A big thank you to Phil and Barb for marshalling and time keeping. It must be difficult watching an event like this from your car – not your Kart.

Many thanks to <http://www.boyztoyz.co.nz/> Boyztoyz <http://www.boyztoyz.co.nz/> Porirua for sponsoring this event, and putting an amazing trophy up for grabs.

It was a great day for the lightweights.

As the wind was coming almost straight down the beach, we decided not to set the northern marker 5km up the beach to avoid too much tacking. Instead we shortened it to 2.5km up the beach and doubled the number of laps to 20. (Well that was the idea!) The wind gradually turned to be more square to the beach, and we were able to get up the beach on one or two tacks.

After about 2 hours, the wind died, and we decided to call the race. I had just managed to complete my 10th lap (50km), after lapping everyone at least once!

About 5 minutes after the race was called, those who were left stranded up the beach, came flying past on the gust they caught further up the beach!

It was great to see some new faces there, and I hope that they have taken away some good experiences from this.

Hope to see you on the beach again soon, but not before some tarmac practice!
Dave

Waitarere Marathon Winner 2008