Overcast, but warm and dry with a light easterly breeze is what greeted Nigel 186 and me 179 on our Tuesday visit to race with the Papamoa fleet. A good turnout of 10 boats made a nice sized fleet.
I like sailing on the ponds because of the close proximity you get to your boat. This allows you to pick up the little things that perhaps squeezes out that little bit of extra speed. There is a lot to observe as you walk along beside your boat as it races. The elevation up the bank is also useful.
Tight starts were the order of the day and a good start is so important on the pond. If you can't get the best spot, look for the next best that will provide an opportunity. The fleet is very even and it was good to see very few incidents requiring 360's, there again there were a few that should have resulted in penalty turns.
Everyone enjoyed the racing on a good course that had passing lanes built in.
Thanks Papamoa for a pleasant afternoon sailing, enjoy the photos.
Pete 179
