Lake race puts wind in their sails

Neil and Georgina Wooldridge live right on the edge of Lake Pupuke. Their number plate - SAILRS - pays tribute to the couple's love of sailing.
The lake's edge is just a few metres beyond the family property's boundary. Here, surrounded by reeds and lily pads, Mrs Wooldridge launches her Laser-class dinghy.
"The wind shifts a lot on the lake. It's a lot more stationary on the sea. You have to constantly adjust your sail to get the best shape out of it," says Mr Wooldridge, as his wife navigates  around the lake. "It certainly keeps us fit."
The Wooldridges belong to Pupuke Boating Club, which will host the annual North Shore Freshwater Championships next month. Senior yachties will come from around the country for the regatta on May 15 and 16.
"It's one of the club's biggest annual events and the whole lake fills up with boats," says Mrs Wooldridge.
The Freshwater Championship got started in the mid-80s, with 40 to 50 boats. In 2007 - its biggest year yet - 92 people took part.
"Some are on holiday from the South Island and come and join us . Others come from Taupo, Napier or up North and camp around the lakeside," says the club's national race officer, Garth Briden.  About 60 participants are expected.
Pupuke Boating Club
In 2008, on the shores of Lake Pupuke - a freshwater-filled volcanic crater - Pupuke Boating Club celebrated its 50th anniversary.
It is one of the few Auckland yacht clubs that holds Sunday races all year round.
It also hosts two regattas a year, including the Freshwater Championship.
Although primarily Laser sailing, the club provides a venue for most monohull centreboard yachts.
Over the years, it has produced top sailors - including former Westlake student Jo Aleh who represented New Zealand at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Pupuke Boating operates from a humble green shed at the lake edge, but has a strong membership of  about 80. New sailors are always welcome.
More information: www.pupuke.org.nz