RPNYC Winter Series 2 Aug 2026

Crew: Murray, Eduardo, Jamie, Dean, Geoff (5 POB).

Forecast: Northerly 10 kts gusting 15 kts.

Quickslip

With a fine, calm winter morning, we took the opportunity to motor Halo around to Evans Bay for a quick hull clean before racing. Jamie and Dean joined me to lend a hand. After a scrub below the waterline, Halo was looking ready for the afternoon’s racing.

It was good to see Grenadier out on the water after their scheduled two-handed race the previous day had been cancelled.

The Race

We called Port Nick Sports on VHF Channel 62 to confirm our entry with five people on board. The Race Officer announced the special course: Start – 9S – 8S – 4S – 25S – 9S – 8S – Finish. The first warning signal was at 1155 hrs.

Fifteen yachts crowded the start line, all jostling for the best position. It was a busy and competitive start, with at least three boats being called OCS and forced to return to restart.

We rounded the first mark just behind Cantilena, Grenadier and Zigzag, before hoisting our maxi spinnaker for the short run down Evans Bay to Mark 8.

After rounding the Evans Bay mark, the course became a long beat up Wellington Harbour to Ngauranga. Initially we stayed close behind Grenadier, but were surprised when they tacked west much earlier than expected.

Cantilena and Parthenope headed out to the eastern side of the harbour, while we enjoyed a favourable lift up the middle, following Gucci.

By the time we reached Mark 4 at Ngauranga it was obvious Grenadier’s early move had paid off. They had opened a comfortable lead.

As we approached the mark, Gucci ahead of us, already had their kite flying. Jamie had our spinnaker ready to go, and after our starboard rounding of Mark 4 we hoisted the maxi once again while Murray took over on the helm.

Initially we were on a reach, so we rigged the reaching strut on the guy. As we entered Evans Bay and headed towards Shoal Pile, the angle gradually eased into a broad reach and eventually almost dead downwind, making the reaching strut unnecessary.

Looking astern, we watched Cantilena steadily gain on us before sailing past under an enormous symmetrical spinnaker. It was an impressive sight.

We followed Cantilena around Mark 25 before beginning the beat back towards Mark 9, staying right on their heels. A great duel was developing between the two boats.

Approaching the final windward mark we were on port tack when Zigzag suddenly crossed our bow. We hadn’t seen them approaching. Our mistake. They had right of way but, interestingly, never called “Starboard!”. They must have judged there was enough room to clear us safely, although it certainly got everyone’s attention.

Shortly afterwards Cantilena crossed our bow as well, but this time we saw them coming and dipped safely beneath them.

The final leg took us past Point Jerningham towards the finish. Zigzag hoisted their gennaker, but it didn’t appear to give them any extra speed and they gradually slipped behind us.

Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t quite reel in Cantilena, who crossed the finish line just 40 seconds ahead. Congratulations to James and his crew on a well-sailed race.

Another thoroughly enjoyable afternoon on Wellington Harbour.

Results

After packing up Halo back at Chaffers Marina, we wandered over to the club for a well-earned cold beer while waiting for the results.

Race Officer Thijs Nicolas announced the results. Halo finished 5th on Club Handicap and 5th on PHRF. Congratulations to Grenadier for an excellent race and a well-deserved 2nd place finish.

Another enjoyable day on the water, with close racing and plenty of action from start to finish.