Great wind, probably 17 - 18 knts with some gusts over 20. Everyone sailed 3 metres to start with one change to a 2 metre as the wind rose later in the afternoon. A short course with lots of "wine glass" bends was set up which proved challenging to some with a couple of karts going over and others heading for the grass (or kerb) as a gust hit at the wrong time. Not sure how Allan survived the gybe rounding in that gust but certainly looked spectacular! Where's Orca when the wind is up? Most of the Auckland Team heading to NZ Open later this week were there for a last tune up and sail. Certainly went through some tyres (and tubes) with the hard cornering in the fast conditions. Another couple of newcomers tried their hand with Dennis from Whangamata borrowing the club demo kart and having a ball and Don joining the club day for the first time. It was disappointing to see another new sailor turn up late and even after several requests insisting on sailing without a helmet. He could have borrowed one.

In the under 85 kg class looks like Grant and Haydn are definitely going fast and we know David has been flying of late and Nicolas Graham and Derek can surprise and then in the over 85 kg area Bruce and Jenny have speed to burn, Allan was flying at the head of the bunch, David looked good with a 3 metre that hasn't seem any use in the past and Wayne O was definitely the fastest in the last winter series races. So the Auckland team is looking forward to some great sailing at the Papamoa track where I see there is plenty of wind forecast for Thursday and Friday and maybe dropping a bit over the weekend.

Bring it on!

Russell