Kerikeri Cruising Club

Willis Sails Winter Race 4

   Click here to see race results.

Gale Warning for Brett….35 knots gusting 45….seas rough to very rough. That was the forecast for Sunday 6^th June for the Willis Sails Winter race four at the Kerikeri Cruising Club.  That forecast was sufficient for most of the B division boats to flag it away and not start.  As there were not enough yachts to make up a division the B division was scrubbed and only four brave souls started the A division. 

Not only was the wind very fresh it was also gusty and the guys on the main sheets were getting long arms as they eased sheets at every heavy gust to keep the boat on its feet.  Deep Throttle swept away in the lead and two sail reaching recorded over 22 knots between Motuterakihi Island and Flat Island during a heavy squall. It was during this period that Tongue Twister suffered some breakages in its canting keel gear and was forced to withdraw while lying second.  Shortly after this Wasted Away broke a runner and also withdrew. Now there were only two. 

Deep Throttle with Mike Quilter and Justin Ferris, two of our round the world sailors showed their experience to guide her across the line 26 minutes ahead of Physical Favours, these being the only two finishers.  Deep Throttle took out the handicap prize. Those points were hard earned for both boats. A report from one boat noted a gust of 52 knots which is becoming formidable.

An indication of the fresh conditions was the sight of a 21 foot Wharram catamaran out trying the seas only to be capsized out off Opito Bay and having to be rescued by the local coastguard.  The solo sailor was fortunate that the only passing fizz boat out for day happened to be passing and alerted the Coastguard.  The boat was towed into Opito Bay and beached.

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