive races for a while. John Duff should have won, but crossed the fleet on starboard 50m from the top mark thinking he would get around on port. He got shut out with no room or rights and ending up hitting the buoy and watched the boys clear off on the short run to the finish line. 1st nzl23 2nd. Butch 3RD. the “slimy slippery sly dog” Dirch 4th/ Duffy.

On sun we had 3 races in 12<>20 knots. The 1st 2 counting towards the champs series.

Roger H dominated the racing with good all-round speed and smart sailing.

NZL23 felt ok up wind, but was like a bucking bronco down wind. I had to remove the mast step for repairs on sat and maybe got the set up wrong on assembly. The boat felt strange and hard to control trying to roll out to windward every time there was pressure.

The S,S,S, dog was at his best on the long down wind legs smiling and laughing as he went passed me.

Duffy and Gerrit had a good old battle all day both showing good speed. A good days sailing and lots of fast planning.

Race 1 RODGER H, ALAN D, DIRCH A, JOHN D, GERRIT A.
Race 2 RDGER H, DIRCH A, ALAN D, GERRIT B, JOHN D.
Race 3. ALAN D, RODGER H, GERRIT B, JOHN D, DIRCH A.

After sailing there was some more mast measuring. I’m picking that the SSS Dog Dirch is looking at a new sail for his C Tech.

9 November 2009

First thanks to Laingy our starter and Stoney for being OOD.

We had some interesting tuning and racing this weekend. On Sat we set the boats up with the same plate and mast positions, then set our leach tensions before sailing to see where we are at with all the new gear and mast sail combos. Roger Hall set the pace taking five guns over the 2 days and seemed to have a slight speed advantage all weekend. The rest of us shared the minor places, but the racing was close and competitive.

The big improvers were Kevin Stone and Jim Goodare. Stoney sailed well and Jim was fast off the wind.I hope your heads ok Jim. You need to practise your gybing. Remember head down.

I found that 34<>35 kg leach tension was too much for my rig and when I shifted my plate forward and mast slightly back the boat felt freer to sail in Sundays champ race. So many variables, but a big improvement right through the fleet.

The conditions were very tricky and testing, but the same for everyone. Up the middle didn’t really pay off, so hitting the ends was the way to go, but which side. Hero to zero up the beats, but some good passing lanes down wind. It has been an indifferent sailing season so far this year with unpredictable winds at all the venues we have sailed at so far.

Only 6 Finns at champs’ day was a bit disappointing considering we have 18 in the club. I know every one has a lot on their plate, but the Auckland champs are only a fortnight away at Pt Chev. Dan Slater may be there, so what an occasion to have a sail against one of the worlds best and test all the new gear that’s been purchased by the Finn fleet. I’m keen, and looking forward to the great venue at Pt Chev. It would be a great advert for the class if we get good numbers at the regattas. Up to us as owners.

Thanks Stoney for the BBQ after racing on Sunday. Hard to beat a good steak washed down with a cold beer. Cheers.

We have more sailing at home this weekend with early start times. 8am Sat. 9am Sun champs race.

19 September 2009

Sunday saw us sale the first champs’ race for the new season. The wind was blowing 20<>25 gusting 30 from the west. The course was set Tri, W/L, Tri, W/L, beat to finish. The conditions suited the bigger guys and nzl23 felt great up wind, and lively on the reaches, especially with the C Tech loading up on the reaches and down wind then accelerating away. The conditions were close to survival mode, so all that battled away did well. Too many grannies to count.

Gerrit has found a new way to check his mast bends while at sea. You can your boat and stick the mast in the mud, then jump up and down on the centre plate. The more jumps to right your boat, the stiffer the mast. Thanks to the members for manning the rescue boat.

After the race Duffy and Stoney were so hyped up they had a match race, just the one Triangle. It was great seeing these two experienced sea dogs having a go at each other. At the debrief they decided it was a draw.

Jim Goodare has his new C Tech mast. He was so keen to pick it up the mast from Alex he got pulled over by the law and end up with a $150.00 fine. Jim didn’t give time for Alex to finish the mast of to spec as it measured 90mm too long, so Jim had to make another trip back to rectify the problem. How about a new mast cover thrown in Alex.

Stoney has his new 40 foot boat at Pine Harbour. He took Fiona out for tea and they stayed the night on the boat. Apparently the make of boat Stoney purchased aren’t the best at rest as it was stopped by security doing the rock in roll frequently during the night.” Lucky bugger”.

We have the north Island Champs this weekend at Thames. A few off the boys are heading down Friday to beat the traffic, long weekend. See you there.

Alan D 1. Justin H 2. Dirch A 3. Kevin S 4. John D 5. Ray H dnf. Peter H dnf. Gerrit B dnf.