Blown out

Anne Hinton reports from day one of the New Zealand Etchells championship

19 boats headed out from Gulf Harbour, Whangaparoa, on to the Hauraki Gulf to take part in the first two races of the ANZDL-sponsored New Zealand Etchells Championships.

The weather was sunny with passing showers and 17-25 knot winds. Under normal circumstances, this would not have been an issue for racing. However, the sailing instructions, written with a mind to the conditions expected at the World Championship venue, Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia, in August, prohibit racing if wind strength averages over 20 knots for a five minute period.

Winds appeared to be a little too strong for racing in the early morning, but the fleet headed out all the same. The southwesterly breeze moderated to below 20 knots and a starting sequence was initiated by race officer John Parrish. Just as the fleet was approaching the line to start a 30 degree wind shift came through and the start was postponed. Regrettably the wind shift heralded an increase in the wind strength and the fleet was sent back to the marina.

Three races are now planned for each of the next two days, with a final race on Monday, 12th April. Five races are required as a minimum for the New Zealand National Championship title to be awarded this year.