The Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club Newsletter Spring Edition

THE PANMURE LAGOON SAILING CLUB INC Autumn NEWSLETTER 2016 “Sail fast, sail hard”

Commodore Chantal Grass Tel: 09-625-2644 Vice Commodore David Barker Tel: 021-522-591 Club Captain Ian Wallace Tel: 021-216-5417 Secretary Blair Park Tel: 09-528-7384

Working Bee ...... 17 Contents Valentine’s day...... 17 The Pre-start ...... 1 New Members ...... 17 Commodore’s Report ...... 2 PLSC and the Art world ...... 18 Club Captain’s Report ...... 4 Taihoa ...... 18 External Regattas ...... 7 Final Club Race Results...... 19 2016 Taipa Centreboard Regatta at Taipa Sailing Upcoming Laser Events and important dates ...... 20 Club ...... 7 Sailing Rules ...... 21 2016 Auckland Anniversary Regatta ...... 8 Chock-a-block ...... 22 2016 Laser Nationals Muritai Yacht Club Wellington Finishing Gun ...... 23

and Sail Auckland ...... 8

th th Waikato Thames Regatta 6 7 Feb ...... 9 The Pre-start 2016 Auckland Laser Champs Murrays Bay Sailing Well it seems the high tide of Summer has turned Club ...... 10 and the mornings are getting colder and days are th French Bay Regatta Manukau Shield Challenge 28 getting shorter. Which can only mean one of the Feb ...... 10 things I dread most is approaching- winter! th th OKI 24 hour Race Lake Pupuke 5 and 6 March . 11 Despite predictions of a dire El Niño weather King/Queen of the River Race - March 12th ...... 12 pattern we’ve had a scorching summer which has The 39th edition of the RSA Regatta ...... 13 made for excellent sailing. The last three months have been particularly busy for the club with Onerahi - Northland Laser Champs - 19th/20th March ...... 14 external numerous regattas, Laser and Opti training and of course our very own RSA regatta. 2016 Auckland Women’s Laser Champs ...... 14 Club Member’s stories ...... 15 Inside this autumn edition you’ll find all you need to know about these events, the winners, the not Hang twenty ...... 15 quite-winners and all the salacious gossip, Trans Tasman Trials ...... 15 rumours and hilarious stories which make PLSC Club News ...... 16 such a fun place to sail. Merlin Award Ceremony ...... 16 Christmas dinner ...... 17 Andrew Dare Commodore’s Report new Learn to Sail instructors so if you are The Closing Regatta has just passed, marking the interested in becoming one, the next Learn to Sail th th end of a very successful 2015/16 PLSC sailing Coach course is on the 16 and 17 July. Contact season with a fantastic turnout of members and Ian Wallace if you wish to attend. some great racing from both the Laser sailors and our youngest members in the Optimist fleet.

The stories from our members collated in this Andrew Coffin with his Opti students fantastic newsletter put together by our Regattas - We had some fantastic champion reporter/Publicist Andrew Dare results from our members at external regattas, captures the spirit of the Club and the passion of which you can read in this newsletter or in the NZ its members during this very busy season. Laser Interclub Ladder, which the Laser Here are some of the highlights and milestones of Association has just introduced as a ranking tool this 15/16 season: for NZ sailors. The ladder summarises the major national and interclub regattas NZ Laser sailors Merlin Caskie, our esteemed should attend. Check your personal ranking! Ian treasurer/racing officer received the Volvo Wallace, our Club Captain is 12th from 92 Masters Yachting Service Award recognising his great in the Standard fleet, Kevin Welsh is 14th from 52 services to the Club and is now going for a well in the Master Radials, and Loïc is 16th out of 62 in deserved European tour over the next couple of the Radial Open. Well done guys! If you have months. If you want to help on the bridge or raced in the RSA regatta, your name will be there patrol boat do let me know. The Club is as our annual RSA Regatta is now listed as one of organising Rescue boat training on 28th May and 15 NZ Laser regattas to compete in, which is there is as well a free race management seminar really a great feat. The number of RSA regatta on 2-3 July organised by Yachting NZ. competitors has grown significantly over the last Training - Two Laser and Optimist 8 years from 13 to 41 sailors this year with a 45 training sessions were held in Nov/Dec and sailor peak in our jubilee year. Feb/Apr by our amazing coaches Ian Wallace th The 39 edition of the (Lasers) and Andrew Coffin (Optimists) and their RSA Regatta was a great success, numerous helpers. The feedback received from thanks to the multitude of members helping out the students, parents was very deserving and to prepare for the big day. There was definitely fantastic. They have introduced a new group of sweat, determination, hard work, smiles and a lot novices to the sport of sailing and we hope to see of camaraderie. I was very proud of your efforts. many of these new faces enjoying the sport for years to come. We are always looking for some

I cannot thank enough our generous sponsors for More generous supporting our RSA Regatta and contributing to support its success. THANK YOU! We had the fantastic support of Burnsco Marine at Mt Wellington with the donation of 2 new sails for our Optimist fleet. These sails are coveted by the Optimist fleet and will allow many more children to enjoy many hours of sailing

Next year on the 5th March marks the 40th

Anniversary of our RSA Regatta, it will be a Ian manning the BBQ at the Mt Wellington Burnsco store special occasion so make sure you have it booked behind one of the Burnco Opti sails in your calendar! Mike Lynch, creator of the RSA Regatta trophy will be attending, the trophy will One of our members, Jonathan Holder generously be getting a refresh to mark the occasion as it did donated to the Club 2 new radial bottom get tarnished in the 2008 Club arson. This is an sections, a top section, and a boom to our aging appeal as well to all former members and current existing pool. The Club will definitely make good members to look through their old photo albums use of it, thanks so much Jonathan. to see if they can find some photos, articles of the The Mt Wellington Foundation assisted us in the RSAs between 1977 and 2007. purchase of a brand new laser, which is just This year was as well the Inaugural King/Queen getting set up. This generous grant definitely of the River race, a great prologue to the RSA helps us with our replacement strategy of some Regatta with 19 boats participating. The regatta of the aging laser fleet. Thanks Mt Wellington was born out of an idea from Paul Page early last Foundation to allow us to upgrade a valuable year, and got the support of Resort Marine and asset for the community to enjoy. Jock Bilger, who donated a fantastic Trophy This will be definitely an annual event to attend. Next one is 4th March 2017, another one to book in your calendars! Finally I just want to thank you all, members, Another date to keep in mind is the 18th March committee members, officers, sponsors for your 2017, it will be the Basin Carnival day, our help this year. It is with great pleasure when I esteemed Vice Commodore, Blair Park is already represent the Club to be able to talk with pride at busy planning for it. 3 how much our members and therefore the Club Club Captain’s Report has achieved.

It amazes me each time to hear the response Yet another successful sailing season on the from our members when something happens at Lagoon has shot by like some scalded jack rabbit, the Club. A truck backs into and destroys one of leaving one wondering how the bleeder could our shed doors and here comes Ian and Paul Page possibly zap by without warning. instantly to the rescue and repair it straight away. Wow this is the quickest response time I know of. The highlight of the season must surely go to the Thanks guys! fantastic success of the RSA Regatta which saw 41 boats contesting for the coveted RSA Trophy.

Thanks must also go all those who gave a hand in I do have to recognise some key exceptional the tower, on the water & other tasks which members who have put in so much time and made things run like clockwork. These events are effort for ensuring our Club is functional for our all about the “Team”. members, our Club Captain Ian Wallace for sorting out over the many years racing Training - The Training events have come & programmes, ensuring boats and buildings are in gone with James, Mark, Paul, Ryan, Mike, joining good order, assisting with coaching etc, etc, etc, in Sunday racing which is very pleasing. Can I ask Andrew Coffin for doing a tremendous job in his the old dogs to 1st year as secretary and Opti coach, Jeff Coffin for always being there and helping out with coaching, opening and closing club rooms.., Andrew Dare for producing fantastic newsletters for our entertainment, Merlin of course. Thanks! As mentioned in my last report I am very keen in ensuring we protect our lagoon and the Tamaki river for future generations. On the 20th August there will be the Tamaki Waterway Clean-up, the meeting place will be at our Club and I heard be quietly helpful to them on the water. To those there will be some nice hot chocolate. It should of you who are new to sailing, watch out for be a fun event, it will be great if many of the Club those old rascals trying to hoodwink you & if you members could participate. have any problems or questions, those rascals are The 2016/17 season looks very promising with a more than willing to help, so just fire away. great new racing programme, external regattas Away Regattas - There has been a fantastic and upcoming social events. Do not forget to number of members sailing at other venues this attend the upcoming prize giving and AGM on year which is not only great for experience of 29th May. other venues & conditions but it does wonders to See you soon on the water skill levels as they will ramp up at a fair rate of knots. Members have travelled as far South as Chantal Grass Wellington to as far North as Taipa not to mention all the Regattas here in Auckland. A few weeks ago Chantal, Shaaron, Taylor, Deborah, & Annie went over to Point Chev to compete 4 successfully at the Auckland Women we have. Just a note here, if you break any gear Championships with Deborah coming away with a or see any gear that is on it’s last legs let me win in her Division. The Lagoon made up nearly know so that I can make sure all boats are in good half the fleet so well done girls, a fantastic effort condition for sailing the next weekend for it can when considering you had light shifty winds to be a real pain to take out a boat & find bits contend with. The OKI saw 4 teams take part broken or missing. I do totally rely on you to from the club with the Masters headed by Marco inform me of any problems with boats. & Arthur Ferguson coming in a very respectable Buildings- We will have to at some stage do a 5th & 2nd Masters team. The level of sailing at major refurbishment of the end lockers so that Regattas & on our home waters has made a huge we can house a few more boats. This involves leap forward so well done to you all & keep going. quite major works requiring possibly a working Remember if you need help just ask & we will get bee to kick start the program off. that boat going faster. Lockers need to be Boats & Equipment - I would like to thank stripped bare & you all for taking care of club equipment with just then re-racked, the usual maintenance & repair damage to be roller door needs fixed. Just as an aside here – if per chance top replacing with sections are difficult to put into bottom sections opening hinged eg severe ramming, let me know as the problem doors with door is easily sorted. frames increased in We have this year bought two Lasers, one second size. hand & thanks to the Mt Wellington Foundation’s With a spot of luck we should be able to house generous support we have been able to purchase another three Lasers. By the by there is now no one brand new steed which we have just stabled. more locker space for any more boats at all. Just She is waiting for a bottom section & sail. The Mt as a matter of interest we are presently storing 46 Wellington Foundation over the years has helped boats which is quite a lot of boats. the Club enormously in building up a fleet of high quality Laser which makes us highly indebted to While on lockers – their very kind support in what we are trying to when locking locker achieve. doors make sure bolts top & bottom We will now sell on Trade Me or strip & dump the are pushed home, hulls only, of two of the very old boats which live bars put into place, on their side in the end locker. We have a padlocks closed & replacement policy of upgrading the boats we alarm set, have so that we can maintain & improve the quality of the fleet which we can offer our if unsure get an old member to show you how to members. Thanks must go to Paul as he has secure the lockers & alarm them. The Club contributed sails as I have which gives a good probably could do with a repaint as Graffiti has stack of standard sails. I have retired some of the tarnished it’s glamour a tad. Thanks to Bones, older ones as the material is disintegrating. We Bernard, Paul, Graham, David i& Blair in helping will at some stage start replacing some top me with maintenance of buildings & equipment. sections but to date we have managed with what

Sailing Program - I have now set the next Just a quick word on sailing fast Seasons program plus the 2017 Winter program. Check the website. Some of these dates maybe altered for various reasons but generally what is programmed will continue. If you have any ideas as to how to improve the program please let us know. There could be a demand for more training for the more experienced sailors as well as the intermediate fleet. Let me know with numbers of people interested & we can slot something in for you. We really need a minimum of 4 sailors per session to make it worthwhile. We have now set the dates for the next Sail Training session for beginners starting on the 5th of November. There is no Adult Sail Training session in March 2017 at this stage as I will not be available during that a) The fitter you are the faster you will be. Cycling period but if there is anyone who might be walking at a fast clip plus plenty of sailing will interested in coaching in March touch base with improve speed & results. moi & we can sort some dates. b) When headed you generally have to tack. Sailing rules - a reminder that all rules are in Always take the shortest route to the next mark. place to make sure we sail on a fair & level c) Keep an eye on the water for wind. Always playing field so if you happen to infringe just do a head for the stronger breeze lines penalty turn. We are always happy to discuss rules or incidents after racing if anyone is unclear d) Make sure your sail settings are correct for & yes, there are enough people who are quite each leg of the course. Constantly adjust for wind clear on the rules who can help clarify or resolve speed & direction. sailing rules . e) Keep working the boat hard while holding the If there is enough interest we can schedule in a boat flat with body weight in the right position for rules evening with Pizzas & drink. Please let Blair the leg & wind speed. know whether you are interested. We would f) Tactics can win or lose a lot of positions so plan require at least 10 people to make this feasible. your strategy for each leg, each mark rounding & don’t forget the start. Sailing is like playing chess on the water with nature added into the equation plus an errant boat that will flick you into the briny in a blink of an eye if you give the bleeder a chance. Light & high winds require the greatest concentration to maximise speed, so have fun & give it hell. Thanks to you all for making last season such a fantastic success & not least, for all the help & time you have put into the Club. Remember this is your club so if you have any ideas as to the 6 running, programs, boats, basically any aspect of External Regattas the club let us know or better still come to the committee meetings as I am a firm believer that 2016 Taipa Centreboard Regatta at we need to keep on evolving to keep this the best Taipa Sailing Club & friendliest Sailing Club in Auckland. Four intrepid sailors braved the state Highway Lastly an enormous thank you must go to Merlin One holiday traffic, Lasers in tow, to compete in for not only taking care of the finances which he the picturesque waters of Doubtless Bay. ferociously protects against this blaggard’s Venturing northwards were Ian Wallace , Bernard spending sprees but week after week he has Sonck, Nigel Harford and notorious northland come down to the Lagoon to run the races for us. local Andrew ‘Bones’ Irving. From the photos it We are very grateful Merlin & thank you again looks like the far North turned on some great from us all. summer weather. Well done to Nigel Harford for From moi I thank you all for making Panmure his impressive 3rd placing overall… Lagoon Sailing Club the most friendly & successful sailing Club in Auckland. Sail like the wind & have fun. Your errant Club Captain Ian Wallace

N.F.N (normal for Northland). Ian, Nigel, Bones and Bernard

Nigel Harford with his bronze medal.

Northerly, mostly everyone going in for a swim in 2016 Auckland Anniversary Regatta the not so tropical water. A regular event in the PLSC calendar the Anniversary Weekend regatta was held at Tamaki Yacht Club on a breezy day on the Waitemata. It attracted 6 sailors from PLSC; Ian Wallace, Chantal Grass and Paul Page who competed in the Standards and Andrew Coffin, Loïc Eisenring and Shaaron McKee who competed in the Radial class

Loïc powering through the white caps The wind just kept increasing so that the first day of racing had to be cancelled due to 40 kn gusts and massive breakers. Luckily for us the wind eased down a touch (30 kn), for the second third day, getting in 4 x 1 hr races a day, in which

surfing skills were required on the downwinds as L to R - Loïc, Merlin, Paul, Shaaron, Chantal, Ian and Andrew. we had to surf 1.5m choppy waves. The final day of the nationals was by far the less windy with

(only) 20 knots gusting 25 knots. We managed to 2016 Laser Nationals Muritai Yacht get a total of 10 races in total, the toughest ones I Club Wellington and Sail Auckland have ever sailed. In the end I managed to end up in 13th out of 36 laser radials which I was quite Wellington never disappoints when it comes to happy with. wind and the 2016 edition sounded like it was no exception. The only two sailors from PLSC to take on the notorious location were Ian Wallace in the Standard section and Loïc Eisenring in the Radials who placed 20th and 13th in their respective fleets. Here’s Loïc’s account of the Nationals and the very different conditions of Sail Auckland. “Hi PLSC sailors, ‘With the end of another summer of sailing here in New Zealand, here is a little resume of the two main events I took part in this year. Wallace leaning into the Wellington wind First one was the NZ Laser Nationals in nice and The other major regatta I took part, Sail windy Wellington which took place end of Auckland, turned out to be the complete January. I have always heard of how much the opposite. wind can blow in Wellington harbour, and this First day started with the unfriendly sight of the event really proved it to be a fact. First day of postponement flag as the breeze was completely training was started in 25 knots well established non-existent .As everyone was ready to pack up, a

8 mighty 5 knots Northerly established itself, resulting in the AP being stored back in its bag and us struggling to complete the course to get the first two races to count. The second day turned out to be pretty much the same story, while the third was raced in a beautiful 15 knots sea breeze. To wrap the event, the fourth day ended up being cancelled due to the sea being as flat as if it had been made out of glass and not the tiniest bit of breeze wanting to fill for the whole day, and everyone going swimming or kayaking.

Andrew C, Chantal, Deb and Ian in the rural hinterland Here is Deborah’s account: Lake Ngaroto sailing club: WTYA regatta 6-7th Feb, first regatta ever. Since learning to sail with PLSC 12 months before, I have wanted to take a laser to places beyond our lagoon. What better way to do this, than to take a club boat to a regatta? The buzz of so many boats at the Lake Ngaroto races was exciting. And somehow just knowing where the start line was confusing (not for anyone else). Those two events allowed me to see all the many This was my first regatta. The start horn went, and everyone was departing 90 degrees things I still have to improve in both strong and perpendicular to what I expected(!). Oops. light breezes, comparing myself against nice However there was no catching up to be had. fleets in both of them. It turned out to be useful The experienced radials in my fleet accelerated at time on the water and great fun !! ’” what seemed to be twice the speed as us three at the back. And the hiking was continuous up wind. I had good races neck-and-neck with one of us informal b-fleeters on both days. But the hiking Waikato Thames Regatta 6th 7th Feb was continuous, two days in a row, did get Another ‘away fixture’ for PLSC that was attended wearing. The races were long, it was windy, I am by our regatta veterans Ian and Chantal as well as light and clearly not as strong as I could be! I only Andrew Coffin and Deborah Killen who was capsized twice, which was quite good going for sailing in her first external regatta. Sunshine, my standards at the time. breeze and a good turnout made for a successful regatta and Andrew Coffin performed very well to grab a 3rd placing.

However this did not put me off. I made the most Woke up Sunday morning, the sky was grey and of the wind shifts up wind to be tactical and leaden with light winds. I thought I hope the actually rather enjoyed myself. Lake Ngaroto weather improves. The forecast was not provided dinner and breakfast (at a fee and much promising. Andrew and I got into the car and appreciated). We camped by the lake, and it drove over to French Bay, through the passing didn't rain. Everyone was friendly. I got an showers. adventure with sailing somewhere new, and had a great time! Next time I will be ahead of more When we arrived at French Bay it was cloudy with boats, and will be getting myself up there. I have no showers. Looking much more promising. We caught the regatta bug! Thanks PLSC, and set up our boats, Paul, Chantal, Debbie and Ngaroto Sailing Club for a great weekend! Bernard turned up. We all pitched in and helped each other take the boats off the trailers and set up ready to brave the conditions. 2016 Auckland Laser Champs Murrays After briefing we all set off into the Manukau Bay Sailing Club Harbour for racing. The wind was light but steady Murrays Bay on the sunny North Shore was the from the South, South West sort of direction, venue for this year’s Auckland Laser Champs. which was quite different to the forecasted breeze direction and strength. Sailing out to the PLSC sent five of its very best to fly the flag for course the breeze slowly improved to no more the club at this highly competitive event which than 5 knots (If we were lucky). attracts a number of quality international sailors. Representing the Lagooners were Andrew Coffin, On the first start, the Jolly Boats got away, the Loïc Eisenring, Ian Wallace and Dario Motta. Well 3.7s got away, the Laser Standard Rigs got away, done to Loïc who finished a highly respectable 6th just. The breeze was starting to fade. The Laser Radials start was in progress. I suddenly found overall in the radial class. that I was barely holding the tide, let alone getting up to the start line. With about a minute to go the Laser Radial Race start was postponed, whew, I would never had made the start line in time. Then about 10 minutes later all racing was postponed as the wind had faded to almost nothing, with very large holes.

L to R Dario, Ian, Loïc and Andrew C. Ian demonstrating the margin between him and the winning boat.

French Bay Regatta Manukau Shield th Challenge 28 Feb In a busy month packed full of regattas, six PLSC About an hour later the wind had returned, the sailors managed to squeeze in a very successful big black clouds were still hovering over the hills trip out west to the mighty Manukau to compete behind French Bay, but we were bathed in in the French Bay Regatta. Here is Jeff Coffin with sunlight. Racing restarted. The breeze appeared his report of the day. to be oscillating from 4 to 6 knots still from the South, South West. Rather than go off on my 10 own, I thought it would be in my best interest to Team PLSC- Andrew C, Chantal, Deb, Paul, Jeff and Bernard follow one of the local sailors for the “local knowledge”. OKI 24 hour Race Lake Pupuke 5th and 3, 2, 1, GO!, An average start. Hmm I think I have th to improve my starts. Tack away out of the bad 6 March air. I pick up a bit more breeze and a lift, things By Andrew Coffin are getting better. Second round the first mark. Had a battle with two other boats to stay in 24 hours. one laser. Two people. Every year, a second round the bottom mark. Half way up the different experience. This time around, we had a beat the other two boats were nowhere to be sedate forecast struggling to approach 10 knots seen. They were off on the other side of the throughout the preceding week, refusing to course fighting each other. I was lucky. Couldn’t reconsider regardless of Loïc ’s and Ian’s pleas for seem to make much ground on the boat ahead. more. It appeared far more promising compared to 2015, where wind vowed to never drop below Race two, basically a carbon copy of race one, I 20 knots, and delivered. worked into clear second place from the bottom mark.

Race three, a very poor start. The wind was easing. I worked up into fourth at the top mark, second at the bottom mark, third at the top mark with two other boats far too close for comfort. Managed to catch a little more breeze than the boat ahead and squeeze past into second. Where I was I was slowly gaining on the boat ahead. The wind was fading, the tide had turned and we were barely going faster than the tide at times. I managed to get about five boat lengths ahead of Loïc and Andrew the lead boat about 30 metres from the bottom And then we were off! A row of sailors thundered mark, then my puff faded, he go a little puff and down a parched slope. Several didn’t bother to we were level at the mark, I had to give Buoy brake before the drop to the lake, risking the Room. So I ended up with a third second. spring towards their lasers. Those more sensible slowed first, feet sliding on the parched soil. My Just as we were coming in a few spits of rain contribution was a hearty shove to bid Loïc and managed to creep in over the hills. At prizegiving the laser adios for 2 hours. I found out that Paul was first, Andrew as second On the water, roll tacks remained profitable night and Bernard was third in the Laser Standards. So and day, occasionally providing hilarity when it was quite a successful regatta for PLSC. people remembered the roll and forgot the tack. With a leisurely pace more suited to stretching out under the stars, fellow victims occasionally engaged in conversation other than hollering “STARBOARD!” to keep sleep at bay. Daylight allowed the great hunt, stalking ripples promising puffs of wind for entertainment. Night yielded a gleaming indigo surface, fading into a mass unbroken, save by mats of weed. Picturesque as it appeared, periodically thrusting an arm deep into the lake to flick weed off the rudder rapidly loses appeal at 5.00 am.

Entertainment galore awaited sailors off circuit. This trophy was won by Jock Bilger and crew Why, instead of sailing laps, you could watch Murray Ross in Hyeres on south west cost of other people sailing laps! Besides the celebrity France. It was an important Pre Olympic Regatta race hour, this shockingly lost appeal within (61 entries) just a few months before the seconds of staggering ashore. Instead, finding the Canadian Montreal Olympics 1976. Second placed nearest hearty meal to tuck in to, and quiet Diesch (Germany) went on to win the gold medal corner to cram in a kip was top of the agenda. in the Olympics. The results confirmed Jock and Ankle biters then preferred to demonstrate their Murray’s ranking of No. 2 in the World as they cannonball prowess, while swapping tall tales were runner up in World Championships the year tended to be the domain of their elders. The before in 1975 when they sailed on Lake Erie, swans remained aloof from proceedings, herding Buffalo New York. The photo captured during the cygnets away from the lasers, which held an edge regatta was considered special and was made in speed for the most part. cover photo for the Flying Dutchman Bulletin So what do you do after finishing? After providing (produced four times a year) – caption on inside an exhibition of Sailorious crazious in its natural of cover reads – “Cover page: Jock Bilger winner environment (see below), we heard rumour the of Pre Olympic Week” . Murray Ross is well known wind was finally building. Chasing this tale, a as a successful yachtsman and boat designer, small contingent returned to Panmure Lagoon designing numerous boats worldwide. that afternoon to investigate in the latest instalment of club sprint races. 2017 promises an even bigger PLSC contingent, and Ian foretells far more breeze in store. Our current Commodore, Vice Commodore, Club Captain, Secretary, and Publicist number among our volunteered tributes. All we’re waiting for is you.

Crazy? Maybe just a little….

King/Queen of the River Race - March th 12 This year marked a new addition to the PLSC race calendars with the inaugural King/Queen of the River Race. The idea was put forward by Paul Page in order to offer a warm-up event for the RSA regatta and to give the out of towners another sailing event to lure them to Auckland. Jock Bilger generously donated a trophy which has an impressive history as Chantal writes;

The 39th edition of the RSA Regatta The premier event in the PLSC race calendar was held on Sunday the day after the river race. Meaning little rest for our sailors in what was to be a bumper sailing weekend. Chantal takes up the story with this article from Yachting NZ.

“The 39th RSA Regatta was held on the challenging waters of Panmure Lagoon….

They came from far and wide, Taipa to the North and Ohope to the South as well as Whangarei, Waikato and Auckland with one sailor coming from the UK making up a strong fleet of 41 Lasers split into 30 standards and 11 Radials.

The wind gods settled in with winds up to 8 knots from the East making for some highly tactical close racing. First start landed up as a general recall as boats charged over the line before the start gun but Garth Briden and Jock Bilger, our race officers gathered in the exuberant jockeys Our newest edition to the trophy cabinet. sending them gallivanting on their way with a The weather gods came to the party by putting successful restart. Four races were held in these on another warm summer’s day with a light moderate but tricky winds requiring a fair chunk breeze kicking in just before start time. With 19 of concentration to out manoeuvre the agile boats registered getting everyone through the fleet. neck to the start line was no mean feat and thanks must go to the on water support crew of Merlin, Ian and Paul Page. The light airs meant a simple ‘to the bridge and back’ race and Luke Deegan had the honour of having his name as the first to be inscribed on the trophy as King of the River. Our own Loïc Eisenring and Mark Macintosh from Port Ohope picked up 2nd and 3rd place respectively. A lucky prize draw was also held where a new replica sail (kindly donated by Paul Page) was up for grabs-which was won by the editor (whoop! whoop!). All in all it was a highly successful first edition of the King/Queen of the River Race which will only Winner Andrew Childs being presented with trophy grow further. Big thanks go to Paul Page for coming up with the idea, helping to make it The winner for the day was Andrew Childs from happen AND donating the new replica sail. And Taipa Sailing Club in the Standard rig, he had of course sincere thanks to Jock Bilger for travelled down four hours on the day to pick up donating such an excellent trophy. the coveted trophy which he missed out on last year. He was followed closely by Luke Deegan from SSANZ and David Giles from Weir Wood Sailing Club in the UK. The Radials was won by PLSC’s very own Kevin Welsh, Roger Winton from Onerahi Yacht Club was second and third as well

13 as 1st Junior Radial was Loïc Eisenring from PLSC, 2016 Auckland Women’s Laser Champs with the Radial Women’s fleet taken out by The 3rd edition of the Auckland Women Laser PLSC’s Shaaron McKee. Championships was held at Point Chevalier Sailing The day ended with a BBQ and lamb on the spit Club on 30th April with women sailors from all around Auckland participating in this fantastic followed by prize giving. event: Thanks must go to all our sponsors whom help to The Regatta was held on a bright sunny autumn make this an extraordinary successful Regatta. day in rather light airs which ranged up to eight We thank RSA for donating all the trophies as well knots, requiring a fair chunk of skills in keeping as Waipuna, CRC, PredictWind, Auckland those lasers gliding through the water as well as Seaplanes, Burnsco, Survitec Group, The Water finding those wisps of breeze to fill the sails. Shed, Red Carpet Tours, Auckland Marine, Joy Adams Sail Repair, NZ Sailing.Net, FlyaJet, In the A fleet, competition was fierce throughout Sugarcrafts, YMCA and New Zealand Maritime the day between the Master Women, Michelle Museum for generously supporting our club by Bain (NZ National Radial Champion -1987 & 1988) donating some amazing prizes for the sailors to and Georgina Wooldridge (PBC), who were take home. constantly chomping on the heels of Libby Porter (KYC). The last race was won by Michelle, who Thanks again to our sponsors for supporting our finally managed to catch up with Libby with that RSA Regatta. Thanks must also go to all the winning puff filling her sail. Libby Porter won the members who helped out on the day. day and the coveted Auckland Women Championship trophy for the 3rd time in a row. The trophy was generously donated by Jim Quinn. Onerahi - Northland Laser Champs - Shaaron Mckee came 3rd Master Woman and 19th/20th March Annie Mills first Apprentice Woman sailor. Shaaron describes the regatta short and sweet. It In the B fleet, Deborah Killen dominated the fleet was hard work but still good fun. and even managed to catch up with the A fleet in a race, a great feat as she completed a Learn to Sail course just a year ago. She was followed by Jemma Walden from Waiheke. Jemma won the inaugural J. Davern Trophy for 1st Youth, which was generously donated by Point Chevalier Sailing Club. Well done!

Shaaron, Ian and Chantal PLSC Women Team - Annie Mills, Taylor Farrell, Shaaron McKee, Chantal Grass and Deborah Killen

Kirsty McDonald did an amazing job organising the regatta with her team of helpers. The Point

Chevalier Sailing Club members made everyone feel welcome; we were greeted with a fantastic race pack designed by Julie Davies and some yummy homemade scones and cookies made by Ros Quinn. At the end of a hard day of racing a sumptuous feast was waiting for us all. The regatta sponsors provided the winners with some generous prizes and a fantastic line up of spot prizes so that everyone came back up with some goodies. Thanks needs to go to all the sponsors for supporting this event, Burnsco, Mad Millie, North Sails, Rialto Cinemas, ecostore, Auckland Paddle Boarding

It was a fantastic event enjoyed by all and everyone came back with smiles on their faces Bones shows how it’s done.. and even a tan! Thanks Kirsty and Point Chevalier for such a memorable day!

All the Master Women cannot wait for next year’s Trans Tasman Trials Master World Games in Torbay Shaaron McKee took on the notorious stretch of water which separates us from the unwashed masses of Australia. Here is her account of the voyage. Club Member’s stories The Tasman sea is a very big place. Didn't know how big until I sailed across as crew on Margarita last month. When you fly across the Tasman you Hang twenty are up in the air, fed and down on the ground Showing the sort of grace and composure that before the movie finishes. But sailing is a has made them feared on the waters of the different way to get across that big chunk of water that keeps the Aussie's on their side of the lagoon is Ian ‘Wobbly” Wallace and Andrew ditch. I flew over and spent a few days with my ‘Bones’ Irving as they carve up the waves up sister in Sydney. On Sunday afternoon on the north. .. 21st February crew assembled at Rushcutters bay on board Margarita where we stayed for 7 days. Winston (the storm in the Pacific was wreaking havoc on Fiji) was unsure where it was going. Bruce the skipper had all the weather gurus and they all had different paths for Winston. So we all got to hang out on board at Rushcutters bay marina. If you don't know Sydney, Rushcutters bay is a very posh marina with mega yachts and it’s beside a park that is like one big outside gym. On board were bikes and kayaks for use. We spent a week re visiting Sydney's sights, sail training in Sydney harbour and going out for coffee and food. It was a tough time. The weather was up to 41 degrees and we had a very relaxing time. A week later we sailed out of Sydney harbour on Somewhere in there is a surfboard, I think…. a nice breeze. After a storm was followed by

15 calm. We got lots of calm and a bit of wind also. I got my sea legs quickly. I read all Sydney Club News newspapers we had on board plus some novels, cooked meals, cleaned the galley, did my Merlin Award Ceremony watches and worked on my tan. As mentioned in our previous newsletter our Watches were spent playing with the jib and esteemed Race Officer and Treasurer main sail and looking out for obstacles which we extraordinaire Merlin Caskie received a Volvo may run into (there weren't any). Yachting Service Award last year. Here are some What we did see was 3 container ships, two pods photos from the big night. of dolphins, two flying fish, two shooting stars and one albatross. Also lots of great sunrises and sunsets. What was also seen was lots and lots of water. At approximately half way we went swimming, caught no fish and we played Rummy cub. By time we saw North Cape at sunrise we were all so excited and took lots of photos. We sailed down the coast to Opua, a beautiful coast. Got into Opua at 9pm but had to wait at the MAF and Customs dock for the night. We were cleared in the morning and Bruce and Dinah picked up a hire car. The crew, Nick Martin and myself all arrived back to Auckland after living on Margarita for two weeks. I enjoyed my crew life, this being my second trip. I find I'm still learning and have lots to learn. What I'm enjoying is being back on my boat (go hard go home). Well deserved recognition from YNZ.

Sunset Tasman Sea

The royal wave as Merlin and Bev enter the ceremony

Christmas dinner A well attended PLSC Christmas dinner was held at Franitalia in Panmure on the 21st of November. Some clearly had a very good time…..

Doing hard labour normally reserved for convicted criminals -Bernard, John and Jeff.

Valentine’s day There was romance in the air on Valentine’s day with Nigel offering a chocolate rose to his Valentine, Carla. Ahh Love!!

A better class of pirate drinks Chardonnay…. New Members

We would like to welcome the following new Working Bee families, members to our Club: In preparation for the big RSA Regatta weekend a Working Bee was held on the 27th of February. To  Alan Minson  Andrew Lehman ensure everything was in order for the big day.  Leah Singer Many thanks to all those who shovelled, swept,  Mark Heseltine hosed and scrubbed, John Castle, Bernard and  Taylor Farrel Martin Sonck, Jeff and Andrew Coffin, Chantal, Ian, Annie Mills, Leah Singer, Merlin Caskie and John Irving.

PLSC and the Art world Taihoa It is great to see Amanda Brett is still inspired by Back in December, you would have admired our Club and our sailors. She enjoyed a nice quiet during one of the races, Taihoa, a lovely old day last November painting our Club rooms. classic boat built by Marty Kebble. That day was There is still one of her PLSC paintings “Clip Board his launch in a sloop configuration. He mentioned Queen” for sale for $1,100, it can be viewed in there were issues with the gaff spar not being the hallway at the Waipuna. tight enough and also another small issue that stopped his flying the gaff topsail again. We hope to see Taihoa back sailing on our basin real soon.

Taihoa when it was first launched in 2001.

Final Club Race Results Sprint Races A Fleet Intermediate Fleet For full and up to date details of race results 1st Andrew Coffin 1st Deborah Killen please go to our club results page 2nd Jeff Coffin 2nd Leah Singer http://www.plsc.org.nz/. 3rd Nigel Harford 3rd Annie Mills Summer Series 2015

A Fleet Intermediate Fleet

1st Ian Wallace 1st Annie Mills Closing Regatta 2016 2nd Jeff Coffin 2nd Deborah Killen 3rd Paul Page 3rd Leah Singer Mark Foy series 2015/16 1st Bernard Sonck 2nd Chris Knight 3rd Blair Park King of the River Race A Fleet Intermediate-Fleet 1st Luke Deegan SSANZ 1st Sam Scott 2nd Loïc Eisenring PLSC 3rd Mark McIntosh Port Ohope Yacht Club

RSA Regatta Loïc Eisenring 1st sailor receiving trophy from our very own st 1 Andrew Child Taipa Sailing Club Vice Commodore, Blair Park. nd 2 Luke Deegan SSANZ A Fleet Intermediate Fleet rd 3 David Giles Weir Wood Sailing Club 1st Loïc Eisenring 1st James Gasson Easter Bunny Race 2nd Ian Wallace 1st Mark Heseltine A Fleet Inermediate Fleet 2nd Andrew Coffin 2nd Mike Courtenay st st 1 Loïc Eisenring 1 Leah Singer Optimist nd 2 Andrew Coffin 1st Willow Irving rd 3 Ian Wallace 2nd Joshua Irving 3rd Ethan Holder

Upcoming Laser Events and important dates

Date Event Venue

2016

21-22 May North Shore Freshwater Pupuke Boating Champs Club

29 May Prize Giving and AGM PLSC

4-5 June Port Ohope Queens Port Ohope Birthday Regatta Yacht Club

19 June Weymouth Winter Weymouth Madness Regatta Yacht Club

20 August Tamaki Waterway PLSC Clean-up 10 Lake Ngaroto Brass Lake Ngaroto September Monkey Regatta Yacht Club

2017 1st sailor equal in the intermediate fleet James Gasson and Mark Heseltine 19 -22 NZ Laser Nationals Taupo Sailing January Club

30 January Auckland Anniversary TBC Regatta 3-12th Feb Whanganui NZ Masters Whanganui Games Sailing Club

4 March King/Queen of the PLSC River Race 5 March RSA Laser Regatta – PLSC 40th edition 11-12 March OKI 24 hour regatta Lake Pupuke

18 March Panmure Carnival Day PLSC

23, 24, 26.27, World Masters Games Torbay Sailing

28 April Club

Willow Irving receiving her trophy for 1st Optimist sailor 3-4 June Port Ohope Queen’s Port Ohope Birthday Regatta from her coach, Andrew Coffin.

Sailing Rules ON THE SAME TACK, OVERLAPPED Extract from http://www.foxsportspulse.com When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a RRS 2013 -2016 leeward boat.

Some of the Right of Way rules Comment- On the same tack, and overlapped!!! The windward boat must keep clear, even if the RIGHT OF WAY - A boat has right of way when leeward boat "luffs" or moves towards it. another boat is required to keep clear of her. However, some rules in Sections B, C and D limit the actions of a right-of-way boat.

OPPOSITE TACKS - When boats are on opposite tacks, a port-tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard-tack boat.

Comment - Starboard-Tack boat has Right of Way. Port-tack boat must keep clear.

ON THE SAME TACK, NOT OVERLAPPED

When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, a boat clear astern shall keep clear of a boat clear ahead.

Comment- An overtaking boat must keep clear of the boat it is overtaking.

Video

Chock-a-block "Here my lads is another messmate..." - What, another!" roared a ruddy-faced midshipman of Meaning: Crammed so tightly together as to about eighteen. "He must stow himself away, prevent movement. for we are chock-a-block here."

Origin: This term is old and has a nautical We might expect to find a reference to it in origin. relation to ship's equipment before any figurative use, but the earliest I've found is in Chock: The derivation of chock isn't entirely Richard H. Dana Jr's Two years before the mast, clear but the word is thought to have come from 1840: "Hauling the reef-tackles chock-a-block." chock-full (or choke-full), meaning 'full to choking'. This dates back to the 15th century Chock-a-block also spawned an abbreviated and is cited in Morte Arthur, circa 1400: version in the 20th century - chocka (or chocker). This is WWII UK military slang meaning "Charottez chokkefulle charegyde with golde." 'fed-up or disgruntled' - as defined in Hunt and Pringles' Service Slang, 1943: "Chocker, this is This meaning was later used to give a name to the sailor's way of saying he is fed up or the wedges of wood which are used to secure browned Off” moving objects - chocks. These chocks were used on ships and are referred to in William Falconer's, An universal dictionary of the marine, 1769:

"Chock, a sort of wedge used to confine a cask or other weighty body..when the ship is in motion."

This is where seafaring enters into the story. A block and tackle is a pulley system used on sailing ships to hoist the sails. It might be expected that 'chock-a-block' is the result of wedging a block fixed with a chock. Block:

That doesn't appear to be the case. The phrase describes what occurs the system is raised to its fullest extent - when there is no more rope free and the blocks jam tightly together. Frederick Chamier's novel The Life of a Sailor, 1832 includes this figurative use of the term:

Finishing Gun “Heaven protects children, sailors and drunks…” th Well that’s about it for another edition of the 19 Century proverb PLSC newsletter. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it almost as much as you have enjoyed your summer sailing. Don’t forget we sail through the winter as long as tides and daylight hours permit. Thanks to all those club members and partners who donate their time and energy into making this club such an enjoyable place to sail, be it a big regatta or a normal race day.

I would like to also thank our generous sponsors The Mt Wellington Foundation Ltd, Half Moon Bay Marina and Burnsco Marine in Mt Wellington for their support of our club. See you on the water…