NEWS FROM THE POND
Marblehead Day out at Wattle Farm
Imagine if the missing 8 boats had been able to make it - wait until next time.
Congratulations to Paul Goddard (1st) who had the F6 going fast and to Reuben (2nd) and Terry (3rd) on countback from Pierre.
Results attached.
Cheers,
Ross McClew
Monday, October 27, 2025
A good turnout today with a fleet of 8 boats which included Pierre and Arne sailing a Dibley and an early Firebrace from days gone by and proving to be very competitive in blustery westerly conditions which are not the best at Wattle Farm.Imagine if the missing 8 boats had been able to make it - wait until next time.
Congratulations to Paul Goddard (1st) who had the F6 going fast and to Reuben (2nd) and Terry (3rd) on countback from Pierre.
Results attached.
Cheers,
Ross McClew
COMMENT
IOM CLUB RACE RESULTS
IOM RESULTS:
Mid to top of A rig down the pond from the WSW...with some doozy shifts. 12 boats made for close racing...and those that sailed clean and smart came out on top.
Ross McClew (V11) 1st, Grant Lane (V11) 2nd, Glenn Cochrane (Venti) 3rd.
Saturday, October 25, 2025
IOM RESULTS:
Mid to top of A rig down the pond from the WSW...with some doozy shifts. 12 boats made for close racing...and those that sailed clean and smart came out on top.
Ross McClew (V11) 1st, Grant Lane (V11) 2nd, Glenn Cochrane (Venti) 3rd.
RESULTS DF65 25OCT2025
DF65 Results from Saturday's racing: Grant Lane 1st, Steve Fifeld 2nd, Bill Bradley 3rd
Saturday, October 25, 2025
DF65 Results from Saturday's racing: Grant Lane 1st, Steve Fifeld 2nd, Bill Bradley 3rd
RESULTS IOM CLUB RACES 18OCT25
Results of todays IOM Club races...Grant Nixon (Alioth) wins, from Ian Westlake (V8) and Nigel Sibun (V12).
Breeze was a low-mid A-Rig straight down the lake from the South-West. A long course was set compared to normal, which meant good separation by the top mark, and plenty of chances to gain places by playing the shifts.
Best sailing I have had at the lake this year :-)
Apologies to the DF65 sailors - the editor left the results notebook in the clubhouse at the end of the day... :-(
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Results of todays IOM Club races...Grant Nixon (Alioth) wins, from Ian Westlake (V8) and Nigel Sibun (V12).
Breeze was a low-mid A-Rig straight down the lake from the South-West. A long course was set compared to normal, which meant good separation by the top mark, and plenty of chances to gain places by playing the shifts.
Best sailing I have had at the lake this year :-)
Apologies to the DF65 sailors - the editor left the results notebook in the clubhouse at the end of the day... :-(
IOM CLUB RACES 20SEP2025
Bright and breezy mid to top of A rig breeze, straight down the lake from the carpark end....a nice regular shift back and fwd 10deg meant there were always passing lanes if your strategy was on point.
Ian Westlake (V8) wins by a point from Glenn Cochrane (Venti) and Richard Guy (V9) another couple of points back.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Bright and breezy mid to top of A rig breeze, straight down the lake from the carpark end....a nice regular shift back and fwd 10deg meant there were always passing lanes if your strategy was on point.
Ian Westlake (V8) wins by a point from Glenn Cochrane (Venti) and Richard Guy (V9) another couple of points back.
DF65 CLUB RACES 20SEP2025
DF65 Results:
Steve Fifeld (#56) wins by a point from Jonathan Tough (#34) and Bill Bradley 3rd (#55)
Saturday, September 20, 2025
DF65 Results:
Steve Fifeld (#56) wins by a point from Jonathan Tough (#34) and Bill Bradley 3rd (#55)
DF65 CLUB RESULTS 13SEP25
Results from yesterday's DF65 club races...
8 races... 7 with B rig , 1 with C rig battling 35km gusts. Well won by Craig on count back from Andrew then Murray. A 3-way tie for first on 14 pts, countback first on number of wins, then number of second places to break the tie.
The Dragon punishes you for small mistakes in these conditions. The C rig was to small for today. Probably needs 40km plus to be effective. Fun was had by all.
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Results from yesterday's DF65 club races...
8 races... 7 with B rig , 1 with C rig battling 35km gusts. Well won by Craig on count back from Andrew then Murray. A 3-way tie for first on 14 pts, countback first on number of wins, then number of second places to break the tie.
The Dragon punishes you for small mistakes in these conditions. The C rig was to small for today. Probably needs 40km plus to be effective. Fun was had by all.
IOM CLUB RACES: RESULTS 30AUG2025
GrantN wins the day convincingly with his new Alioth, from RichardG and his V9, and KerryE sailing his new V11 in anger for the first time in 3rd (on countback from GlenC's Venti).
Sunday, August 31, 2025
GrantN wins the day convincingly with his new Alioth, from RichardG and his V9, and KerryE sailing his new V11 in anger for the first time in 3rd (on countback from GlenC's Venti).
DF65 CLUB RACE: RESULTS 30AUG2025
Cap'n Bill wins the DF65 fleet racing Saturday, on a countback from SteveF. AndrewT comes home 3rd on a wet and windy weekend...
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Cap'n Bill wins the DF65 fleet racing Saturday, on a countback from SteveF. AndrewT comes home 3rd on a wet and windy weekend...
IOM VIDEO- CLUB RACES 26JUL2025
Video of a couple of IOM club races from 26JULY... for some reason the Commadore was keen to get the first one up...not so much the second ;-)
https://youtu.be/ZiDVV8WdQgk
Sunday, August 03, 2025
Video of a couple of IOM club races from 26JULY... for some reason the Commadore was keen to get the first one up...not so much the second ;-)
https://youtu.be/ZiDVV8WdQgk
IOM CLUB RACES 26JULY2025
Ross McC (V11) wins from Glenn C (Venti) and Richard G (V9)...
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Beautiful breeze straight down the pond, with a nice regular swing and (initially) 15 boats.Ross McC (V11) wins from Glenn C (Venti) and Richard G (V9)...
2025 AUCKLAND IOM CHAMPIONSHIP
Held at Wattle Farm Saturday 19th July & Sunday 20th July 2025
Race Officer Report
The rain went through on Thursday and Friday and so did the wind.
Saturday morning was fine but very light shifty zephyrs from all directions.
We had decided to split the 38 entries into 3 fleets in case we had to race a short course across the pond which was a real possibility based on some forecasts. The Fleets were pre-allocated using that option in the SHRS system. This made it very easy on the race officer.
Late morning the breeze looked to be settling in from the South and we managed to set a course with inside out gates at both the top and bottom with the finish back at the top gate to extend the final windward beat.
We got one race in before the breeze died and we went to lunch.
After lunch the wind settled from the South and we managed to complete another 3 rounds to end the day with 4 Races completed (12 heats). The attempted 5th round was abandoned when the breeze died completely.
Sunday was a repeat of Saturday with no wind to start the day.
We got underway around 11.00am with Race 5 Heat1 which was completed just as the breeze died out.
After an early lunch the light southerly breeze of 4 to 5 knots returned and we were able to get racing underway around 1.00pm. Race 5 Heat 1 was scratched and we went straight to Finals racing with the Gold, Silver and Bronze Fleets as they stood after Saturday’s 4 Qualifying races. The discard matrix was changed for the Finals to allow for a drop after 3 races.
The Southerly stayed in and we were able to complete 4 Finals races for each fleet by the 3 pm cut-off on a very pleasant sunny afternoon.
Congratulations to our winners of the Bronze Fleet (Blair Gerrard) and Silver Fleet (Mike Calkoen) and to our Gold Fleet medal winners – Ian Vickers 1st, Richard Guy 2nd and Erle Williams 3rd.
Thank you to all Competitors and thank you Umpires John Rountree and Wayne Boberg for a smoothly run contest.
Thanks to the Wattle Farm Team – Bill Bradley for looking after the registration and weigh in formalities. Roy Granich and Dale for running the SHRS system and assisting with the race management. John Porter and Murray MacDonnell (Result recorder & assistant) and Steve Fifield for mark boat duties between races.
Thanks also to John Beavis for providing his Camper Van as Race Management HQ which almost become a permanent addition to the Wattle Farm facility when it got stuck in the soft ground!
Ross McClew (Race Officer)
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Auckland IOM Class Champs 2025Held at Wattle Farm Saturday 19th July & Sunday 20th July 2025
Race Officer Report
The rain went through on Thursday and Friday and so did the wind.
Saturday morning was fine but very light shifty zephyrs from all directions.
We had decided to split the 38 entries into 3 fleets in case we had to race a short course across the pond which was a real possibility based on some forecasts. The Fleets were pre-allocated using that option in the SHRS system. This made it very easy on the race officer.
Late morning the breeze looked to be settling in from the South and we managed to set a course with inside out gates at both the top and bottom with the finish back at the top gate to extend the final windward beat.
We got one race in before the breeze died and we went to lunch.
After lunch the wind settled from the South and we managed to complete another 3 rounds to end the day with 4 Races completed (12 heats). The attempted 5th round was abandoned when the breeze died completely.
Sunday was a repeat of Saturday with no wind to start the day.
We got underway around 11.00am with Race 5 Heat1 which was completed just as the breeze died out.
After an early lunch the light southerly breeze of 4 to 5 knots returned and we were able to get racing underway around 1.00pm. Race 5 Heat 1 was scratched and we went straight to Finals racing with the Gold, Silver and Bronze Fleets as they stood after Saturday’s 4 Qualifying races. The discard matrix was changed for the Finals to allow for a drop after 3 races.
The Southerly stayed in and we were able to complete 4 Finals races for each fleet by the 3 pm cut-off on a very pleasant sunny afternoon.
Congratulations to our winners of the Bronze Fleet (Blair Gerrard) and Silver Fleet (Mike Calkoen) and to our Gold Fleet medal winners – Ian Vickers 1st, Richard Guy 2nd and Erle Williams 3rd.
Thank you to all Competitors and thank you Umpires John Rountree and Wayne Boberg for a smoothly run contest.
Thanks to the Wattle Farm Team – Bill Bradley for looking after the registration and weigh in formalities. Roy Granich and Dale for running the SHRS system and assisting with the race management. John Porter and Murray MacDonnell (Result recorder & assistant) and Steve Fifield for mark boat duties between races.
Thanks also to John Beavis for providing his Camper Van as Race Management HQ which almost become a permanent addition to the Wattle Farm facility when it got stuck in the soft ground!
Ross McClew (Race Officer)
DF95 AKL Champs
Held at Wattle Farm Saturday 5th July & Sunday 7th July 2025
Race Officer Report
DF65s were first up on Saturday with 11 entries and light North Westerly winds.
Racing was across the carpark end of the pond in 2 to 5 knots and a couple of light showers.
The course was set with inside out gates at both the top and bottom with the finish back at the top gate to extend the final windward beat.
Seven races were completed before stopping for a lunch break.
After lunch the wind had shifted with a bit of a southweasterly in the mix which allowed us to move the course to sail off the causeway side of the pond and stretch the course out a bit.
A further 9 races were completed in the afternoon.
Congratulations to our medal winners – Trevor Bamforth 1st, Grant Lane 2nd and Nigel Armitage (Tauranga) 3rd.
Thank you to John Porter (Result recorder) and Johnathon Tough for mark boat duties between races – that kept him busy!
DF95s had their turn on Sunday with 18 entries.
The wind was exactly opposite to Saturday with a South Easterly which remained fairly consistent at 4 to 8 knots all day.
This wind direction again meant that we had to race across the carpark end of the pond using the same format as Saturdays DF65 racing with gates at both the top and bottom of the course and finishing back at the top gate.
We raced as 1 fleet with 2 skippers standing down as observers for each race.
The starts were keenly contested and with 16 boats on the line we did have a couple of General Recalls and a few startline penalties.
We completed 17 races with consistent wind all day and no rain.
Unfortunately the Southerly didn’t come in to let us move down the pond but still a great day’s racing.
Congratulations to Paul Pearson (GHRYC) 1st, Karl Statchel (GHRYC) 2nd and Paul Goddard (NSRYS) 3rd.
Thank you to Ian Westlake (Scorer and assistant RO) and Eilisa McDonnell (Result recorder) .
Dragon Master
The unofficial title of Dragon Master goes to Trevor Bamforth 1st DF65 and 6th DF95.
Congratulations Trevor.
Ross McClew (Race Officer)
Sunday, July 06, 2025
Auckland Dragon Class Champs 2025Held at Wattle Farm Saturday 5th July & Sunday 7th July 2025
Race Officer Report
DF65s were first up on Saturday with 11 entries and light North Westerly winds.
Racing was across the carpark end of the pond in 2 to 5 knots and a couple of light showers.
The course was set with inside out gates at both the top and bottom with the finish back at the top gate to extend the final windward beat.
Seven races were completed before stopping for a lunch break.
After lunch the wind had shifted with a bit of a southweasterly in the mix which allowed us to move the course to sail off the causeway side of the pond and stretch the course out a bit.
A further 9 races were completed in the afternoon.
Congratulations to our medal winners – Trevor Bamforth 1st, Grant Lane 2nd and Nigel Armitage (Tauranga) 3rd.
Thank you to John Porter (Result recorder) and Johnathon Tough for mark boat duties between races – that kept him busy!
DF95s had their turn on Sunday with 18 entries.
The wind was exactly opposite to Saturday with a South Easterly which remained fairly consistent at 4 to 8 knots all day.
This wind direction again meant that we had to race across the carpark end of the pond using the same format as Saturdays DF65 racing with gates at both the top and bottom of the course and finishing back at the top gate.
We raced as 1 fleet with 2 skippers standing down as observers for each race.
The starts were keenly contested and with 16 boats on the line we did have a couple of General Recalls and a few startline penalties.
We completed 17 races with consistent wind all day and no rain.
Unfortunately the Southerly didn’t come in to let us move down the pond but still a great day’s racing.
Congratulations to Paul Pearson (GHRYC) 1st, Karl Statchel (GHRYC) 2nd and Paul Goddard (NSRYS) 3rd.
Thank you to Ian Westlake (Scorer and assistant RO) and Eilisa McDonnell (Result recorder) .
Dragon Master
The unofficial title of Dragon Master goes to Trevor Bamforth 1st DF65 and 6th DF95.
Congratulations Trevor.
Ross McClew (Race Officer)
IOM CLASSIC REGATTA - FINAL RESULTS
Day 2 started much the same as the DF95 Regatta 2 weeks ago - zero wind and fog for the first hour. Eventually the fog burnt off, and a very light southerly crept in...so off we went!
The Southerly meant a 45deg course laid across the pond....with the top marks a fair distance out. This sorted those needing a quick trip to Specsavers, especially with the "test buoy" for the Oceania's on trial! Needless to say it wore a few battle scars by the end of the day!
Racing started just after 12, and because of the delay the fleets went straight to a Finals configuration, with 6 Gold/Silver fleet races (12 heats) pushed through in rapid fire in the next 3 hours.
The breeze stayed light and shifty all afternoon, keeping the RO busy and the sailors on their toes.The Finals "drops" were set after race 3 and race 6 (so 2 drops for the finals series).
At the end of the day Reubin Muir (V5.5) won the Gold Fleet, from Graham Cross (Prowler) and Brett May (Cockatoo)
Terry Valder (Drumbeat3) wins the Silver fleet, from Dave Panting (SP3) and Nigel Sibun (Vapour)
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Day 2 started much the same as the DF95 Regatta 2 weeks ago - zero wind and fog for the first hour. Eventually the fog burnt off, and a very light southerly crept in...so off we went!
The Southerly meant a 45deg course laid across the pond....with the top marks a fair distance out. This sorted those needing a quick trip to Specsavers, especially with the "test buoy" for the Oceania's on trial! Needless to say it wore a few battle scars by the end of the day!
Racing started just after 12, and because of the delay the fleets went straight to a Finals configuration, with 6 Gold/Silver fleet races (12 heats) pushed through in rapid fire in the next 3 hours.
The breeze stayed light and shifty all afternoon, keeping the RO busy and the sailors on their toes.The Finals "drops" were set after race 3 and race 6 (so 2 drops for the finals series).
At the end of the day Reubin Muir (V5.5) won the Gold Fleet, from Graham Cross (Prowler) and Brett May (Cockatoo)
Terry Valder (Drumbeat3) wins the Silver fleet, from Dave Panting (SP3) and Nigel Sibun (Vapour)
IOM CLASSIC REGATTA- DAY 1
After a delayed start due to a lack of wind, the regatta got under way an hour late, but still managed 16 heats (8 races) by the end of the first day.
Reubin Muir (V5.5) leads by 2 points from Brett May (Cockatoo) and Graham Cross (Prowler) another 2 points back.
Another fleet race tomorrow morning before the fleet splits into Gold/Silver fleets for the finals. Forecast is very light and across the pond...so fingers crossed its wrong!
Friday, June 20, 2025
After a delayed start due to a lack of wind, the regatta got under way an hour late, but still managed 16 heats (8 races) by the end of the first day.
Reubin Muir (V5.5) leads by 2 points from Brett May (Cockatoo) and Graham Cross (Prowler) another 2 points back.
Another fleet race tomorrow morning before the fleet splits into Gold/Silver fleets for the finals. Forecast is very light and across the pond...so fingers crossed its wrong!
DF95 2025 Nationals
Results for the 2025 DF95 Nationals, held at Wattle Farm over the weekend.
Only 7 races were completed (3 Heats ea)...all on Saturday.The wind refused to return for Sunday!!
Graham Watson 1st, Grant Nixon 2nd and Reubin Muir 3rd.
Sunday, June 08, 2025
Results for the 2025 DF95 Nationals, held at Wattle Farm over the weekend.
Only 7 races were completed (3 Heats ea)...all on Saturday.The wind refused to return for Sunday!!
Graham Watson 1st, Grant Nixon 2nd and Reubin Muir 3rd.
IOM KINGS BIRTHDAY HONOURS
The Breeze stayed as per the morning - shifty SW and definitely B Rig (most of the time).
Richard Guy (V9) wins the honours, by a couple of points from Ross McClew (V11), and Nigel Sibun (K2) another 3 points astern.
Video of 4 races HERE...
https://youtu.be/M_CAL_6Gas0
Saturday, May 31, 2025
The Breeze stayed as per the morning - shifty SW and definitely B Rig (most of the time).
Richard Guy (V9) wins the honours, by a couple of points from Ross McClew (V11), and Nigel Sibun (K2) another 3 points astern.
Video of 4 races HERE...
https://youtu.be/M_CAL_6Gas0
DF65 KINGS BIRTHDAY HONOURS
The 2025 Kings Birthday Honours seies was raced in a brisk and gusty 15-17 knot SW...straight down the lake. Most of the fleet sailed A or A+ rig, except John Porter (97) who elected to use the B Rig. A+ was soon dropped...
Steve Fifeld (starting the day on A+) quicky changed down to A and went on to a convincing win, with Bill Bradlay and John Porter tied for second (BillB winning second place on countback)
Saturday, May 31, 2025
The 2025 Kings Birthday Honours seies was raced in a brisk and gusty 15-17 knot SW...straight down the lake. Most of the fleet sailed A or A+ rig, except John Porter (97) who elected to use the B Rig. A+ was soon dropped...
Steve Fifeld (starting the day on A+) quicky changed down to A and went on to a convincing win, with Bill Bradlay and John Porter tied for second (BillB winning second place on countback)
DF65 North Island Championship: FINAL RESULTS
An epic day when the results for the top 3 fluctuated back and forth...but after 30 hard fought races, GRANT LANE (#217) prevailed from BILL BRADLEY (#55) second and NIGEL ARMITAGE (Tauranga #182) in third.
Conditions were similar to Saturday, but a sometimes stronger breeze caused problems as the gusts came through. Very exciting for everyone!
Sunday, May 18, 2025
An epic day when the results for the top 3 fluctuated back and forth...but after 30 hard fought races, GRANT LANE (#217) prevailed from BILL BRADLEY (#55) second and NIGEL ARMITAGE (Tauranga #182) in third.
Conditions were similar to Saturday, but a sometimes stronger breeze caused problems as the gusts came through. Very exciting for everyone!
DF65 NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP
GRANT LANE leads by 7 points at the end of Day 1...with BILL BRADLEY second, and NIGEL ARMITAGE third another 18 points adrift.
Light Northerlies today, Sunday forecast much the same but rain in the afternoon.
Saturday, May 17, 2025
GRANT LANE leads by 7 points at the end of Day 1...with BILL BRADLEY second, and NIGEL ARMITAGE third another 18 points adrift.
Light Northerlies today, Sunday forecast much the same but rain in the afternoon.
IOM RESULTS 10 MAY 2025
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Grant Lane re-appears with his V11 and immediately comes to grips with the shifty southerly...winning comfortably from RichardG (V9) and with IanW (V8) and JohnOB (V12) tied a further point back in third equal.
DF65 RESULTS 10MAY2025
Video of a couple of the races here: https://youtu.be/9BAzrhuZA0s
Saturday, May 10, 2025
MurrayM wins the day, from SteveF and BillB...Mid to top of A+ Rig from the South (diagonal(ish) across the pond from the far end). Video of a couple of the races here: https://youtu.be/9BAzrhuZA0s
IOM RESULTS CLUB RACES 03MAY2025
In the afternoon the winds increased considerably from the morning...15-18 knots. Everyone except SteveF ran with an A Rig...although with the gusts coming through saw the majority of the fleet drop to B rigs after 4 races (Richard and Bill being the exceptions). Attrition rate was high with a lot of broken gear and failures.
RichardG (154) easily tops the standings today, from RossMcC (80) and GlennC (47)
Videos to follow...
https://youtu.be/sYXVajsHVCs
Saturday, May 03, 2025
In the afternoon the winds increased considerably from the morning...15-18 knots. Everyone except SteveF ran with an A Rig...although with the gusts coming through saw the majority of the fleet drop to B rigs after 4 races (Richard and Bill being the exceptions). Attrition rate was high with a lot of broken gear and failures.
RichardG (154) easily tops the standings today, from RossMcC (80) and GlennC (47)
Videos to follow...
https://youtu.be/sYXVajsHVCs
RESULTS DF65 CLUB RACES 03MAY25
Winds were a blustery 12knots from the south....and cold!
Bill Bradley (55) wins the day from Steve Fifeld (56) and Andrew Tough (711)
Saturday, May 03, 2025
Winds were a blustery 12knots from the south....and cold!
Bill Bradley (55) wins the day from Steve Fifeld (56) and Andrew Tough (711)
DF65 RACE VIDEO FROM SATURDAY
Video of one of the DF65 races from last weekend...
https://youtu.be/BV9nF8UEH80
Thursday, May 01, 2025
Video of one of the DF65 races from last weekend...
https://youtu.be/BV9nF8UEH80
Video of IOM Club racing from 26APR25
Daniel Draper kindly videod one of the IOM races from last weekend...after his new IOM broke and he volunteered to be RO for the duration.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=kNiTLxUdYfU&feature=shared
Monday, April 28, 2025
Daniel Draper kindly videod one of the IOM races from last weekend...after his new IOM broke and he volunteered to be RO for the duration.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=kNiTLxUdYfU&feature=shared
IOM RESULTS - CLUB RACES 26APR2025
Shifty mid to top of A Rig breeze from the clubhouse end...
The recurrent arm wrestle between the V8 and V9 went Richard Guy's way this week, winning by a point from IanW, and Ross McClew (V11) a few points back in third.
No boats sank all afternoon!
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Shifty mid to top of A Rig breeze from the clubhouse end...
The recurrent arm wrestle between the V8 and V9 went Richard Guy's way this week, winning by a point from IanW, and Ross McClew (V11) a few points back in third.
No boats sank all afternoon!
DF65 CLUB RACES 25APR2025
DF65 results from Saturday... mid to top of A+ rig breeze from the North-east (Clubhouse end).
Steve Fifeld (56) wins from Murray McDonnell (333) and Daniel Draper (161) 3rd.
Notable occurance was BillB launching his boat without a hatch cover...got conveniently out of reach and immediately sank. Recovered and dried out to work OK for another few races before the winch packed a sad!. Unfortunately no photos.
Saturday, April 26, 2025
DF65 results from Saturday... mid to top of A+ rig breeze from the North-east (Clubhouse end).
Steve Fifeld (56) wins from Murray McDonnell (333) and Daniel Draper (161) 3rd.
Notable occurance was BillB launching his boat without a hatch cover...got conveniently out of reach and immediately sank. Recovered and dried out to work OK for another few races before the winch packed a sad!. Unfortunately no photos.
2025 ANZAC DAY CLASSIC IOM REGATTA
This was a fun regatta arranged to give the classic fleet a warm up before the Auckland Classic IOM Champs on Matariki weekend in June.
We had a good turnout of 14 boats covering 2 decades and included Dave Panting from Katikati with his SP2 – the fattest of the Fat Boys.
‘Dirty Dancing’ (Cockatoo2) suffered a breakdown after one race so I become race officer for the day.
Racing was done with a Mark Foy handicap element which set the first 3 finishers back by 15 seconds on the rest of the fleet for the next race.
I think that it gave everyone a chance to compete but ideally in a fleet of 14 we could also handicap those finishing 4th, 5th & 6th for the next race but this would require an assistant RO.
The breeze was 8 to 15 knots from the NE which was much better than the forecast Easterlies.
We had a fun day with 12 races completed by 3.30pm.
Congratulations to winner Bill Bradley (Blue Cockatoo) – we will never hear the end of this!
Dave Panting (SP2) 2nd to show that Fatter Boys can fly, and Nigel Sibun (Roy’s Vapour) 3rd.
Thank you everyone for supporting this event.
Ross McClew
Unintentional RO
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Wattle Farm IOM Classic Anzac Day RegattaThis was a fun regatta arranged to give the classic fleet a warm up before the Auckland Classic IOM Champs on Matariki weekend in June.
We had a good turnout of 14 boats covering 2 decades and included Dave Panting from Katikati with his SP2 – the fattest of the Fat Boys.
‘Dirty Dancing’ (Cockatoo2) suffered a breakdown after one race so I become race officer for the day.
Racing was done with a Mark Foy handicap element which set the first 3 finishers back by 15 seconds on the rest of the fleet for the next race.
I think that it gave everyone a chance to compete but ideally in a fleet of 14 we could also handicap those finishing 4th, 5th & 6th for the next race but this would require an assistant RO.
The breeze was 8 to 15 knots from the NE which was much better than the forecast Easterlies.
We had a fun day with 12 races completed by 3.30pm.
Congratulations to winner Bill Bradley (Blue Cockatoo) – we will never hear the end of this!
Dave Panting (SP2) 2nd to show that Fatter Boys can fly, and Nigel Sibun (Roy’s Vapour) 3rd.
Thank you everyone for supporting this event.
Ross McClew
Unintentional RO
DF65 North Island Championship: 17-18 May
Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions are posted for the 2025 DF65 North Island Champs, at Wattle Farm 17/18 May 2025.
https://www.wattlefarmsailing.nz/Events.html
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions are posted for the 2025 DF65 North Island Champs, at Wattle Farm 17/18 May 2025.
https://www.wattlefarmsailing.nz/Events.html
IOM NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP- FINAL RESULTS
Congratulations to Ian Vickers (NSRYS - V12), convincingly winning the NZ IOM North Island Championship, from Graham Roberts (TGA- Frank 7) and Reubin Muir (NSRYS - V12) third.
The wind swung 180 degrees from Saturday, and softened slightly, and becoming a bit shiftier as well. Graham Cross (NSRYS) won the Silver Fleet with his Viper.
18 races (36 heats) in total, with 5 Races in the Finals for the Gold and Silver Fleets. Great competition (using the pre-determined SHRS Heat system...which proved very popular amongst Sailors and Race Officials alike).
Sunday, April 06, 2025
Congratulations to Ian Vickers (NSRYS - V12), convincingly winning the NZ IOM North Island Championship, from Graham Roberts (TGA- Frank 7) and Reubin Muir (NSRYS - V12) third.
The wind swung 180 degrees from Saturday, and softened slightly, and becoming a bit shiftier as well. Graham Cross (NSRYS) won the Silver Fleet with his Viper.
18 races (36 heats) in total, with 5 Races in the Finals for the Gold and Silver Fleets. Great competition (using the pre-determined SHRS Heat system...which proved very popular amongst Sailors and Race Officials alike).
IOM NORTH ISLAND CHAMPS: RESULTS- DAY 1
Beautful mid-top of A rig conditions straight down the lake from the SW...
Ian Vickers (V12) leads at the end of Day 1, from Erle Williams (V12) and Graham Roberts (Frank7). 11 races (22 heats) today, with another 1-2 races tomorrow in the Qualifying heats, before the Gold/Silver split for the Finals tomorrow.
Forecast tomorrow (Sunday) is for 4-5 Northerlies across the pond...which will be challenging with 16 boats.
Saturday, April 05, 2025
Beautful mid-top of A rig conditions straight down the lake from the SW...
Ian Vickers (V12) leads at the end of Day 1, from Erle Williams (V12) and Graham Roberts (Frank7). 11 races (22 heats) today, with another 1-2 races tomorrow in the Qualifying heats, before the Gold/Silver split for the Finals tomorrow.
Forecast tomorrow (Sunday) is for 4-5 Northerlies across the pond...which will be challenging with 16 boats.
RESULTS IOM CLUB RACES 15MAR2025
Beautiful mid-A rig breeze down the pond from the west.
Ian Westlake (V8) holds off an equally consistent Richard Guy (V9) to win by a couple of points (both even on points until the last race - when Richard hooked on the start buoy trying to squeeze in at the pin end!)
Jenna Menzies (K2) snatches third by a point from Ross McClew (V11).
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Beautiful mid-A rig breeze down the pond from the west.
Ian Westlake (V8) holds off an equally consistent Richard Guy (V9) to win by a couple of points (both even on points until the last race - when Richard hooked on the start buoy trying to squeeze in at the pin end!)
Jenna Menzies (K2) snatches third by a point from Ross McClew (V11).
IOM CLUB RACE RESULTS 08MARCH
T'was a blusterly "top 'o' A Rig" Sou-westerly straight down the lake, shifty with intermittent light showers.
Bob Senior (K2) graced us with his presence, and showed the locals how to read windshifts and survive the well into B rig gusts off the wind!
Ian Westlake (V8) held on for second, with the following pack all within a single point fighting for the podium. Glenn Cochrame (Venti) takes third by a point from Jenna Menzies (K2) and Ross McClew (V11) in joint 4th.
Saturday, March 08, 2025
T'was a blusterly "top 'o' A Rig" Sou-westerly straight down the lake, shifty with intermittent light showers.
Bob Senior (K2) graced us with his presence, and showed the locals how to read windshifts and survive the well into B rig gusts off the wind!
Ian Westlake (V8) held on for second, with the following pack all within a single point fighting for the podium. Glenn Cochrame (Venti) takes third by a point from Jenna Menzies (K2) and Ross McClew (V11) in joint 4th.
IOM NORTH ISLAND CHAMPS- 5th-6th April
Wattle Farm is hosting the 2025 IOM North Island Champs, 5th - 6th April.
Entries, NOR and Sailing Instructions are available off the NZRYA site here, or on the events page on this website.
Expecting 30-40 boats (maybe more..max is 54), and will be using pre-assigned heats - so get in there and register. Ross is RO, hoping for 2-3 Umpires (the usual suspects) and IanW scoring, so should be a good competition!
Wednesday, March 05, 2025
Wattle Farm is hosting the 2025 IOM North Island Champs, 5th - 6th April.
Entries, NOR and Sailing Instructions are available off the NZRYA site here, or on the events page on this website.
Expecting 30-40 boats (maybe more..max is 54), and will be using pre-assigned heats - so get in there and register. Ross is RO, hoping for 2-3 Umpires (the usual suspects) and IanW scoring, so should be a good competition!
IOM VIDEOS- SAT 22 FEB 2025
https://youtu.be/F_9nPPRvy7o
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Video of a couple of races from Saturday's IOM club racing....https://youtu.be/F_9nPPRvy7o
IOM RESULTS SATURDAY 22FEB25
Gusty 15-18 knot Sou-Westerlies greeted the (very good) fleet of 14 One Meters. One person was stood down as RO for the first 8 races that were scored - earning av pts.
The fleet was mostly A rigs, but Jenna (#82), Nigel (#99) and Neil (#87) ran B rigs for a start - but only Jenna carrying it through to the end. It was borderline, and on the cusp of A rig or B rig being the best.
Ian Westlake (V8) is consistant enough to hold off Jenna Menzies (K2) by 3 and a bit pts, with Nigel Sibun (V11) another couple of points back. The victories were spread throughout the fleet - with Bill (Alioth), Alec (Venti) and Glenn (Venti) also scoring wins.
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Gusty 15-18 knot Sou-Westerlies greeted the (very good) fleet of 14 One Meters. One person was stood down as RO for the first 8 races that were scored - earning av pts.
The fleet was mostly A rigs, but Jenna (#82), Nigel (#99) and Neil (#87) ran B rigs for a start - but only Jenna carrying it through to the end. It was borderline, and on the cusp of A rig or B rig being the best.
Ian Westlake (V8) is consistant enough to hold off Jenna Menzies (K2) by 3 and a bit pts, with Nigel Sibun (V11) another couple of points back. The victories were spread throughout the fleet - with Bill (Alioth), Alec (Venti) and Glenn (Venti) also scoring wins.
RESULTS DF65 - SATURDAY 22 FEB 2025
Only a few DF65's showed their weary faces this morning...must have been a slow morning.
The wind was down the pond from the SW...15knots and gusty and everyone ran A Rigs.
Steve Fifeld had a good day, counting 5 firsts and a 3rd in his results to win by 3 pts, from Bill Bradley and Craig Canute.
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Only a few DF65's showed their weary faces this morning...must have been a slow morning.
The wind was down the pond from the SW...15knots and gusty and everyone ran A Rigs.
Steve Fifeld had a good day, counting 5 firsts and a 3rd in his results to win by 3 pts, from Bill Bradley and Craig Canute.
RESULTS IOM CLUB RACES 15FEB25
The wind was definitely Top of A rig from the east - and gusts coming down the lake from the carpark end kept everyone on their toes!
Cap'n Bill took the honours (building on his DF65 win) with the new Alioth, in first place 3 pts ahead of Ian Westlake's V8, and Glenn Cochrane's Venti a further 6 pts back in 3rd.
Well done Bill...you'll be reliving today a few times in the coming week I bet ;-). Sorry there was no video to prove it happened.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
The wind was definitely Top of A rig from the east - and gusts coming down the lake from the carpark end kept everyone on their toes!
Cap'n Bill took the honours (building on his DF65 win) with the new Alioth, in first place 3 pts ahead of Ian Westlake's V8, and Glenn Cochrane's Venti a further 6 pts back in 3rd.
Well done Bill...you'll be reliving today a few times in the coming week I bet ;-). Sorry there was no video to prove it happened.
RESULTS DF65 CLUB RACING 15FEB2025
T'was a gusty, shifty, Top of A+ rig, weed-ridden days sailing...but as always better than doing almost anything else :-)
Cap'n Bill Bradley wins the day on countback from Steve Fifeld, both on 10 pts, with Danial Draper 3rd 5 pts behind. (Bill had a particularly good day when you also look at the IOM results!!)
Saturday, February 15, 2025
T'was a gusty, shifty, Top of A+ rig, weed-ridden days sailing...but as always better than doing almost anything else :-)
Cap'n Bill Bradley wins the day on countback from Steve Fifeld, both on 10 pts, with Danial Draper 3rd 5 pts behind. (Bill had a particularly good day when you also look at the IOM results!!)
RESULTS IOM - SAT 08FEB2025
The forecast was for light Northerlies of 6 to 8 knots.
The IOMs enjoyed a more settled breeze in the afternoon with the shifts being more predictable.
Glen Cochrane (Venti) won on 10 points from Jenna Menzies (K2) 10.7 points and Richard Guy 3rd with 17.4 points.
Jenna and Richard are ex members returning to add more competition to our growing fleet of IOMs.
Its getting harder for the Gold boat to get anywhere near the front.
Friday, February 14, 2025
The forecast was for light Northerlies of 6 to 8 knots.
The IOMs enjoyed a more settled breeze in the afternoon with the shifts being more predictable.
Glen Cochrane (Venti) won on 10 points from Jenna Menzies (K2) 10.7 points and Richard Guy 3rd with 17.4 points.
Jenna and Richard are ex members returning to add more competition to our growing fleet of IOMs.
Its getting harder for the Gold boat to get anywhere near the front.
RESULTS DF65 SAT 08 FEB 2025
Sailing conditions were pretty tricky in the morning for the DF65s with very shifty winds.
Grant Lane gave a master class with a perfect score, after discards, of 6 points from Craig Canute and Bill Bradley 3rd.
Friday, February 14, 2025
The forecast was for light Northerlies of 6 to 8 knots.Sailing conditions were pretty tricky in the morning for the DF65s with very shifty winds.
Grant Lane gave a master class with a perfect score, after discards, of 6 points from Craig Canute and Bill Bradley 3rd.
NEW RESIDENT AT THE POND...
New club member feeding at the Nature pond overflow.
Seen today before racing at 1pm on the top of the gazebo, a White Heron. Was there for the last 3 weeks. Bill
Sunday, December 15, 2024
New club member feeding at the Nature pond overflow.
Seen today before racing at 1pm on the top of the gazebo, a White Heron. Was there for the last 3 weeks. Bill
Video of a couple of IOM club races from the weekend
Video of a couple of IOM club races from the weekend:
https://youtu.be/sBqFw_GOR-c
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Video of a couple of IOM club races from the weekend:
https://youtu.be/sBqFw_GOR-c
DF65 RESULTS 23NOV2024
'Twas a blustery Sou-westerly, straight down the lake with 20 degree shifts...starting off well into A+ conditions and getting stronger as the day progressed.
SteveF (56) wins convincingly from CraigC (226) in second, and BillB (55) third from JonathanT (34) on countback...
Saturday, November 23, 2024
'Twas a blustery Sou-westerly, straight down the lake with 20 degree shifts...starting off well into A+ conditions and getting stronger as the day progressed.
SteveF (56) wins convincingly from CraigC (226) in second, and BillB (55) third from JonathanT (34) on countback...
IOM CLUB RACiNG - RESULTS 16NOV24
IOM results from saturday's racing...in a very blustery afternoon 15-18 knots...just more than A Rig, with all except BillB running B Rigs.
IanW wins the day with his V8, by a single point from Grant Lane and his new V11, and Alan Vickers 3rd (also V11).
Grant's V11 and the 2 new Venti's certainly mixed things up...going to be close as they get the hang of their new boats.
Saturday, November 16, 2024
IOM results from saturday's racing...in a very blustery afternoon 15-18 knots...just more than A Rig, with all except BillB running B Rigs.
IanW wins the day with his V8, by a single point from Grant Lane and his new V11, and Alan Vickers 3rd (also V11).
Grant's V11 and the 2 new Venti's certainly mixed things up...going to be close as they get the hang of their new boats.
DF65 CLUB RACE RESULTS 16NOV24
Results from the DF65 racing at Wattle today.
Wind was a blustery WSW straight down the pond, with 20-30 deg shifts and swings. Most went with A-rig and (mostly) survived :-)
Victory for the day goes to Andrew Tough -711 on a countback with Steve Fifeld - 56 (both on 10 pts), and Bill Bradley 3rd a couple of points further back.
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Results from the DF65 racing at Wattle today.
Wind was a blustery WSW straight down the pond, with 20-30 deg shifts and swings. Most went with A-rig and (mostly) survived :-)
Victory for the day goes to Andrew Tough -711 on a countback with Steve Fifeld - 56 (both on 10 pts), and Bill Bradley 3rd a couple of points further back.
CAPTAIN BILL's WEDNESDAY CHAT
The breeze from Nth Nth east puffing up to 10/12kn was decidedly challenging with its continuing change of direction. With 2 new Venti and a well sailed V11 along with the fat boys and others the competition was not one sided and regularly saw an older boat squeezing into the top 5 grouping.
We even had a visitor from Gulf Harbour. No arguments, all turns done (i think) and lots of good banter. 10 boats i counted, and with 5 regulars not turning up me thinks the Coffee club mentality has definitely been booted to the side lines. Funny i should say that for in the clubhouse on the bench is a capsule Coffee Machine, maybe we will be able to have a brew at the club before we start instead of spilling coffee in the car on the way there.
Let's do the same thing Saturday with the wind from the Southwest.
Feeling satisfied
Bill @ no5
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Its 4pm and i am still fizzing, if you were not sailing this morning at Wattle then you missed something special. The breeze from Nth Nth east puffing up to 10/12kn was decidedly challenging with its continuing change of direction. With 2 new Venti and a well sailed V11 along with the fat boys and others the competition was not one sided and regularly saw an older boat squeezing into the top 5 grouping.
We even had a visitor from Gulf Harbour. No arguments, all turns done (i think) and lots of good banter. 10 boats i counted, and with 5 regulars not turning up me thinks the Coffee club mentality has definitely been booted to the side lines. Funny i should say that for in the clubhouse on the bench is a capsule Coffee Machine, maybe we will be able to have a brew at the club before we start instead of spilling coffee in the car on the way there.
Let's do the same thing Saturday with the wind from the Southwest.
Feeling satisfied
Bill @ no5
IOM RESULTS - 8 race series
IOM RESULTS- weekend's 8 race series
A pleasant afternoon’s sailing from the Grandstand side.
Wind SSW 7 to 15 knots with a couple of puffs from WSW and overcast.
RossMcC(V11) wins on countback from AlanV(V11), with SteveF 3rd sailing the Titan...
Monday, November 04, 2024
IOM RESULTS- weekend's 8 race series
A pleasant afternoon’s sailing from the Grandstand side.
Wind SSW 7 to 15 knots with a couple of puffs from WSW and overcast.
RossMcC(V11) wins on countback from AlanV(V11), with SteveF 3rd sailing the Titan...
DF65 RESULTS- 8 race series
Results from the weekend 8 race series - DF65
A pleasant afternoon’s sailing from the Grandstand side.
Wind SSW 7 to 15 knots with a couple of puffs from WSW and overcast.
SteveF wins (also on countback) from AlecN, and CraigC third a couple of points back.
Monday, November 04, 2024
Results from the weekend 8 race series - DF65
A pleasant afternoon’s sailing from the Grandstand side.
Wind SSW 7 to 15 knots with a couple of puffs from WSW and overcast.
SteveF wins (also on countback) from AlecN, and CraigC third a couple of points back.
IOM CLUB RACES - RESULTS
Lewis Avenell (overseas sailor now- having deserted to PRSC in CH) wins with V9 #33, from Ian Westlake (V8 #31) and Ross McClew (V11 #80)
Definite B Rig conditions with a blustery SW straight down the lake.
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Lewis Avenell (overseas sailor now- having deserted to PRSC in CH) wins with V9 #33, from Ian Westlake (V8 #31) and Ross McClew (V11 #80)
Definite B Rig conditions with a blustery SW straight down the lake.
DF65 CLUB RACES- RESULTS
Grant lane(#217) takes the honours from Bill Bradley (#55) and Murray McDonnell (#333), in a B Rig breeze directly down the lake from the SW.
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Grant lane(#217) takes the honours from Bill Bradley (#55) and Murray McDonnell (#333), in a B Rig breeze directly down the lake from the SW.
2024 IOM NATIONALS - RESULTS
Final results for the 2024 IOM Nationals:
Congratulations to Rob Nelson (1st), Ian Vickers (2nd) and Mark Golison (3rd) (USA) for filling the top 3 spots at the recent IOM nationals in Cromwell / Lake Dunstan in the far south!
Our own Nigel Sibun and Ross McClew finished 15th/17th - bracketing the mid-fleet position- (although we could probably lay claim to Phil Pryde - who came 4th- as we taught him how to sail properly at Wattle :-)
Link to ANZAM results: https://www.anzamsystems.com/NZL/iom24nzl/Results.html
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Final results for the 2024 IOM Nationals:
Congratulations to Rob Nelson (1st), Ian Vickers (2nd) and Mark Golison (3rd) (USA) for filling the top 3 spots at the recent IOM nationals in Cromwell / Lake Dunstan in the far south!
Our own Nigel Sibun and Ross McClew finished 15th/17th - bracketing the mid-fleet position- (although we could probably lay claim to Phil Pryde - who came 4th- as we taught him how to sail properly at Wattle :-)
Link to ANZAM results: https://www.anzamsystems.com/NZL/iom24nzl/Results.html
