Issue date
It was a family affair at the Zephyr national championships at the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club this week, with Greg Wright claiming his second title and daughter Polly picking up the women's trophy.
Greg Wright started the final day in third behind Kelcey Gager and five-time winner Tim Snedden but won two out of three races to edge in front and repeat the success he had in 2018. The Worser Bay Boating Club member sailed consistently throughout, winning five of the nine races and only once finishing outside the top 10 in the fleet on 52.
Snedden was runner-up and Gager had to settle for third.
Polly Wright, was first female and third junior (under 40) overall. She enjoyed one top-10 result during the four-day regatta, a ninth in the final race.
A host of age-group titles were also handed out, as well as ones to Richard Inneson (handicap winner) and Hansie Eichholz (most improved trophy).
Left to right: Kelcey Gager (Master’s 40-49, Third Overall); Richard Inneson (Handicap winner); Polly Wright (Women’s Trophy, Third Under 40) and her father Greg “Bubble” Wright (National Champion, Des Townson Trophy winner, Masters 50-59); Tim Snedden (Masters 65-69, Second overall); Craig Moss (Heavy Weight Trophy, Third Masters 50-58); Don Le Page (Masters 70+); Daniel Smith (Under 40 Winner); Hansie Eichholz (Most Improved Trophy)
Absent: Tim Holgate (Fresh Breeze Trophy); Grant Beck (Masters 60-64).
Conditions on the first day challenged many of the sailors, with 17-20 knot winds and sizable chop, and there were a few capsizes and gear breakages.
The third day was cancelled as a storm passed through the country and several competitors took the opportunity to explore Marlborough on a wine tour before a meal at the not-quite-finished clubrooms at the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club.
The weather cleared sufficiently for three races on the final day in a dying breeze.
The Zephyr continues to be a popular class in this country and the regatta ran smoothly thanks to the number of volunteers who helped out.
Results and standings from the Zephyr national championships at the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club:
1st: Greg Wright (Worser Bay Boating Club - Master 50-59) 1 (13) 2 1 9 1 1 6 1 - 22 points
2nd: Tim Snedden (RNZYS - Master 65-69) 5 2 1 4 1 (14) 2 8 3 - 26 pts
3rd: Kelcey Gager (Manly Sailing Club - Master 40-49) 3 1 3 3 3 2 4 10 (11) - 29 pts
