NZ Race News (Archives)

It must be the warmer weather that inspires the guys to drag their boats out and come racing, as we had 21 boats on the beach at Orewa for club racing.  The sea conditions were dead flat at 8.30am, with a slight swell which built through the day once the wind started to pick up.  By the time we packed up at 3pm, there was a half metre chop and a strong off shore wind to make things interesting.

There were lots of new faces and boats with some ex Surfcat boats and a new boat to the sport- 0800Locksmiths. Unfortunately engine trouble kept them out of the racing but they will be back at Whangamata ready to try the real surf.  With 19 boats running we had 3 heats with 6-7 boats per heat.  Everyone ran 4 races through the day with a final for the top 10 boats.  A couple of flips provided entertainment for the day with no injuries or broken gear.

When the tide goes out at Orewa Beach, it goes a looooong way out, and means the co-pilots have a long run up the beach to the finish line.  A few places were won and lost on the run, but in the end we took pity and shifted the finish line closer to the waters edge.

The day's Final was run for the top 10 boats, and as they lined up on the start grid the weather took a turn for the worst with thunder, lightning and torrential rain.  Congratulations to Dave & Wayne Blackford in 'Heritage Tiles' taking out the number 1 spot for the day.

A big thank you to my officials and marshals for the day, Bruce Williamson as D-Buoy Marshal, Mike Astrop as our starter and Judy Astrop with the score keeping.  Also thanks to those that set the beach up and a special thanks to those that helped pack everything away at the end of the day in the heavy rain.

Our next raceday is at Whangamata on the 25th October which always guarantees plenty of big surf action.

 Rod Klaassen
Race Director

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