Wanaka enjoys first regatta of the spring

Etchells in the Wanaka Yacht Club Sail Ski Regatta race on Lake Wanaka on Saturday. Photo by...
Etchells in the Wanaka Yacht Club Sail Ski Regatta race on Lake Wanaka on Saturday. Photo by Marjorie Cook.
It was all white on Lake Wanaka and on the mountains this weekend, with dozens of yachties finding their ski legs before setting sail on the lake for line honours in the annual Wanaka Sail Ski Regatta.

Wanaka Yacht Club's first regatta of spring was held in balmy, calm conditions, forcing the sailors to work hard to get the most out of the fleet of Etchells in the light conditions.

Seven Etchells were used in the competition, with 15 teams of three sailors registering to race and up to 85 people watching or helping out.

With the results of Friday's downhill ski racing at the Snow Park kept top secret until Saturday's prize-giving, the competition on the water was good-natured but intense.

Ripples (of laughter) were caused when a protest was lodged by a young team against senior sailors.

Otago University student Holly McKee (21) said the reasons for her protest was simple.

She and her team mates, Abbi Ayre, of Wanaka, and Myfy Norton, of Queenstown, both teenagers, were the youngest by far and had to race old men.

That was reason enough, she said with a grin.

Results were. -Skiing: Southern Lakes Heliski High Performance Racing (Matt Bancroft, Angus Wilkins, George Grey), 1; Treble Cone (Robert Skinner, David Hogg, Richard Hansen) 2; Slam Dunk (Ross Williamson, Steve Hanna, Paul Kirkwood) 3.

Sailing: Skailers (Pete Cooksey, Hayden Dickey, Chris Stone), 1; Aremango Guest House (Graeme Sutherland, Ross Sutherland, Logan Sutherland), 2: Flight of the Conchords (Chris Conroy, Callum Conroy, Katie Conroy), 3.

Overall: Skailers (Pete Cooksey, Hayden Dickey, Chris Stone), 1; Flight of the Conchords (Chris Conroy, Callum Conroy, Katie Conroy), 2; Taquerla Poblano (James Lazor, Dan Bush, Carl Selby), 3.

Best female team: Grand Mecure Oakridge: Holly McKee, Myfy Norton, Abbi Ayre.

 


 

 

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