Gulf Classic
By Nadine MacDonald
So, there we were in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, which was more packed than a can of sardines at a cat convention. The yachts were slicing through the water like hot knives through butter, and the sails were so puffed up, you’d think they were trying to impress a date.
The Gulf Classic is like the cool cousin of the America’s Cup – less posh, more fun, and you don’t need a billion-dollar bank account to join the party. Hosted by the Waikato Yacht Squadron, the shindig gets every boat lover’s anchor a-twirlin’.
The wind was forecasted to average 15 knotts. In reality it was an average of 18 gusting 27 knotts and we got wet, very very wet.
Now, the courses were a real pick ‘n’ mix:
The 40 Nautical Miles was for those who like their sailing like their coffee – quick and with a little froth.
The 60 Nautical Miles was for the adrenaline junkies who think ‘danger’ is their middle name (it’s actually Kevin).
The 80 Nautical Miles was the big kahuna, a nautical marathon that had more twists and turns than a soap opera.
The weekend was a blast:
Friday was all about chowing down on seafood chowder so good, it’d make a mermaid jealous.
Saturday, the race was on! It was a tangle of ropes, a flurry of sails, and a whole lot of “Arrr, matey!” being thrown around.
Sunday was prizegiving, where the winners got enough sunscreen to last a lifetime and the losers got… well, a pat on the back and a “better luck next time.”
Even better for me, it was my 50th birthday and I think the day was an epic way to celebrate a half century.
We sailed around Rangitoto, Waihike & Rakino Islands. A beautiful route.
There were 3 Boats from LTYC – NoReMorse, Eboat and Jason Butterfields Keeler.
La Camargue, the speed demon that probably had rocket boosters hidden somewhere.
Frida, the rebel of the sea, known for her flashy spinnaker and her ability to cut through the competition like a hot pizza slicer.
E Boat (T3743): An Elliot 7.4 from Taupo YC. Nailed it with an elapsed time of 09:16:18, earning 2nd place.
NoReMorse lost a bowsprit on the first downwind let (luckily Peter Roberts was no-where near at the time) and couldn’t fly our Gennaker, but we were still 6th overall – not bad.
But hey, it’s not just about the racing. It’s about the sea, the sunburn, and the stories that’ll be told for years to come. So, whether you’re a seasoned sea dog or you get seasick in a swimming pool, mark your calendars for the Gulf Classic. It’s the wildest ride since Captain Ahab decided to go whale watching.
Thanks to Chris, Bruce, Kerry, Robin and Jason for the great company over the weekend.
(PS: Thank you to Co-Pilot for the actual writing of this article)
