The Laser classes were well represented at the Manly Mid Winter Regatta with 40 entrants over the Standard, Radial and 4.7 divisions.  The regatta was raced earlier this month between 7-9 July with a range of testing conditions from light to fresh.  Moderate conditions kicked off proceedings on day one with slight chop and around 12-15knots of onshore breeze.  While we battened down the hatches in apprehension of the big one to hit on Sunday, the breeze only got up to a modest 5-10knots.  However Monday was fresh with solid waves.

 

The highly competitive Radial fleet was dominated by Harrison Baker who won five of the nine races.  Jack Lee Rush and Thomas Mulcahy sailed well to be second and third respectively.

 

Matthew Rist was the top performer from Manly Sailing Club with a respectable 5th overall and relished the wild conditions on Monday: “The waves were a highlight for me since they were great for surfing, so there were big gains and losses on the downwind as well as on the beats.”

 

The standard division was taken out by Wellingtonian Andrew Dellabarca winning two of the four races sailed on Saturday before staying on to keep the young radial sailors honest on Sunday & Monday.  Chris Brodie and Gary Lock followed in 2nd & 3rd respectively.  A special mention goes to Dave Ridley who finished in 4th while sailing on a broken foot.

 

The growing 4.7 class was won by Burty Meffan with Kahurangi Nepia and Kaya Reese 2nd & 3rd respectively.

 

It was fantastic to have sailors from all over the country including Nelson, Dunedin and Wanaka as well as Napier, Wellington and Kerikeri.

 

A big thank you from Manly Sailing Club to all those who got involved both on and off the water and we look forward to hosting the Barfoot & Thompson NZ Laser Nationals in early January next year.

 

Phil.