The forecast for 20+ knts was n't looking too good when I headed down to Muriwai and the trees weren't moving much. Found Wayne O, Orca, Ray and Peter in the cafe at the beach getting some sustainance before hitting the beach. They confirmed there as SOME wind. At the beach there was 10–12 knts (where's the 20 knts??)and starting to move S rather than the predicted SW. Everyone rigged up ready to sail to the stream. Good to see Andrew up from the BoP for his first taste of Auckland sailing. Rod and I headed by road and beach access for the start area. Rigged at the stream as the first bunch arrived via the beach and found that there was good speed as long as there was no turns as the sand was still a bit wet and sticky. That made for a tricky course! Gave everyone some practice time as we waited for the briefing and the wind to fill in. I laid the mark 5 km along the beach. Decided against sailing through the stream. The wind arrived at the right time and after a quick briefing gave the 3 minute start countdown in about 12–15 knts. All had 4 metres except Dave W who opted for his 5.5. The sand had dried and it was a good surface for sailing although a couple of lulls caught out a couple of sailors. Haydn took an early lead which he never relinguished although his dad Graham closed in at times. There was great competition for the next 6 places with Peter, Graham, Trevor, Wayne O, Orca, Jon and Barry all fighting and changing places over the 100 km. 6 had entered the 50 km race but all carried on with most finishing the full 100 km. Trevor received the unluckiest sailor of the day, working up to 2nd after 30 km only to puncture at the far end of the beach and ended up sailing back to the van on a rim which cost him a couple of laps. At the end Haydn had kept his lead overall and finished after 2 hours 37 minutes. The wind had stayed in the whole time and remained at 90 degrees approx to the beach all day. Good sailing all day. There were some lulls and a couple of laps the time was up a bit but it settled in again for the last 20 km for everyone to finish at speed. Results:
50 Km race
1st David Heilbron
2nd Jenny Hales
3rd Adrian Davis

Lightweights (under 85 kg)
1st Haydn Ingall
2nd Graham Ingall
3rd Barry Cole

Heavyweights (85+ kg)
1st Orca Bush
2nd Wayne Osborne
3rd Bruce Hales

Lots of tales to be told at the finish and I'm sure some will give their version on this site. Thanks to Bruce and Jenny for the barbeque to finish off. Trophies and certificates for the 100 km will be given out at the next get together. Photos to follow over the next couple of days.

Russell