Port Nicholson Regatta News

Wild and windy start to the 2013 Port Nicholson Regatta

Wellington laid on its traditional welcome to racing yachts on day one of the 2013 Port Nicholson Regatta. The regatta, which doubles as the IRC and PHRF national championship, got underway with a stiff southerly gusting into the early 30kts providing some entertaining and exhilarating sailing for competitors.

Race one and two were windward leeward courses laid at the top of Evans Bay. The final race of the day was a harbour course featuring a tight reach two thirds of the length of Wellington harbour, which proved to be a favourite amongst all the sailors.

Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club vice commodore Paul Davies summed up the day’s sailing as ‘there were more broaches out there today than at an antique roadshow’.

At the end of day one it is hard to go past the performance of Flying Boat who lead on all three handicap systems for their division A, and Illusions who lead on both handicap systems for division B. Also putting in an outstanding performance on day one was Georgia who was uncatchable all day in the strong winds.

After three races the provisional leaders in the various handicap systems in the two divisions are:

Div A IRC
1. Flying Boat 4pts
2. Gerogia 5pts
3. Wedgetail 12 pts

Div A PHRF
1. Flying Boat 4pts
2. Gerogia 5pts
3. Blue Magic 12 pts

Div A General Handicap
1. Flying Boat 5pts
2. Gerogia 5pts
3. Blue Magic 13 pts

Div B General Handicap
1. Illusions 5pts
2. Real Deal 7pts
3. Titus Canby 13 pts

Div B PHRF
1. Illusions 6pts
2. Real Deal 6pts
3. Titus Canby 7pts

It has been a busy day for sailors and race support alike. Racing gets underway tomorrow at 10.00AM with another three races scheduled.

Here is a sample of the photos from day one to give you a feel for the action.

Results here

Regatta Banter here

More day one photos here