12.11.2022 Video of NZL52 grabbing the start at Westhaven Woodies Today
Graham drove to Kens to pick him up at 5am in a huge lighting storm, flashes of lighting everywhere. We got drenched loading the car then off to Auckland over the Kamias and up the new Waikato Expressway.
As usually the normal drama getting to Westhaven. They have removed all the right hand turns and for a third time, we just about go sucked back onto the motorway and would have gone over the harbor bridge again (Graham next time come from Victoria Market direction or turn on google maps!)
The sky was now Blue, and the storm has passed as predicted. We pulled in behind Pat and Nigel. We all paid for a day's parking $$$ . A quick rig, briefing and at 9.30am racing was underway in a very, very light breeze coming from the harbor bridge direction.
Race one and Grahams Woodie rudder would stop responding properly. He worked on her for a few hours but was unable to solve the electronic problem on the boat ramp and was out for the day and was promoted to TRSC Boatman duties.
Pat, Nigel and Ken sailed really well all day, good starts. great tactics and you could throw a blanket over the fleet in most finishes. Our whole team sailed really well!
Rob showed a clean pair of heals today and could do nothing wrong tactically. Mark and Pat had a dinge dong battle all morning, Mark with his great starting managed to get clear ahead late afternoon. Nigel and Kens points were close lunchtime. Nigel sailed well late into the afternoon and stepped ahead of Ken. Bob in his nighthawk was right there at the finish in every race too and had a great day's sailing.
Prize giving and fantastic prices to everyone of either a set of booms or a IOM masts. We are already looking forward to the next one. Nigel NZL20 picked up the trophy for the best presented Woodie :)
Mega thanks to all the officials who baked in the sun all day, and too the behind-the-scenes WRSC members who made this happen. Without you we would not have events. Mega thanks :)
