Congratulations to FBYC’s J88 crew who took out a convincing
second at the Jolly boat nationals held at Maraetai over three days
and 9 races in mainly fresh conditions. Matt and Hamish revelled in
the breezy and choppy seaway putting in very strong performances on
the beats, leading several times round the top mark, and then having
to ward off the lighter crewed boats and single-handers on the
downwind legs. A brilliant effort particularly when considering
Matt’s lack of “boat” time this season due to his efforts with the
junior sailing….well done guys!!!
The regatta was one for the Marks, with the two handed section being
won again by Mark and Daniel Orams from Torbay with a very slick and
convincing performance, and with wily local Mark Winters (Maraetai)
stealing the single handed title once again; also noteworthy in that
Mark is confined to a wheel chair when on dry land!
FBYC had a good showing in the team stakes with Matt & Hamish, Paddy,
Rene’, Don McBeth and myself making up the team, only to have Maraetai
win the team “Bust” trophy in the end. Bringing this trophy to its rightful home
at FBYC will thus have to wait for next year.
As on occasions just getting to the start line upright was an
exhilarating challenge, Rene’ is to be congratulated again on his
Handicap win and managing to complete all races in a gruelling three
day regatta for his first JB nationals. No mean achievement!
Don McBeth also deserves special mention for his endurance in the
conditions as a relative new comer to the fleet. Don’s tenacity in
sticking at it when younger sailors had thrown in the towel is
testament to his effort.
It was great to also see Paddy out there and being competitive and
“threatening” too. We crossed tacks numerous times on the beats with
Paddy getting home first, and with credible top 10 placing, on
occasions. Unfortunately Paddy’s schedule did not allow him to
complete the regatta on Sunday.
I think all of the FBYC team, myself particularly, learned a lot from
sailing in the bigger fleet, with the Finn’s on a course alongside us, in the
planing conditions, and from studying the set-up of the other Jollyboats. A
thoroughly great regatta with our team putting in an enthusiastic and
promising performance.
Well done.
