Sailing at Lake Pupuke is a unique experience and the 2024 combined North Harbour Masters / J14 Auckland Champs were proof of that.

Results

Even lake experts were tested by a puffy unstable Northerly. We had rare moments almost beclamed on the runs, and times fully hiked and reaching for the cunningham. It was a good test and we only had to contend with rain and a real fade in the breeze for the last of the five races.

9 ILCA 7's and 7 ILCA 6's was a pretty light turnout. But 20 elegant J14's fill the start line and were spectacular across the lake.

Kris Decke dominated the ILCA 7's winning all 4 races he started, leaving the last light race for Mark Hursthouse and Nik Kelis to sort out 2nd and 3rd.

Phil Wild mastered the ILCA 6's with 4 (he thinks maybe 3) bullets. Pete Thomas was 2nd and Roger Winton returned from a sailing break for 3rd.

David Giles and Trent Justice had more of a battle for the top J14 spot. David just came out on top to defend the title he won last year. Bill Hewitt and Mark Shaw in 3rd and 4th were close on points. First 2-handed crew were Rob and Mika Neely were 5th overall.

A Pupuke BC prize-giving is a cultural experience. Generous spot prizes, dodgy sausages (that don't need chilling for some alarming reason) and J.D. uniformly offending everyone. No one feels left out.

Huge thanks again to Garth, J.D. and Dave who put this event on each year with zero fuss. Super relaxed and super fun.