See some great photos taken by Jackie Jensen - click here to view
 
Closing Day at the GBC saw some great moments shared by our members both past and present. A special thanks to Shaun Connolly, David Reid and Tanya Wakelin for making a special appearance possible and some wonderful words from our founding members Owen Munro and Dave Marks, simply fantastic to have these special people at the GBC.
 
The Closing Day handicap race is always a good challenge and we saw a good contest across the Arrow, Mistral, Starling and Opti fleets with some well deserved results listed below. The highly coveted parents and coaches race was once again plenty of fun - with two flights being needed to get a final fleet. In the end Frankie Lardies proved too good for us all and took both the Open and the Coaches honours and Ian Young produced a storming last leg to clinch the victory in the Parents Division. A special sweep-stake race was held between two of the young Mistral sailing teams with the funds raised going to the Starling Youth Development Fund, Matt Connolly and Abby McGeorge sailed skillfully in every respect to take line honours over Henry Haslett and Nick Reid.
 
Results are:
Arrow: 1st Bop Soper : 2nd Dave Staples : 3rd Russell Turnball
Mistral: 1st Craig and Jack Floyd : 2nd Henry Haslett and Nick Reid : 3rd Matt Connolly and Abby McGeorge
Starling: 1st Grace Tattersall : 2nd Simon Powell : 3rd Daniel Andresen
Optimist: 1st Thomas Powell : 2nd Craig Keenan : 3rd Sebastian Lardies 

For Sale
 
David Reid has kindly purchased a supply of quick release safety clips for Opti sailors to attach their mainsheet to the boom - this is an essential safety item. If you don't' have one see David  on Sunday at the club -  they are for sale at $21 each.

Update on New Class

Members may recall discussions  regarding introducing a new 2 person class into the club. The intention was that it would fill the gap for a mother/daughter or father/son class, as well as being suitable for two teenagers or two adults.
One option we looked into was to design, develop and build an all new class. This option proved difficult and cost prohibitive.
With the need to get to an end goal of getting exciting two handed sailing class established at the GBC, at a sensible cost, the decision was made to adopt the Mistral class.
The Mistral was designed by local yacht designer Des Townson who also designed the Starling.
Mistrals are stunning two handed centreboarders, renowned for their good looks and sparkling performance especially on a reach with the kite up.
The club has bought a Mistral The Spook. Available to members to try out The Spook is joined by four member's boats. Our aim is to get a minimum of 10 Mistrals established within the Club and racing each weekend.
A full story on the Mistral including photos will soon be on our website.
 
Storage for Mistrals is now available at the club. Contact Stu Devine stu@ppw.co.nz

For more information on the Mistral please contact Shaun Connolly 021 664 223.

Summer Sailing Results:

• Congratulations to George Novis and JJ Marie who sailed their 420 in Brisbane at Moreton Bay managing some great results along the way and getting  a best result of 3rd place in one of the qulaifying events.
  
• To Opti-sailors Craig Keenan and Henry Haslett for being selected for the NZIODA Development Team and competing in Noumea (Henry finished 4th and Craig 15th out of 28 sailors). The event included 4 days training and four days racing. Craig and Henry also attended a 4 day Eastern Beach Opti Clinic. 55 sailors attended and the regatta results on the final day were Henry 6th and Craig 26th.
  
• Congratulations to all who attended the GBC Opti and Starling Clinics particularly those Starling sailors and Opti sailors for competing in the Amazing Race, with Logan Andreson taking 2nd place in the Starling Class and Matt Connnolly finishing 1st in the Opti class.

2011 OptiWorlds report

The 2011 OptiWorlds were an outstanding event. It was truly an eye opener to see so many talented sailors from all corners of the world, and as many young ladies as there were (there were 4 young ladies in the Singapore team!)....click here to see full report.
Photos to follow soon.