Dinghy sailing on Motueka Inlet got off to a good start last Saturday, with ideal winds and tide for two races.
A good variety of boats – Laser, Phase 2, Sunburst, and a John Wellsford design – raced from the Saltwater Baths up to Motueka Quay and back, following a zigzag course around buoys laid for the occasion.
The Phase 2, skippered by Ross Loveridge, had the edge for speed, but Lloyd Knowles was close behind in his Laser – no doubt Lloyd’s local knowledge of tidal currents and wind patterns came in handy. The three Sunbursts had some interesting racing, with experience in spinnaker handling paying off for Spirit Wind, skippered by Jill Loveridge and crewed by Isobel Mosley.
Race Officer Paul Mosley, from the Motueka Yacht & Cruising Club, said that he was particularly pleased that several non-members took part, and hoped that others would come along to future events.
The next race day will be on 25 October, with a briefing at 11:15 at the Saltwater Baths – for more details phone 528-9599.