White Island News

 

The start – Expedition Coppelia far right. Source Lesley Haslar

 

Final results of the race in the weekend for the two handed division:

1st – Line and PHRF - Surreal – Tim Holgate, Cameron Thorpe

2nd  - Line and PHRF – Expedition Coppelia – Rob Croft , Sally Garrett

3rd - PHRF – Oracle - Bob Cooke, Glen Jeffery

Full results: Two Handed

 

Rob is currently busy writing a report, here is a quick summary…..

 

The White Island alternate course of Channel Island (starboard), Cuvier Island (port), Great Barrier Island (port), Poor Knights (port), Sail Rock (port) finishing back at Orakei was sailed this year to keep the fleet clear of the Rena situation. The course length was 230 nm.

The two handed division was won (on line and PHRF) by Tim Holgate and Cameron Thorpe on the Beneteau 47.7 Surreal. This new combination used this race to qualify for the RNZ. The PHRF handicaps were set correctly with only 7 minutes of corrected time separating second to fifth. Second was Robert Croft and Sally Garrett sailing the Farr 11.6 Expedition Coppelia, a combination that has sailed together since 2009. Third was Bob Cooke and Glen Jeffery on Oracle, another well established team.

A disturbed westerly flow with winds upto 40 knots in the outer gulf provided ideal weather for improving short handed sailing techniques. The long run out to Channel Island saw even the most seasoned competitors struggling in the shifty and blustery conditions. Close to Channel Island the wind speed rapidly increased with both Surreal and Expedition Coppelia taking down their spinnakers and sailing under poled out headsails.

After rounding Cuvier Island and heading north on to a tight reach, greater waterline length saw Surreal extend their lead over Expedition Coppelia, Promise (fully crewed) and Oracle. Robust conditions with gusts over 40 knots saw Rob and Sally sail under jib alone for a while, then a double reefed main. Danaide sailed well during the night to catch this bunch of boats by the Poor Knights.

more at ….http://www.sail-world.com/NZ/Round-New-Zealand-Two-handed-qualifier---(not)-White-Island-Race./91312