Close Racing at 12’ Skiff New Zealand Champs

The 2015 12' skiff NZ Champs were held during the Mighty River Power regatta on Lake Taupo.

Thirteen skiffs faced the starter in light big rig conditions on Saturday and the Race Officer wisely ran five races in case Cyclone Pam  turned up to play on Sunday.

Racing was tight and it was soon evident that those who had sailed the most together this season were always near the front.  Simon Ganley and Ollie Scott-Mackie in Ugly Stick established a firm grip on the trophy with four wins and a third with the minor placings being shared around.

There were bursts of speed from some of the new  combinations - notably Thomas Olds/Tim Snedden in The Reverend Roakes boat, and Tim Coltman/Adam Middleton in the ex R class Subwoofer, having its first outing with an 8 metre mast. 

However good bursts are, consistency wins the day and at the end of Saturday the order was Ugly Stick, Pitching Wedge Tim Bartlett/Luke Stevenson, then One and In sailed by Ben de Fluiter and G Unit.

The fear of Pam was a factor in rig selection on Sunday morning and, every time a wee gust went through the park, another #2 rig was bolted in so that only two big rigs made it to the start line. One was a boat hastily renamed PAM in defiance of the weather gods and Russell Davis/David Hazard sailed her well to mow the fleet down on the first run and went on to take the race comfortably.

The other big rig equipped boat was last seen searching for fresh water crayfish (kura)  just after the windward mark - none found unfortunately but the water was lovely.

Race 7 was a longer affair with an extra loop as it was to be the last of the day.  #2 rigs dominated in the shifty and puffy conditions and a battle royal developed between ONE and IN  and IT’S NOT OK sailed by Jono Clough and Marcus Hansen with Jono steering his skiff to a narrow win and a very satisfied grin on his face for the rest of the day.

Final results were