March
29th, 2003
- Muriwai Beach, Auckland
NZ Inflatable Boat Champs - Final Round
After several weeks of sweaty palms, nightmares,
practice, training and psychiatric treatment, the crews arrived to
take on the Mighty Muriwai and what did we get? - west coast
deception. We were expecting 3-5 metre and got 1-2 metre
clean water, overcast with light on shore winds which turned into a
glorious day.
High expectations from both crews and officials
saw the day start like a well oiled machine (lights action cameras)
and we were into the final round of the Thundercat National
Championships. There was action a plenty with some of the top
boats not having things all their own way & making the points at
the top closer than ever. Every point would be crucial right
down to the last heat of the day.
Just 50 points separated the
top three boats 1st ETA Ripples, 2nd Armour
Linings, 3rd Waikato Sandblasting2.
Lower down the
field in 4th were
Steve Parr and Ashley in Advanced Timber Joinery who had a good day
with two firsts and a second place. 5th on the day
Matamata Motors with a new sponsor Caltex was hard pressed by
Fletcher Reinforcing, Waikato Sandblasting 99 and Signtech - all hot
on his heels looking for a gap and trying to force a mistake.
Only one flip on the day, Signtech in front of an
appreciative crowd, showed a perfect barrel roll on 'E' Buoy scoring
10/10 for style and 10/10 for technical difficulty.
A great days racing thanks to all our helpers and
officials including tow vehicles, first aid, mechanics and any one
else I have forgotten. Check out the home
page for up and coming TV
times showing the next two programs on Sky Sport 1-2 Himatangi and
Muriwai.
Alan Astrop
Race Director
See Race
Results for official points & placings
