photos

The 45th annual Waitangi to Whangaroa yacht race.

The day dawned overcast but promising and competitors
gathered to enjoy a breakfast fit for a round the world race
crew at the clubrooms giving them a good start to the day.
In brilliant sunshine and a gentle 10kts of Southerly
breeze,25 yachts made their way to the start line.

The course ran close to the cruise liner 'Volendam', withd
favorable breeze seeing every boat out to the Ninepin and
from then on there were fickle winds all the way to the
Needles. Some of the cruising division chose to use portion
of their 2 hour motoring allowance at this point.
Through the Cavalli passage the winds eased and from Flat
Island to Arrow rock it was a close-hauled lay through.
Entering the harbour was tricky with wind on the nose . .
so it was tacking all the way up the harbour.

Line Honors went to 'Kia Kaha' followed by 'Bare Essentials'
and followed by 'California Kiwi'.
1st place on handicap was 'Bare Essentials' followed by
'Kantime' and 'Shingetsu' in 3rd place.
1st in Cruising Division was 'Laurabada' followed by
'Providence' and 'Grace' in 3rd place.
1st Trailer boat was 'Paperchase' followed by 'Coyote Blue'
and 'Exploding Teardrop' in 3rd place.
1st Multihull was 'Unphased' followed by 'Second Wind'.

The Grotty oar went to 'Overspray' a boat in the Racing
Division that spent some time fishing on the way and
consequently did not make the finish line on time!

This year, we honoured the next generation sailors, with
special prizes donated by Opua Port Supply. Thank you
Pauline and Alan.

We had yet another fantastic prize-giving at the Marlin> Hotel, with another high standard meal put out by Luke from
Luke's Cafe.

A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS -

BOI Marine Centre
Opua Port Supply
A Better Clean Ltd
Northland Spas and Rigging
Paihia Dive
Take Note
Paihia Hammer Hardware
35 South Restaurant and Bar
Luke's Cafe
Darryl's Dinner Cruise
In4more

And of course, a big thank you to the team who make it all
happen :)