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

Commodore Chantal Grass Tel: 09-625-2644 Vice Commodore Blair Park Tel: 09-528-7384 Club Captain Ian Wallace Tel: 021-216-5417 Secretary Andrew Coffin Tel: 09-634-6789

Contents Contents ...... 1 PLSC Movie Night 19th August ...... 12 th Commodore’s Report ...... 2 Tamaki Estuary Clean up – 20 August ...... 13 st Club Captains Report ...... 4 2016 Mad Hatters Regatta – 21 August ...... 13

External events ...... 6 Father’s Day Race - 4th September ...... 14 th Port Ohope – Queen’s Birthday Regatta ...... 6 Rules Night at Panmure Yacht and Boating Club – 16 September ...... 14

Weymouth Winter Madness Regatta– 19th June ...... 6 Parking area re-development at PLSC ...... 15

Brass Monkey Regatta Lake Ngaroto – 10th September ...... 7 LiteClub ...... 15

Limestone Island Race Whangarei – 25th September ...... 8 Volvo Sailing...Have a go! – Point England School...... 16

Laser Women coaching at Tamaki – 29th October ...... 8 New Members, Committee Members and life membership ...... 16

Club Member’s stories ...... 9 Final Club Race Results ...... 18

Where in the world? ...... 9 PLSC Teams Racing begins! ...... 18

PLSC in the news ...... 10 Gossip column...... 20

Club News ...... 11 Upcoming Social Events ...... 21

Winter Olympics Panmure Style - 14th August ...... 11 Upcoming External Laser Events and important dates ...... 22

Finishing Gun ...... 22

The Pre-start Commodore’s Report

Like a house guest that has outstayed its welcome, winter has finally packed its bags and slunk out the door. Daylight savings is here and As the sun rose in all its splendour this morning it slowly the temperatures are inching upwards awoke 14 dedicated members from slumber for which can only mean that the balmy days of the Early Bird Series, all there to admire it at summer sailing are just around the corner. 6:30am. What a glorious day, sun, wind, great racing! You would have forgotten that only a few To prime you for the sunny Sundays ahead we weeks ago it was Winter. We are one of the few have prepared yet another edition of the PLSC clubs that does not hibernate over Winter and newsletter guaranteed to be at least 23% more wow was the Club bustling with activities during entertaining and 47% more informative with at these winter months, you can just read it in this least 12% more fibre than other sailing club fantastic newsletter from our amazing publicist newsletters*. In this edition we have must read extraordinaire, Andrew Dare. updates from our dynamic Club Commodore and our indomitable Club Captain as well as all the club news, events, controversies plus all the Not only did we have some great racing on the exciting stuff ahead for the summer sailing water these last few months but we achieved as season! well quite a lot on tidying up Club affairs, which is (*Individual results may vary). quite easy when you have a fantastic group of officers and committee members. Ian Wallace, Your editor our Club Captain, of course, who was awarded life membership at the AGM, trusty Merlin keeping us honest not only at the starts but with the Club Andrew Dare accounts, Andrew our dedicated secretary, Blair our Vice Commodore organising a successful rules night and the rest of the committee for their valuable input. We have two new fresh faces on the committee, Bernard Sonck, Vice Boat Captain and Sam Scott, Health and Safety Officer and they have taken to their new role like ducks to water. Bernard has been helping Ian fixing boats, he has cleaned up the rubbish in the boat lockers with the help of Ryan ensuring it is no longer a Hazard as everybody knows you do not want to cross paths with Sam on Health and Safety breaches. He has compiled a dashboard that allows us to visualize the health status of the club's health and safety. This dashboard is very popular and is checked by

2 most members weekly as it includes as well the seasoned Treasure hunter, victorious finding any top 10 capsize count of members for the season. little article on the RSA regatta or on the Club. I do still need your help as I need to unearth more I have not yet included in the club’s new Sailing treasures about the RSA so if you were a Club Instructions that reporting capsizing is a must; I member in the late 70s to 2002 and have any will wait for Sam to approach me. I finally memory, anecdotes, photos of a past RSA regatta, managed to get all electronic club records onto I would love to hear from you, this will help me Dropbox allowing the club to have a central immensely. document repository for its records. This You appreciate how important it is when you read compliments nicely Wunderlist (our task about the transformation of the area and our management tool) and Flickr (our photo basin over the last 40 years how we need to repository). So we are now truly on the Cloud. ensure the basin and its facilities are still there to We still value immensely corresponding by non electronic mail and we are very grateful to New enjoy for the next generations. So when the Zealand Post for providing us with postage Tamaki Estuary approached us to host the basin included envelopes. clean-up, we jumped at the occasion. It was such a successful event with so many volunteers coming to clean-up the basin that we enjoy, that

this is now to become an annual event. As you all know this year is a big milestone for our annual RSA Regatta as it will be 40 years young The carpark has now been preserved as well. The and it promises to be as vibrant as it was back on council has done a tremendous job improving the that 23rd April 1977 for its first edition. Our carpark, it is now such a delight to wheel your generous sponsors have all come to the party to ensure it will be a real success. So make sure you boat down to the water, it is so smooth with no book this date in your calendar: 5th March 2017, cracks. there will be some fantastic racing. So if you have not seen it as yet, it is time to dust off the wetsuits, join the racing, it promises to be a fantastic Summer Season.

See you on the water.

Chantal

The Maungakiekie Tamaki Local Board has generously provided some funding for the compilation of a historical brochure of the regatta throughout the years, this will be a great memento for you all. During these Winter months, I have been digging through the Archives at the Auckland Library, Manukau Library, Auckland Museum hunting for any clues pertaining to discovering a treasure of information on the RSA regatta. I felt like any

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way so as not to damage the boat. We will at Club Captains Report some point need to make another cage for the Delighted to say the Winter Series has seen some motor of the second Rib. fantastic fleet numbers the best being 19 boats and averaging around 15 all winter, which bodes Equipment care well for the Summer. Yes, there are plenty of Club I would like to thank you all for taking care of the boats still sitting in the sheds for our Summer Club boats as the only repairs have been Sailors. I have been really impressed by the maintenance jobs, only run of the mill wear and numbers of keen sailors dragging themselves out tear. of bed to race in the many Early Bird Series. Can I just remind you all and our newer members Congratulations to you hardy souls and while I am to follow the 5 GOLDEN RULES: about it can I congratulate you all on making this a very friendly family Club where members can, not only enjoy the thrill of tight racing but light hearted banter after a day on the water. Refurbishments Apart from the very successful Winter we have had the entertainment of months of earth works while the contractors rebuilt the car park which is 1. if there is a problem with a boat or its now completed to a very high standard complete equipment, could you please let me know with a concrete footpath along the shore line for before the next sailing day so that I can have the public to strut their stuff so remember “gulls” the boat back up and running. and “buoys” to keep boats clear of the concrete path in the name of Health and Safety. The refurbishment has enhanced our facilities, 2. stunning the eyeballs, delighting the spirit and NOT to remove ANY equipment from propelling us further along the line of a successful another boat Club. The other project which is in the pipe line is a complete rebuild of our wharf by Parks and Reserves which should have been completed this Winter but we still have no idea when they hope 3. NOT to swap ANY equipment between to make a start on that project. To complete the boats enhancement of our Club we need to repaint all our buildings which we will be doing this summer through Working Bees. 4. Use ONLY what is in the sail locker to get another boat up and running. The reason for this is that we would soon land up with new Thanks to the Auckland Maritime Foundation (Half Moon Bay Marina) we are now the proud boats having old equipment or none at all which then creates a problem. owners of another Rescue boat allowing us to take more juniors for our Training program by adhering to the Health and Safety regulations. I have had to rack up the Ribs in the sheds to get 5. DOUBLE CHECK after the day’s use that three into the same space so things are rather the boat you have used is complete and ready tight but all works well. Just ask Jeff, Andrew to use the following sailing day as it is really Coffin or moi how the system works as one boat frustrating to take a boat out & find is attached to the rafters by a pulley system and equipment missing. This simple system makes will require to be lifted and let down in a specific

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sure that the boats are ready for the next We have, as most of you know by now brought in person to enjoy. a new Teams Racing program which will be run in Check there are: conjunction with normal race days thanks to monsieur Bones. The idea of this is not only to  3 battens, foster the team racing spirit but also for each  1 vang attached to Team Captain to help team members tune their bottom section, skills so that you can increase your enjoyment of sailing. While on the subject, always remember if  1 outhaul, you want help in any aspect of sailing just ask and  1 Cunningham, we are more than happy to help.  1 mainsheet, This is your Club so if there is anything you think will enhance, grow the club or improve your  Foils. (Rudder, enjoyment please let us know as it is my firm And AFTER!! centreboard) belief that we need to keep on refining and Please make sure mast building on what we have to keep up with our sections are all in their fast moving times. This can be anything from section holders and not changes to the sailing program to changes to a lying free on the boat. series format, different race courses, more training scheduled, away events, lockers, building, mix of boats, entertainment outside Club days Sail Training starts on the 5th November with plus just general improvements in the running of both Junior and Senior Training programs fully the Club so please be free to fire away. We need subscribed with interest for another Training ideas to make sure we are a dynamic and friendly program to be organised in the Summer. family club. Regattas and racing Thanks again to you all for making PLSC a great little Sailing Club to enjoy. There are quite a number of away Regattas coming up before and after the Xmas break so if Sail like the Wind, Hard and Fast. you are interested in any event please make sure you put a boat request to the Committee in good time and whether you require a trailer. The Club Ian Wallace has one of it’s own thanks to Jock Bilger. There will probably be others going to these external events who can take boats so to help us organise transport let us know what you might require in the form of transport. Our annual RSA Regatta is on the 5th March so save that date firmly into your calendar as it is a must sail day when Chantal would love to see you all on the water so we can make this the most successful PLSC Regatta of all time. This will be an amazing day, something to remember. Chantal has been working on this Regatta for the last 6 months having acquired an amazing array of sponsors. This is the 40th edition of the RSA Regatta so if any of you have information or pictures from previous RSA Regattas especially in the earlier years drop a line to Chantal.

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reach had to cross two other channels with a External events dying breeze. Local knowledge saw Barry Cutfield sneak along the tidal lee of the middle bank to cut Port Ohope – Queen’s Birthday Regatta across the current well below the bottom mark, A special thanks to Luuk Van Basten Batenburg from rounding it and finishing to win the regatta just Pupuke Boating Club for compiling a story for the regatta – before the breeze gave up, so no-one else could Extract from Laser Association website. get around, let alone finish within the time limit. “The forecast glorious weather but light winds Funniest race result ever with one 1st and 24 eventuated, but if anything it made a holiday DNF's!” weekend in the EBOP more appealing. A good fleet of 25 Lasers, as well as 6 Jolly boats, The PLSC team did real well with Paul coming 5 Zephyrs and 10 Opti's were on the water. 2nd, Ian 3rd and Andrew 4th. Shaaron came 2nd Great to see 5 women Laser entries, all sailing full Women, it all ended with a pizza night at Ian, rig! Chantal and Debbie’s place for the weekend. Some great tall stories were told and not to be repeated until the next pizza night..

On Saturday the race committee did great to get 4 races in, and even if relatively short triangle or triangle + Windward-Leeward. Sailing in Ohiwa harbour gives plenty of tactical options playing with the tides and sandbanks. PLSC Team: Paul Page, Jeff and Andrew Coffin, Deborah Killen, Shaaron McKee, Chantal Grass and Ian Wallace

Regular visitors from Panmure, Ian Wallace, Paul Page and Andrew Coffin again gave top locals Barry Cutfield, Ken Tarboton and Mark MacIntosh Weymouth Winter Madness Regatta– 19th a run for their money. June This was up with the larks with an 08:30 am The club put on a wonderful buffet that evening, with some 60 people cosily filling the club house. canter off the line. Bones, Blair & Ian lined up with four locals in a gentle 11 knot trade wind. Sunday saw very light winds again in the morning, Temperatures were more arctic than tropical but but threatened to die out. The first race got as usual the Lagooners were battling between started for a scheduled triangle with some 2-5 themselves on the line with an incoming tide so knots of breeze from the east, against an outgoing tide of 1 to 3 knots from the west. right paid off to the first mark. 15 minutes later Interesting sitting with transom to the start line Ian followed by Bones crossed the finish line. running at 'full' speed just to hold position. After Wow that was short. Next race was extended a a very quick beat to the top mark the fleet went tad to 25 minutes with Ian winning the bottle of for a reach into a channel current to the wing rum for the days effort & Bones 2nd , Blair 3rd so mark, hugging the banks as much as anyone PLSC certainly took out the top order in fine style. dared. Leading around the wing mark was Luuk Batenburg, trying to keep cool with Paul Page on Yup only two races held but the Weymouth his transom. Not far behind the rest of the fleet sailors were welcoming with a BBQ after the days bunched up for some fun at the mark. The second

6 racing. Looks like this is going to be a regular fixture in the winter calendar & certainly an interesting place to have a spot of fun.

Brass Monkey Regatta Lake Ngaroto – 10th September Story from our special correspondent Annie Mills.

I was really looking forward to getting back to Lake Ngaroto for the annual Brass Monkey PLSC was represented by myself, Ian, John Castle, regatta. Andrew Coffin, and Paul Page. There were also My visit last year had been one of my first ever sailors from Ngaroto and Hamilton, with a total of regattas away from the Basin, and I’d come away 9 Lasers, 2 Laser radials, plus some Optis, really impressed with the beautiful environment Starlings, Jolly Boats and a Paper Tiger thrown in and the stunning weather. The lake is nestled in for good measure. rolling farmland. Its shoreline is being gradually replanted with natives, and there’s a view to Mt Pirongia in the distance. The clubrooms date back to 1967 and tick all my boxes for retro sailing chic. To my delight, this year the weather conditions were almost identical – 10-12 knot breezes and perfectly clear spring sunshine.

The conditions were light, but we made it through five races. One of the neatest things about this club is that you can slide your boat from the water directly up onto the grass and Funds raised from the regatta were being leave it there while you have lunch, unworried by donated to Sailability, an organisation that helps time or tide. My personal sailing goal was to try people with disabilities participate in dinghy and get in amongst the action at the start line. sailing. With our boats rigged and fees paid, we This went reasonably well except for one listened to the briefing then fortified ourselves spectacular capsize extravaganza in Race 2. with nips of rum, zinged up with ginger wine. Getting my mainsheet wrapped around another Feeling toasty we all set out for the start line at sailor’s waist while simultaneously tangling it the other end of the lake. What a great way to under the rudder was a first! Readers, don’t try start a regatta! this at home… Paul Page was victorious on the day, and I finished 10th. The Club brought back the Brass Monkey trophy for the second time in a row! All up, it was a strong showing from our club and a lovely day out. See you there next year!

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Limestone Island Race Whangarei – 25th Laser Women coaching at Tamaki – 29th September October For the geographically challenged, like myself, Limestone Island or Motukohe is just off Onerahi near Whangarei and is named after its limeworks used to make Portland cement in the later part of the 19th century. It is now a nature reserve and venue for the round the island race hosted by the Onerahi yacht club. Sam Scott, Deb Killen and Kayne Jacobsen accompanied Ian and Chantal up north. Here is Sam’s report.

From left to right: Michelle Bain (TYC), , Shaaron McKee, Chantal Grass, Kirsty MacDonald (PCSC), Annie Mills and Taylor Farrell. The NZ Laser Association organised a free coaching session for Laser women sailors on 29th October with none other than Sara Winther, the current New Zealand Laser Radial Woman Champion. Her experience as an Olympic Laser Radial sailor at the 2012 London Olympics and at many international regattas and world championships makes her a fantastic coach. It was a sunny Sunday in ‘Wongaray’ and after a There were 6 women taking part in this amazing short spell waiting for sufficient wind, we were on opportunity: Michelle Bain from Torbay, Kirsty the water. Kayne took an early lead and Ian, after MacDonald from Point Chevalier and 4 of us from a difficult start (allegedly caused by a youth sailor Panmure (Annie, Shaaron, Taylor and myself) blocking his way) was soon trailing close behind. Sara started with some rigging basics and we all Shallow water emerged as a factor early on, with soaked up her learnings. several contenders running aground during the first lap of the island. They knew their lines well There were some very useful and practical tips: enough but seemingly mistimed the tide - a 1. My favourite and the most useful in my case mistake that put them out of the running for the was to go shopping for some ice-cream, you remainder of the race. The wind built over the might not understand how this is related to course of the race and on the final lap we enjoyed sailing. But this is the tip, eat the ice-cream a decent breeze. Debbie put on a good show also, and then save the tub, then cut the tub into and both her and I managed a top ten finish (in a strips. Why is that? Well if your tiller is loose field of about 10 sailors). in the rudder head, you cannot sail properly The Onerahi club was very hospitable, putting on so you need to fill the rudder head with ice- a generous meal and sharing a drink with us. I cream tub strips until your tiller is stiff in the highly recommend the event. rudder head. I understand that for coffee lovers, Starbuck cards can be used as well! Sincere thanks go to Ian and Chantal for handling all logistics, transportation of boats and 2. If you are swearing that your mainsheet is accommodation; and for a fine cooked breakfast tangling up or getting twisted constantly. Well on the day. it is just asking for some tender loving care. A mainsheet needs to be constantly managed before, during and after racing. Sarah’s tip

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was after racing to tie it to a tree and to string from Tamaki and Mike Knowsley for hosting this it through your hands fantastic event and a big thanks especially to Sara 3. Another good one was to check the below of Winther for being a coach extraordinaire, all the your hiking strap to see if the grip strip has women are now all eager to put into practice all not worn out. your tips. 4. Taylor’s top tip from Sarah was to ensure your mainsheet is 13.5 meters long and that it is Club Member’s stories tied to your hiking strap. 5. Shaaron’s favourite one was in order to stop Where in the world? your vang from hanging outside the boat, tie One of our international jet setters who wisely the loose end of the vang line to the front of decided that Europe was a more attractive option the centreboard. If you have a handle you can than the Auckland winter was our very own add a rope and tie this to the front of the Treasurer and officer of the day extraordinaire centreboard. Merlin Caskie. See if you can guess where the We then went on the water. This is the 4th PLSC shirt is being unveiled in the following coaching session that has been held over the last photos. 4 years and this time true to form it blew again, First 10 correct entries go into a draw, then 5 just slightly stronger: 22 to 28 knots. winning entries go into another draw, then 3 It was hard work, there were many capsizes, entries get sent to the Auckland Council to be Taylor did a fantastic one that catapulted her incorporated into the unitary plan. In mid 2046 meters away from her boat, it was a beaut, it the two (surviving) winners will be announced would have won the best freestyle capsize trophy after the Lotto results. Good luck everyone! if there was one and I could not stop laughing and then karma, I capsized and that was it for me. That was another key lesson learnt on my part: Do not make fun of your competitor on the water or else! The 5 others stayed to the bitter end practicing in the strong winds. Shaaron did even a race with the Tamaki boys. Annie did amazingly well, it was not only her first time sailing off Tamaki but as well amongst waves and such strong winds. Smiles of satisfactions by all on return to shore followed by a very useful debrief by Sara. We learnt that with strong winds, hiking can do so much and that you really need to use your controls. Vang and Cunningham needs to be pulled to maximum, that when you are going up wind lifting a bit your centre board is a good thing and when gybing it should always be up so that your boat can slide rather than trip on a centre board fully down. Annie’s key learning was when rounding the top mark, how to use successfully your vang and body weight. It was a very successful day, a great thanks needs to go to Luuk Van Basten Batenburg for organising the coaching, Bob Blakey, Commodore Captain on the bridge, love the epaulettes!

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Here’s another photo which shows what a well- travelled lot we are. This time it’s Dario Motta somewhere in China. He is now back in New Zealand and working for Evolution sails.

I’ve spent most of my weekend on the computer building a new website for Live Sail Die (standby, changes are afoot). In between that and watching Olympic highlights, waiting eagerly for a glimpse of the sailing, my eyes turned square so it was time to down tools and take my trusty sidekick ‘Little Fellow’ for a walk.

Clearly having a rough day Dario is wearing the shirt We headed to a place known as the Panmure backwards. Basin which is a tidal estuary within a volcanic crater in Auckland’s volcanic field. You can now see Loïc Eisenring at the Royal There is a great walking track the entire way Club Nautico of St Cruz Tenerifem he is now round the basin and this afternoon it was chocka commonly known as the block (really busy). So many people out and about boy from New Zealand enjoying the outdoors away from devices – I and yes he is still sailing didn’t see one person playing Pokemon Go, so Lasers. How our Club hopefully that craze has come to an end. members or ex in this case gallivant around the I sat and watched for a while. It was so peaceful. world enjoying the About 20 odd Lasers were lined up in front of the amazing sites that it has club with the bell ringing to signal the class flag, P to offer is amazing. flag and finally the start. All I could hear was laughing and encouragement. There was no yelling and no wake from ferries or jet skis. It was perfect.

PLSC in the news I took a moment to take it all in. This is what it’s PLSC featured in the sailing website Live Sail Die all about. People on the water enjoying a sport back in August (check it out: that offers so much to so many. You don’t have to http://livesaildie.com/ ). Sue Ellen Hurling wrote a be in the limelight. You don’t need the Olympics, really nice piece about one of our winter series the America’s Cup or the Volvo Ocean Race. Sure races which neatly summarises why PLSC is such a those events are awesome and we love them, but great place to sail. watching this simple form of sailing this afternoon just put it all into prospective for me. ‘It’s all relative’ Sunday afternoons are all about chilling out, All of those sailors will be cheering for Sam taking a moment from reality, and grasping onto Meech in the medal race for the Laser at the what is left of the weekend before the Monday Olympics, watching his every move and trying to Blues set in. learn something new to take back to the Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club on the next race day. And

10 that’s the thing about the Laser. It’s a class for In the womens Laser Annie Mills took out the everyone. Olympians and weekend warriors. No gold for Japan, Shaaron McKee the silver other class at the can offer that. (Netherlands) and Taylor Farrell picking up bronze Just another reason why the Laser is the biggest for Australia. class in the world.

So if you’re looking for something a little more chilled, less stressful but in an international class that can take you places if you choose, then get yourself into a Laser and join a club like Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club.

It’s all relative.

Club News Intermediate Laser medals were shared between Paul Saunders (China) and Ryan MacVeigh Winter Olympics Panmure Style - 14th (Canada) with Martin Sonck picking up a gold for Belgium. August

In honour of the summer Olympic games held in Rio de Janeiro PLSC decided to have its own Olympics right here at the Panmure Basin. What we lacked in spectator numbers, billion dollar sponsorship and doping scandals we more than made up for in enthusiasm and better prizes. To create an international flavour sailors were assigned with a country of choice (we had some interesting nationality loyalties here). Many thanks to Chantal for organising another In the Laser Mens Andrew Coffin and Kayne fun event. Jacobson made it a gold and silver finish for New On a Olympic sailing related note, not only did Zealand with Marco Canegallo grabbing a bronze hot favourites and easily for Italy. dominate their fleet to claim gold in the Mens class, but NZ also picked up 2 silvers in the women’s 470 (Jo Aleah, ) and 49er class (, ). Best of all grabbed NZ’s first ever medal in the Laser class!

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PLSC Movie Night 19th August

Andrew and I arrived at Ryders about half an hour early, which was a big surprise having come from Auckland University in the city. While waiting we went for a walk around the museum part. They have an old petrol station with a sample of the old petrol bowsers. In the windows they have some of the tools and oil drums and other bits We all settled down and the movie came on, “The and pieces for the fuel stations of the 1950s and Finest Hours”. After the scene was set, everyone 1960s. It was all very interesting. was on the edge of their seats, waiting to see what was going to happen next, will the rescuers make it to the sinking ship in time, can they save everyone, will they make it back in the hurricane, how will they see the entrance to the harbour because of the power failure. Every twist and turn was followed with anxiety and anticipation.

Finally it was all over and a very nice wind down chat afterwards then people started drifting away heading home for the comfort of their bed and rest.

When some people who turned up and was their A big thank you goes to Chantal for getting the first experience at Ryder, Andrew and I took them wheels in motion for this extraordinary event. on a quick guided tour. Everyone was surprised at what items they had on show. Jeff Coffin Finally it was dinner time and we all noshed down on lovely roast potatoes and pumpkin, there was also plenty of roast beef and lamb. There was enough for some very hungry people to have seconds and thirds. Then just as we were going into the theatre to watch the movie, out came an Ice cream each. Just the right thing to munch on during a movie.

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Tamaki Estuary Clean up – 20th August 2016 Mad Hatters Regatta – 21st August A clean up of the lagoon was held in conjunction Early, winter and morning are three words I never with the Tamaki Estuary Protection Society on the like to see joined together in a sentence. 20th of August. Dedicated PSLC volunteers However the lagoon did put on a clear blue sky to included Merlin Caskie, Jeff Coffin, Bernard and greet the 15 sailors who were committed to some Martin Sonck, Ryan MacVeigh, Ian Wallace and early morning racing in suitably weird headgear. Chantal Grass. Local iwi were also present and a Unfortunately the wind gods didn’t get the memo decent feed was put on to replenish calories lost about an early start so the first race crept from by wading through the mud. Huge thanks to the starting line on a glassy, windless lagoon. those involved as the health of the lagoon is of Much to everyone’s surprise (except Ian) a light primary concern to everyone who sails here. breeze arrived almost on cue and made for an enjoyable days sailing. Andrew Coffin took out the day with an ‘Emergency Services’ finish (1,1,1) A substantial spread of food was also laid on for those who had skipped breakfast, many thanks to all those who contributed to a fun morning.

No rubbish escapes the eagle eye of Merlin Caskie

Alternative methods of propulsion used by Bernard and Martin Sonck

PLSC clean up team getting the hose down

Punk’s not dead with this radical hairdo from Paul Saunders

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Commitment Award Andrew Irving winning the day as first Dad across As a footnote to the Mad Hatters regatta we the line receiving a book on Shakelton's Fearless mention another act of madness or commitment Captain. to retrieving a piece of gear. Taylor Farrell lost her wind indicator near the start line in one race but rather than abandon it to the primordial ooze of the lagoon, she simply waited until the tide retreated. With cries of ‘don’t worry the ground is pretty firm there’ ringing in her ears she walked, waded then staggered into the mud. It was touch and go for a while but Taylor eventually retrieved her windex. Whether her sailing boots and wetsuit were ever the same again is another story…

Rules Night at Panmure Yacht and Boating Club – 16th September Starboard, port, windward, leeward overlapped Taylor homing in on the errant windex not over lapped. Sailing does seem to have rather a lot of rules. To help us digest at least some of

them YNZ runs a rules night which is free to clubs Father’s Day Race - 4th September affiliated to YNZ. Hugs and kisses all round Our Vice Commodore Blair Park organised this year’s event which was held at the well- appointed club rooms of the Panmure Yacht Club. Eight PLSC members (Jeff and Andrew Coffin, Ian, Bones, Andrew D, Deb Killen Paul Saunders and Blair) were in attendance in combination with several cantankerous old salts from PYBC.

Bernard with Martin and Charlie Nigel with Sam

Andrew and Jeff Some of the rules night attendees

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Hamish Hey is the regional support officer for the Northern Region and is an expert in the nuances of sailing rules and regulation. In an extensive three hour talk Hamish went over the latest changes to current rules and gave special LiteClub emphasis on mark rounding rules and etiquette. LiteClub is on a mission: working to transform The night was interesting and informative and community sports infrastructure, and the culture hopefully will lead to less on and off the water to match, to be electricity independent, water debate about who had buoy room and who was neutral and zero waste by 2025, their friendly luffing up who…. representatives visited our Club and met with our Club Captain, Ian Wallace to reduce the club’s running costs. They replaced 7 bulbs to energy efficient LED bulbs, forecasting a $2,128 saving over the lifetime of the bulbs (15,000 hours).

Hamish laying down the law

Parking area re-development at PLSC

You may have noticed that our carpark has been They also placed ‘Save money on power, spend transformed from a potholed and patched money on sport’ stickers on key light switches to hodgepodge to a smooth stretch of unblemished further reduce electricity use and encourage tarmac. In addition, a concrete walkway has been members to take ownership of reducing running made to divert pedestrians and cyclists away costs. from the boat rigging area. Please make sure you rig boats well clear of this walkway. This work has In gold below are the medals awarded to our club been carried out by the Auckland Council as part during their visit. Well done to all our members of an upgrade of the area which will also see the for ensuring we save on our running costs. replacement of the rails around the Clubhouse and a new jetty.

Our super smooth car park area..

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Volvo Sailing...Have a go! – Point England The 2nd day saw a lot more wind which challenged School the students as they tried their hand at a square course while some went zapping around on a Weta with Reuben. Boats capsized, flooded but these students had no fear of the water & it became a game. Wind picked up to 20 knots so we put them on reaching course with Ian in one boat & the class teacher in another picking up the pieces. They were amazing how they caught onto sailing, thoroughly enjoying themselves. These kids probably would never normally have had the opportunity to sail if was not for Volvo Have a Go. To Sum it up – it was a fantastic success.

Volvo Sailing…Have a go! programme is a Yachting NZ initiative offered to schools New Members, Committee Members and throughout the country, it is designed to give life membership students in Years 4 through 8 the opportunity to experience the thrills and spills of sailing in a safe New members & well managed environment and most We would like to welcome our newest members importantly, have fun! Instructors travel to yacht to the PLSC family. clubs, bringing with them a trailer full of boats and lifejackets and everything required to go  Kayne Jacobson sailing and school groups come down and have a  Murray and Joe Gauld go at sailing for the day.  Jock Kruseman On 20th and 21th October, some enthusiastic  Jordan Zagonel and Rubia Haiduk students from the local Point England School came to learn the sailing ropes from Reuben Corbett, the YNZ instructor. The first day was run Committee 2016/2017 th in 7 to 10 knots of wind which was ideal for Newly elected Committee at AGM on 29 May learning the ropes. First up was a spot of reaching Commodore Chantal Grass back and forth following Reuben in one rescue Vice Commodore Blair Park boat while Ian, our Club Captain played tail end Secretary Andrew Coffin with Charlie coaxing the stragglers along. After Club Captain Ian Wallace lunch they were taken on a tiki tour of the Lagoon Vice Boat Captain Bernard Sonck followed by a spot of windward sailing before Treasurer Merlin Caskie finishing at 2 pm. Health and Safety Officer Sam Scott Publicity Officer Andrew Dare Webmaster Chantal Grass Works Convener Ian Wallace YNZ Delegate Chantal Grass AYBA Delegates Chantal Grass and Shaaron McKee Panmure Advisory Chantal Grass, Ian Wallace Delegates and Shaaron Mckee Social Secretary Carla Benci Training Coaches Andrew Coffin, Chantal Grass and Ian Wallace Junior Rep Martin Sonck

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Committee Andrew Irving, Christopher Knight, David Barker, Jeff Coffin, Paul Page, Shaaron McKee,

Committee meeting dates 2016/17  20th November – 9:30am  11th December – 2:00pm  19th February – 11:30am  26th March – 4:00pm  9th April – 3:00pm  21st May –Prizegiving, AGM after sailing and BBQ

This has supported our membership growth as a club over the last decade, and has allowed us to Life Membership – Ian Wallace substantially expand our learn to sail programs. Ian was presented at the AGM in June with life membership for his role in making what Panmure Teaching learn to sail classes is Ian's passion. Lagoon Sailing Club is today, a very vibrant Laser Thanks to him, PLSC holds about 12-18 adult learn club. to sail teaching sessions each year, which Ian teaches in conjunction with other helpers from Our esteemed secretary, Andrew Coffin relates PLSC. He also runs further sailor training and Ian’s accomplishments. teaches people how to operate club safety boats.

Ian Wallace has been the Panmure Lagoon Sailing Ian encourages and provides transport for PLSC Club Captain and Training officer since 2007. members to travel to external regattas, boosting numbers at these events run by other clubs. From Back in 2007 the club was threatened to fold and Taipa to Port Ohope, Ian has been leading an ever this was exacerbated by an arson. increasing number of PLSC sailors to support these events. The arson attack in 2007 caused significant damage to our Club rooms, Ian was one of the He has maintained and continues to maintain a primary drivers to its rebuild, managing the fleet of 29 club yachts and buildings. insurance claim, the refurbishments and reinvigorating the club by securing throughout In 2013, Ian drove the project to redesign and the years funding for the fantastic fleet of lasers rebuild the PLSC boat lockers so we could put a as well as RIB's, motors, and various safety new boat stacking system in place so more boats equipment that our members can now enjoy could be stored. today. Without Ian Wallace supporting us, Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club would be nowhere near as strong as it is today

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If you need some tips on swimming following Final Club Race Results your numerous capsizes, you might want to ask For full and up to date details of race results Merlin. please go to our club results page http://www.plsc.org.nz/. Winter Series 2016 A Fleet B Fleet 1st Andrew Coffin 1st Paul Saunders 2nd Andrew Irving 2nd Gaetano Perkin 3rd Jeff Coffin 3rd Ryan MacVeigh Mad Hatters Regatta 1st Andrew Coffin rd 2nd Kayne Jacobsen Article from Courier, Eastern Edition, 23 Jan 1973 3rd Marco Canegallo Brass Monkey Regatta Lake Ngaroto 1st Paul Page 2nd Scott McDougall (Hamilton Yacht Club) 3rd Andrew Coffin Capsize trophy There is as well some tight competition going for the coveted capsize trophy. Currently Ryan MacVeigh is leading with the most capsizes 31 followed closely by Nigel with 24 and Ian with 22. We need to thank Sam Scott for keeping the results in constant check and ensuring all capsizes have been counted.

Who can that be? Was that capsize counted?

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PLSC Teams Racing begins!

How will it work? There will be 4 races during the sailing season and these will occur during one of the normal race series. The scoring system will be the same as The A-Team El Latins fleet racing with the team with the lowest total number of points during the 4 races winning. If a Andrew Coffin Dario Motta race day for a series consists of 3 races, the Andrew Irving Marco Canegallo scoring will be for all 3 races that day. Anderson Nick Nigeloni Harford Team members highlighted in the table in red will Andrew Dare Jordan Zagonel need to encourage all members of their respective team to attend all 4 races, the ones at Annie Mills Chantal Grass the top of the table will need to share their Andrew Lehman Bernard Sonck experience with their team members so that they can develop their skills and improve the overall Alan Minson Ryan MacVeigh team score. Emlyn Perry Gaetano Perkin If new members join the club during the year, Will Perry Mark Heseltine they will be allocated a team to join. Jonathan Holder

At the end of the season, a special prize and new trophy will be allocated to team members. Each team will be hosting one of the race days and will need to bring some nibbles that characterise their team. What do I need to do? Check your names in the table below so you know who your proposed team members are and The Vikings The Kiwis confirm to Chantal by e-mail that you will be able Kayne Jacobsen Paul Page to make most of these races as we need to make sure all the teams are well balanced. Ian Wallace Jeff Coffin Race dates Shaaron McKee David Barker •6th November 2016 Chris Knight Murray Gauld •20th November 2016 Sam Scott Blair Park •11th December 2016 John Castle Taylor Farrell •26th March 2017 Deborah Killen Paul Saunders Moritz Wagner David Worsnop Judith Erren Joe Gauld Jack Richardson.

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Gossip column Who just got engaged? Who was slowly sinking by forgetting to put the bung in?

Congratulations Annie Mills and Karl Wills!

Who received the first injury this year by banging his head on the gunnel after a capsize?

A source mentioned that it was none other than our Health and Safety Officer, we will be waiting for his report with great anticipation.. Who just turned 21 and was in his birthday suit?

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And remember if you want marine equipment Upcoming Social Events and want to support our Club, then visit the local XMAS Dinner Burnsco Mt Wellington store. Ensure you request your purchase to go against the Panmure Lagoon

Sailing Club loyalty card, the club will benefit of Come and enjoy a delectable early Xmas buffet at loyalty points, which will allow us to purchase the Waipuna with great company it will be an some new gear for the Club. They have been evening filled with light hearted banter. Please generous last year giving us some new Opti sails. RSVP to Chantal.

Panmure Xmas Parade – 3rd December

3rd December

A fun family day organised by the Panmure Business Association, so if you and your family would like to be involved in the event, we are looking for some volunteers to participate and design a wonderful float. The Business Association provides funding for costumes. Last year it was a great success with the whole Optimist class participating.

Burnsco Sausage Sizzle – 26th November

Looking for some volunteers to man BBQ and sell sausages at the Mt Wellington store between 10:00am to 2pm on Saturday 26th November to raise funds for the Club. Contact Blair if interested.

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Upcoming External Laser Events Date Event Venue and important dates 3-5 Feb Whanganui NZ Masters Whanganui Sailing Games Club The Club is doing well on the Laser Association’s NZ Laser Interclub Ladder. You can check your results here, you 3-6 Feb Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Murrays Bay Sailing Regatta might be surprised. The event dates highlighted in gold are Club the ones listed in the Interclub ladder. 12 Feb French Bay Yacht Club French Bay Yacht Regatta Date Event Venue Club

2016 18-19 Feb Burnsco HYC Regatta Hamilton Yacht Club 25-26 Feb Auckland Laser Champs Murrays Bay Sailing 13 Nov North Harbour Masters Pupuke Boating Club Club 26-27 Nov North Island Laser Napier Sailing Club Champs 4 Mar King/Queen of the River PLSC Race 3-4 Dec Sir Peter Blake Regatta Torbay Yacht Club 5 Mar RSA Laser Regatta – 40th PLSC edition 3-4 Dec East Coast Laser Wairoa Yacht Club 11-12 Mar OKI 24 hour regatta Lake Pupuke Championships - Wairoa River Regatta 18 Mar Auckland Womens Laser Kohimarama Yacht 2017 Champs Club 19 Mar Panmure Carnival Day PLSC 1-Jan Kawhia Harbour Regatta Kawhia 18-19 Mar Waikato Thames Regatta Cambridge Yacht 1-3 Jan New Year Regatta Napier Sailing Club Club 1-3 Jan New Year Regatta Clark’s Beach Yacht 18-19 Mar North Island Laser Onerahi Yacht Club Club Championships 7-8 Jan Taipa Centreboard Taipa Sailing Club 1-2 Apr Auckland Laser Masters Tamaki Yacht Club Regatta Championship 18 -22 Jan NZ Laser Nationals Taupo Sailing Club 8-9 Apr Northshore Fresh Water Pupuke Boating Club LASER TOP Champs SECTION TO BE WON if you register to 8 Apr Maraetai Centreboard Maraetai Yacht Club the Laser Nationals before Regatta 31st December. 21- 28 April World Masters Games Torbay Sailing Club Register at the latest by 31st January 3-4 June Port Ohope Queen’s Port Ohope Birthday Regatta

30 Jan Auckland Anniversary Tamaki Yacht Club Regatta 4 Feb Snake Bank Regatta Marsden Yacht and Boat Club

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Finishing Gun Well that brings us to the end of our Spring edition of the PLSC newsletter. Many thanks to all those who contributed stories and photos, it makes my job a lot easier! Summer is not far away now (although with Auckland traffic you never know..) so time to dust off that wetsuit and boots and get yourself down to the lagoon for the best Laser sailing Auckland has to offer. Until next time, ka kite ano! Andrew

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