Sailing: Silver lining marks end of era

CATCHING THE DRIFT: The zoom lens from Perfume Point captures two crews from the Flying fifteens class keeping each other honest yesterday. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

LET it be known that Napier Sailing Club commodore Paul Redman isn't one to blow his own trumpet.

But, as the club celebrating its 125th anniversary signalled the end of an era yesterday with its final New Year's Regatta along the Ahuriri waterfront, Redman felt compelled to shed light on his own milestone to do justice to an event that served seasalt dogs faithfully for 60 years.

That accomplishment came in the Noelex 25 class where he skippered his Sheet Music to victory over former national champion Bob Witham, of Napier, in more than a decade of trying in the Muffs Pantry-sponsored regatta.

"I've been trying to beat him for more than 10 years. I have beaten him occasionally but never in a series of races," said the 67-year-old at the end of two days of racing yesterday.

"It sounds a little silly, playing my own trumpet, but I must admit other club members were quite happy for me because they known we've been rivals."

Redman had Matt Wood and his partner, Greece, as crew while Witham had the services of his partner, Charlotte Descamps, and former Napier mayor Barbara Arnott while he was at the helm of Elderberry Wine.

Redman hastened to add that he and Witham were close friends but staunch rivals on the water.

Six races were scheduled for the Noelex 25 class but only four went ahead due to inclement weather prompting race officer Andrew Kearney cancelling one of two on Sunday and another from the four yesterday.

"Because of the severe winds [on Sunday] the officer of the day decided to scrub a couple of the races because of bad conditions," said Redman.

Redman's crew recorded a first in the opening race, first in the second, runner up in the third and the same in the fourth race.

Witham's crew - 4th, 2nd, 1st and 3rd, respectively in the fleet of five boats.

So what was the difference this regatta for Redman?

"Just racing tactics. Bob's a very skilful sailor but I'm getting better on the day tactics won the race."

Once a marquee sailing event in the Bay, the writing was on the wall as early as 2012 when Redman had told HB Today the New Year's Regatta was struggling to stay afloat.

The club hosted the traditionally three-day annual event, which started luring fewer entries and was devoid of elite classes.

Boasting a Mecca-like status for an army of seafarers not only from around the country but overseas competitors as well, the visitor numbers were starting to become conspicuous in their absence.

Primarily a series of club committee meetings had reached a conclusion that "people are so busy in their lives these days".

"For 60 years we have been hosting a regatta here but because of changing times, different priorities and different work situations this is probably the last New Year Regatta we will have."

Redman said the annual summer regatta in late November would assume that mantle of marquee event because of its growing popularity.

The club is bracing itself to host the Noelex 25 nationals on the Waitangi Weekend of February 4-6.

The National Flying Fifteens follows with the world championship in that class from late next month to early March.

"In Easter weekend we'll have the New Zealand Optimists Championship which will be a huge event also."

Redman said the club had an organised patrol boat system in the age of health and safety.

"With the harsh conditions we had on Sunday their rescue boats performed with great safety," he said, adding the club was extremely proud of that.

"A few kids went out in their optis in very windy conditions and some of them got into a bit of trouble.

"While most of them got by the rescue boats did good work for them."

Four "Sailability" boats, with sailors of varying disabilities, also competed in the trying conditions.