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From: Phil Coveny (philcov@ak.planet.gen.nz)
Date: Tue 22 Jun 1999 - 12:05:01 BST
Dear 14'ers
A belated report on the NZ14 nationals held April 24,25th submitted by
Matthew Smith, also of Whitbread fame.
<p>New Zealand International 14 Nationals
The New Zealand International 14 Nationals were held over ANZAC weekend at
Whitianga on the East Coast of the North Island. Nine Boats, four from
Auckland, three from Napier and one from Rotorua (including three brand new
sisterships to Grant Bourke's Swizzlestick) arrived on Saturday morning to
find that the 20 knot plus Easterly had kicked up a broken surf. This meant
that getting off the main beach was not really a possibility, especially
after one of the Jollyboat fleet (also holding their nationals) got into
trouble getting through the surf, resulting in a broken mast.
The decision was made to move venues to Cooks Beach. On arriving there and
after inspecting a one metre swell wrapping around the point and dumping on
the beach and a number of surfers trying to make the most of it, the
majority of the fleet were in favour of trying out the local pub. The more
professional and non-drinking types were keen to give it a go and the Race
Officer (apparently an ex 12 footer type) indicated that the first race
would get underway at 1500 hrs.
Race one was a fore runner of what was to come, wind blowing down the beach
20 knots at the start line, 5 to 20 knots at the top mark, tucked in only
about 100 yards from a very high headland, 25 knots and very big swells at
the more exposed wing mark, one metre swells at 90 degrees to the wind with
a 2 foot chop on top over the rest of the course and occasional rain
squalls. Just what sailing at ANZAC weekend is all about and perfect for
your average 14 sailor.
Swizzlestick IV, (Grant Bourke, Matthew Mitchell) and Red October (Craig
Coulam, Bruce Gilmour) were the only boats to have a handle on the start
sequence, and set off up the first beat, the remainder of the now severely
depleted fleet following. Conditions at the top mark were a little tricky
and its hard to say exactly what happened but Magic Dragon (Matthew Smith,
Murray Birch) rounded first followed by Red October. Swizzlestick who had
managed to trip the mainsail halyard and then capsize to resecure it were
back to first place by the bottom mark after Magic Dragon and Red October
both swam trying to avoid a mid leg collision.
Swizzlestick went on to win followed by Magic Dragon and Roeanna II (Andrew
Estcourt and Bruce Curson of 49er fame). The remainder of the fleet retired.
Sunday Morning saw similar conditions, the racing being delayed until the
committee and rescue boats were able to get out over the bar at the
Whitianga River entrance. The start of race two saw more confusion when both
Resin Technology (Veteran 14er Phil Coveny and rookie crew Kevin Goodwin)
and Magic Dragon started on the one minute signal. This was the most
successful race in terms of numbers to finish. Swizzlestick went on to win
by a comfortable margin followed by Red October and Carson Taylor Ford
(Dennis Shepherd, Keith Taylor)
By race three, which was run back to back with race two the fleet was down
to five starters and again saw Swizzlestick completely dominated. The only
other finishers were Carson Taylor Ford and Magic Dragon in that order.
Race four was held after a short break ashore and saw the fleet reduced to
three starters with only Swizzlestick completing the course.
Continuing heavy conditions and a seriously depleted fleet meant that
Mondays racing was abandoned.
Conratulations to Grant and Matthew on taking out the National Championships
in Completely dominating fashion. Their ability to push the boat down wind
didn't allow the conditions to dominate and showed the rest of the fleet
that the conditions were very raceable. A good demonstration that all that
stuff that is carted around in order to have three rig heights can be of
benefit when the conditions get extreme.
Also a special mention of thanks to the Mercury Bay Boating Club Race
Committee for ensuring a series was completed. This was only possible due to
their flexibility in changing venues and willingness to get their boats out
through some heavy river bar conditions.
<p><p><p><p><p><p><p><p>Results
No Boat Name Crew R1 R2 R3 R4 Pts Plc
35 Swizzlestick IV G Bourke/M Mitchell 1 1 1 1 4 1
38 Carson Taylor Ford D Shepherd/K Taylor DNF 3 2 DNF 25 2
40 Magic Dragon M Smith/M Birch 2 DSQ 3 DNF 25 3
36 Red October C Coulam/B Gilmour DNF 2 DNF DNS 32 4
25 Roeanna II A Estcourt/B Curson 3 DNF DNS DNS 33 5
19 Crash n Burn J Price/ P Hunter DNF DNF DNF DNS 40 6=
39 Restech P Coveny/K Goodwin DNF DSQ DNF DNS 40 6=
13 Jungle Fungus M Nolan/R Sinclair DNF DNF DNS DNS 40 6=
33 Crowd Pleaser D Everritt/K Banks DNF DNS DNS DNS 40 6=
<p><p>Matthew Smith
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