“Those spectacular speeds also have the capacity for equally spectacular wipe-outs. They have been known to nosedive and cartwheel, catapulting the crew off the boat.”
GYC commodore javelin class stalwart Colin Shanks and son Ross will represent the East Coast in the championship.
“They have won the event numerous times previously, including twice claiming the Kingham Trophy and Sanders Cup double,” Millar said.
“In conjunction with this event we are hosting the inaugural North Island championships in the phase 2 class of yacht.
“These are smaller two-person yachts that don’t carry spinnakers but are still capable of relatively high speeds.”
The phase 2s will start racing on Saturday in tandem with the javelins.
“At least three Gisborne boats will contest this event. They will be crewed by juniors Aaron Gaskin and Jake and Lucy Millar.”
“We are expecting a similar number of out-of-town phase 2 teams.
Jake Millar is the youngest person (11) to helm a javelin. He skippered Hot Gossip in the annual javelin sprint series on Lake Rotoiti last year.
The Sunshine Brewery invitation race for the Kingham Trophy is being held tomorrow.
It traditionally precedes the Sanders Cup championship.
