I am very conscious of having neglected this website for a long time. However, there is now something to write about!
Over the past 2 years, it would be fair to say that we have been disappointed at our regatta results, namely the Bay of Islands Race Week (New Zealand’s premium regatta) and the Jack Tar Regatta in Auckland. The competition has certainly been intense with a bunch of 52s, led by Mayhem (Harry Dodson) and supported by Temptation, Viento, Wired, V5 and Kia Kaha.
George Hendy and I have worked hard at modifications to the boat – reducing the weight of the keel, larger main, etc., plus of course new sails – a constant in any event with a serious racing yacht. A meeting with Gavin Brady last year, to get his thoughts, was very helpful.
We have now started on the 2018 version of Bay of Islands Race Week. Day one has produced results for us that exceeded our highest expectations. Three races. Three first on line. Three firsts in PHRF. Two firsts and one second in IRC. Two more days to go however!
We have undoubtedly been greatly assisted by our Rockstar additions to the team – Brad Butterworth, Stu Bannatyne, Warwich Fleury and Daniel Fong. This has served also to lift up the performance of the rest of the crew. Crew work has been excellent, with no costly errors.
Tomorrow is of course another day, as will be February.
Jim Farmer
25 January 2018