Crew: Geoff, Murray, Jamie, Jess.
Forecast: Predictwind: N 12-18 kts gusting 24. Metservice: N 10 kts rising to 20 gusting 30.
We signed up as a casual entry in Port Nick’s ‘At Home’ Series. These are harbour races for those yachts who aren’t competing in the Offshore Series.
Our new crew member was Jessica from Southampton UK, who is here in Wellington doing post-grad studies in climate science. After the Halo safety briefing we cast off with Jess and Jamie on sail trim, Murray on mainsheet, and me on helm.
We hoisted the small #3 headsail and one reef in the mainsail and called up Race Control on VHF Ch. 62 to sign on with 4 POB. The course was announced. Start – 16 (p) – 11 Korokoro (s) – Somes (s) – 6 (s) – Finish. Starting at 1200 hrs.
I messed up the start timing so we crossed the line at the back of the fleet. After rounding Mark 16 we headed close-hauled up to Korokoro. The wind was blowing NE 16-23 kts, gusty and shifty, which kept us on our toes. The rest of the fleet tacked away west towards the coast but we decided to take our chances heading up towards Somes Island. James, who was sailing single-handed on Saucy Sausage, followed close behind us.
We rounded the top mark just ahead of Zimmerframe Racing Team (Farr MRX) and Bedouin (Elliott 7.9). Our strategy worked!
Zimmerframe got past us as we sailed on a beam reach to the top of Somes. Bedouin also squeezed in front of us as we rounded the island. We poled out our jib to sail ‘goose winged’ for the run down to Wellington Heads.
After rounding the Front Lead we had an exhilarating beat back up the harbour in gusts up to 30 kts to get to Pt Halswell.
It was Jess’s first time sailing in Wellington so of course the dolphins came out to put on a show for her 🙂
We finished the race at 1450 hrs and docked Halo back in her berth at Chaffers Marina.
Back at the club the results were announced. Halo came 4th on handicap. A great race and thanks to RPNYC for letting us join in the fun!
Halo Log Book 