The New Zealand National Laser Championships 2012

2012-01-31T01:44:00.000-08:00

Olympic representatives shine at 2012 New Zealand National Laser Championship.

Photo: Sara Winther – Laser Radial Winner and Andrew Murdoch Winner of the Laser Open (Photo by Bruce Jones)

The New Zealand 2012 Laser Olympic representatives, Andrew Murdoch and Sara Winther, confirmed their class by winning their respective divisions at the Laser National Championships held in Worser Bay Wellington. Both sailors continued from where they left off after successes at the recent ISAF World Championships in Perth.

After finishing third on the podium in ISAF Worlds in Perth, Murdoch won in convincing fashion winning the last four races in a row. Incidentally, this year’s win also means he has been also been unbeaten in the National championships for the last four years. The notable presence of a number of highly ranked international sailors added significantly to the competitiveness of the fleet with Jee Min Ha of Korea finishing second overall ahead of NZL sailing team member Andy Maloney in third. In fourth was Dutch sailor Rutger van Schnaardenburg and in fifth was another international competitor Kristian Ruth of Norway.

Photo: Andrew Murdoch on the way to winning race one. (Photo by Chris Coad Photography)

Photo: Sara Winther – Bottom mark rounding day one. (Photo by Chris Coad Photography)

In the Laser Radial Sara Winther also extended on her top ten placing in the ISAF World Championships and her recent outstanding form on the World Cup circuit. Winther triumphed in the largest fleet in the regatta which included a competitive group of Youth sailors vying selection for the Youth World Championships. Winther’s scorecard included winning six of the ten races. Second overall in the Laser Radial after a close battle with Winther was Logan Dunning-Beck from Wakatere Boating Club and in third and first in the Youth division was Matthew Kempkers also from Wakatere.

The 4.7 class was won convincingly by Charlotte Corston who took five race wins out of the seven races completed. In second place was Emma Sullivan of Nelson and in third (and first male) was 16 year old Jacob Miller.

In the Masters full rig division, local hero Andrew Dellabarca (Worser Bay) was eager to win the event having been the runner up for the last two years. Dellabarca sailed extremely consistently to finally win the regatta - His worst counting placing was a mere third place. Second overall was the regatta organising chairman Rob Woodward who managed to transfer his abundant enthusiasm into pure boat speed to finish one point ahead of Murray Thom. Woodward also took out the Apprentice Masters division. In fourth place overall was defending champion Mark Page who did well to overcome a few career threatening recent injuries, but only after utilising more strapping tape than Richie McCaw needed to get through the world cup!

Photo: Negotiating the building sea state on Day one (Photo by Chris Coad Photography)

The Masters Radial fleet was won by Double world champion Scott Leith. Leith salvaged a potentially regatta ruining gear breakage within seconds of starting the first race. However, he then went on to win the next four races to establish a defendable lead going into the last day of racing. Mark Orams of Torbay Sailing Club finished in second place just three points behind overall. In third overall was Pete Thomas of Wakatere Boating Club who beat fellow Wakatere sailor Mike Keeton after a number of close duels during the week.

Photo: Waiting for the wind on the final day (Photo Bruce Jones)

While the Wellington weather presented a number of challenges at both ends of the wind spectrum the race management team, headed by Brett Linton, did an outstanding job to make the most of the conditions available. In addition, the regatta was enthusiastically hosted in true Worser Bay fashion with a number of volunteers generously lending their support. If the amount of coffee sold was a gauge of competitor and spectator satisfaction then the event was clearly a huge success!

Finally, the organising committee wishes to sincerely thank the numerous volunteers that each made a significant contribution to the success of the regatta.

A full summary of the overall results can be obtained through the following link:

http://www.nzlaser.org/content/2012-nz-laser-champs-results-reports-photos

To check out some of the action out on the water captured by the official regatta photographer – Chris Coad go to the following website:

http://yachtshots.photoshelter.com/

The organising committee would like to acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors in:

Find Recruitment; Opus International Limited; Ricoh; Catalyst IT Limited; Wellington City Council; John Deere; and Agriturf Limited.

Last Start of the regatta. Radials are go!

2012-01-23T18:33:00.001-08:00

Day 4 Race 4 4.32pm

2012-01-23T18:25:00.000-08:00

The open full rigs are on their last race of the regatta with Jee Min Ha lleading at the top mark thenRutger van and Andrew Murdoch.

The open radials were also able to start within the time limit and are now making their way up the first beat. Unfortunately it is too late for the 4.7s to get a race in.

At the finish of the open full rigs Andrew Murdoch takes it out the last race followed by Jee Min Ha Kristian Ruth, Rutger van Schnaardenburg, Andy Maloney, Colin Cheng from Singapore, Roeluf Bouwmeester, Josh Junior and Sam Meech.

The Open Radials have now finished and with that the regatta. First was Alex Morris then Rachel Basevi, Keith Inglis, Mahia Pepper, Logan Dunning Beck, Sam Scholfield, Charles Corsten, Ashlet Stoddart and Matthew Kempkers. Next was a group of three finishing close together including Sara Winther who had returned at the start when an individual recall had neen sounded.

we will get the full results up on this site for you as soon as possible.

Full Masters last start.

2012-01-23T17:42:00.001-08:00

Day 4 Race 3, 3.24pm

2012-01-23T17:15:00.000-08:00

The Open full rigs are on their way on their 3rd race of the day and we are about to see the open radials get underway..

Around the top mark Roelof Bouwmeester first then Andrew Murdoch followed by Josh Junior.

The Open Radials are away with an individual recall for a sailor who then returned and restarted. It is the intention of the RO to start a race for each of the remaining classes before the time limit expires. First around the top mark was Ashley Stoddart then Miranda Powrie and Jack Collinson.

The 4.7s and Full rigs masters are away on their last start of the day.

At the top in the full rig masters Mark Page Leads followed by Luuk van Basten Batenburg and Peter van Ryn.

The open full rigs are finishing with Andrew Murdoch first despit not having his flashest start of the regatta, then Roelof Bouwmeester, Jee Min Ha, Andy Maloney and Joosh Junior.

In the fulll rig masters at the bottom mark Luuk continues his good run at the front of the fleet then Rob Woodward, david Lowe and Mark Page.

The open radials are finishing their 3rd race with Ashley Stoddart taking the gun followed by Miranda Powrie, Keith Inglis, Jack Collinson, and Rachel Basevi.

The open full rigs are in their last start sequence of the day and as the Open radials come around to the finish it will be touch and go as to whether they will be time for another as well.

At thetop mark for the radiial masters Mark Orams has capitalised on a great start to take the lead then we have Pete thomas.

As the full rig masters go around the top mark for the last time this regatta amongst a chorus of creaking bones we have Luuk first, Andrew Dellabarca next then Rob Woodward.

In the radia masters mark Orams is first, then Mike Keeton and Greg Wilshire.

Full Rig Masters start second race today.

2012-01-23T16:29:00.001-08:00

Conservative start for Radials under the black flag.

2012-01-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

Miranda Powrie lining up for her start.

2012-01-23T16:15:00.000-08:00

Race Two Day Four 2.15pm

2012-01-23T16:01:00.000-08:00

The open full rigs are away with andrew Murchdoch being squeezeeed between the sailors from Peru and Israel eventually he was able to tack away and clear his air. The breeze remains around 8 - 10 knots.

The open radials had a general recall are now havinng another go. They get away second time around with a clear start.

Then came the 4.7s also all clear except for Jackson Yovich who received a penalty and did his 720.

At the top mark in the open full rig Andrew Murdoch first then Rutger van Schnaardenburg and Asker Seilforening of Norway. Andy Maloney was buried deep in the fleet.

As the Open radials round the top its James Roberts in first then Jack Collinson and Mahia Pepper.

In the 4.7s Charlotte Corston leads followed by Craig Atkinson and Jacob Millar.

As the full rig masters go around the top mark for the first time Rob Woodward lead. At he bottom he was overtaken by class stalwart Luuk van Basten Batenburg. to lie in second followed by Andrew Dellabarca, Gary lock and Mark Page.

The full rigs are finishing with Murdoch exerting his dominance over Jee Min Ha, Sam Meech Kristian Ruth.

In the radial Masters Mark Orams leads then Peter Thomas and Mike Knowsley.

The open full rigs are in their 3rd start of the day.

at their last top mark the full rig masters are led by Luuk followed by Rob Woodward and Andrew Dellabarca.

The radial masters are still being lead by Mark Orams then Pete Thomas and Mike Knowsley.

Our beloved leader on his throne!

2012-01-23T15:51:00.001-08:00

The 4.7s with 20 seconds to go.

2012-01-23T15:06:00.001-08:00

First Race Day Four 1.08pm

2012-01-23T14:52:00.000-08:00

The Open full rigs are away with Josh Junior Closest to the signal boat and Andrew Murdoch just below him with the rest of the fleet spread across what appears to be an even start line.

The Open Radials are away with another clear start.

At the top mark in the full rig open Sam Meech leads followed by youth sailor Michael Cate and Roelof Bouwmeester.

As the Radials round the top Keith Inglis is first Taylor Burn second followed by Cullen Le Roy. It looks like these lighter winds are unearthing new talent in the fleet.

The Laser Masters are having another go after a general recall.

As the 4.7s round the top its Emma Sullivan, Jacob Millar and then Cain Anderson

All classes are now underway and the 4.7s are coming down to the bottom gate with Jacob Millar leading over Emma Sullivan and Cain Anderson.

As the Full rig masters reach the too Tony Nicholson leads over Kent Copplestone and Andrew Dellabarca. They then hold these positions around the bottom gate with Rob Woodward and David Lowe in the next two positions.

The Laser Radial Masters are around the top with Scot Leith continuing his climb up the ladder rounding in first then Hamish atkinson and Peter Thomas. The second time around the top Kent Copplestone led over Tony Nicholson who received a penalty and did his 720. Next was Andrew Dellabarca.

These are perfect sailing conditions typiical of Worser Bay at this time of year..

The Open Full rigs are rounding the last bottom mark and with a short beat to the finish the finishing order looks like it will be - Andrew Murdoch, Sam Meech, Roeloff Bouwmeester, Rutger vanSchnaardenburg, Andy Maloney and Josh Junior..

The open Radials are finishing with sara Winther taking the gun and Rachel Basevi second.

They are off! First start of the day.

2012-01-23T14:51:00.001-08:00

Day 4, 11.33am

2012-01-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

There is now a light breeze from the south and the race management team are heading out on to the course to set up for the first race of the day.

The breeze is now 6 - 8 knots on the course as we prepare for the first start of the day.

Race Management also waiting for wind

2012-01-23T13:01:00.001-08:00

Fleet waiting for wind.

2012-01-23T13:00:00.001-08:00

Day 4, 9.46pm

2012-01-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

The wind has now died out completely. the sailors are still ashore and will come out when the forecast southerly arrives.

Day Four

2012-01-23T11:04:00.000-08:00

The forecast for today is for variable 5 knots becoming southerly 15 knots late morning then dying out in the evening. As we are writing this a 5 knot variable wind from the northeast is what we are seeing on the magnificent Wellington harbour.

Today should be interesting in the Open Full Rigs with Andrew Murdoch on 10 points closely followed by Andy Maloney on 11 and Jee Min Ha on 12. As Rutger van Schnaardenburg is also close on 15 points there is everything to play for today.

in the Open Radial Sara Winther has a battle on her hands to to fend off Logan Dunning Beck who had a great day yesterday with two firsts and two seconds. Then there is a bigger gap of 11 points back to Matthew Kempkers in third.

in the 4.7s Charlotte Corsten is having a great with her worst result being a lonely second and is the favourite in this class.

in the Full Rig Masters it is a case of age before beauty with Murry Thom enjoying a 5 point lead over Andrew Dellabarca with Rob Woodward 5 places further back.

then at the wise end of the fleet ex world champion Mark Orams is tied with Pete Thomas of Wakatere with Mike Keeton and Edmund Tam very close behind. This will be the class to watch today folks!

Updates today will be coming from the pin end boat so lets hope that end of the line is favoured. More soon....

Day 3 Last Race of the Day

2012-01-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

The open full rigs were well spread out across the line in their last race of the day but were called back due to a general recall - the first of the regatta!

One their second attempt the full rigs had another general recall and will try again under the BLACK FLAG.

In the full rig masters still completing their second to last race of the day Mike Hood still leads followed by Scot Leith and then Edmund Tam.

The open full rigs were much more conservative in their 3rd attempt at starting the last race of the da with Josh Junior getting a great start right on the boat end of the line. However by the top mark Andrew Murdoch led over Andy Maloney and Jee Min Ha.

In the radials is was William Cobb at the first mark then Alex Dyey, and Jack Collinson

Meanwhile the laser full rig masters have also joined the general recall party.

The Radial Masters are the last to get away with Mark Orams almost getting the perfect start but instead ended up capsizing 5 seconds from the gun.

The open full rigs are around the top for the last time with Andy Maloney leading over Jee Min Ha and Andrew Murdoch with not much between them.. As they rounded the bottom mark with a very short beat to the finish they remained in this order followed by Kristian Ruth,,,,,,,,,Roelof Bouwmeester,Rutger van Schnaardenburg, Swem Meech and Josh Junior.

Meanwhile in the full rig masters Mark Page leads then John Hayman and Rob Woodward.
R
At the top mark in the Radial Masters Edmund Tam is winning followed by Scott Leith and Mike Keeton.

The Open Radials have finished with Logan Dunning Beck taking the gun from Sara Winther.

As the full rig masters make their way around the top for the last time Mark Page leads from Andrew Dellabarca and John Hayman.

In the last flight of the Edmund Tam continues to lead from Scott Leith and Mark Orams who has made a great recovery from his capsize at the start.

The full rigs are finishing their last race with Mark Page in first followed by Andrew Dellabarca and Kent Copplestone.

Regatta organiser Rob Woodward prior to winning the start by one meter.

2012-01-22T19:14:00.001-08:00

Start of Laser race 5

2012-01-22T18:52:00.001-08:00

Day 3, 4.45pm

2012-01-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

We are in the start sequence for the full rigs 5th race of the regatta. This will then be followed by all remaining classes which are now out on the water.

The full rig fleet was spread right across the line at the start shortly after which all boats tacked on to port.

The radials had a tightly contested start with lots of action at the boat end of the line.

The 4.7s have had a clear start as well they will be followed shortly by the Full Rig Masters.

At the open full rig's first top mark rounding Rutger van Schnaardenburg was first then Kristian Ruth and Jee Min Ha. They were followed by the Radials lead by Sam Scholfield, William Cobb and Rachel Basevi.

The Radial masters are now underway in a very compatible 15 knot breeze.

As the 4.7s round mark one Cain Anderson from WBBC leads followed by Charlotte Corsten and Emma Sullivan.

In the masters full rig Nick Page leads followed by Murray Thom and then Rob Woodward making good use of that meter he gained at the start.

The Open full rigs are finishing with the winner being Rutger van Schnaardenburg, then Andy Maloney Andrew Murdoch, Jee Min Ha and Kristian Ruth

In the Radial Masters Mike Hood has a big lead over Scott Leith and then Fast Eddie Tam.

As the Master Full rigs round the top mark for the last time there has been a significant change n in positions with ANdrew Dellabarca leading over Rob Woodward and Owen Anderson

Laser Radials start race 4.

2012-01-22T17:59:00.001-08:00

Start of Full Rig Race 4. JJ Port tacks the fleet!

2012-01-22T17:52:00.001-08:00

Day 3, 3.41pm

2012-01-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

The warning signal for the second race of the day has sounded followed by a tightly fought start. Josh Junior at the pin end pulled off a brilliant start to port tack the fleet.

The radials are away with an clear start.

At the top mark first was Yun Hyon Su of Korea, then Andy Maloney and Christian Steiger. Then on the run there was a change of positions so that Andy Malony had sailed into the lead then Rutger van Schnaardenburg followed by Je Min Ha, Roelof Bouwmeester and Josh Junior.

The radials round the top mark with Jack Collinson first, then Logan Dunning Beck and Matthew Kempkers. By the bottom mark Matthew Kempkers had worked his way into the lead followed by Jack Colinson, Logan Dunning Beck and Keith Inglis from Taupo.

In the full rigs Andy Maloney has a big lead over Rutger van Schnaardenburg and Christian Steiger.

In the mean time the wind has dropped some more and the remaining classes are making their way on to the course.

Andy Maloney takes out the full rigs. Rutger van Schnaardenburg and Je Min Ha were next then Christian Steiger.

At the last top mark in the radials Logan Dunning Beck leads over Matthew Kempkers followed by Keith Inglis. Logan goes on to get the gun.

Radials are under way.

2012-01-22T16:53:00.000-08:00

Racing is underway.

2012-01-22T16:47:00.000-08:00

Full rigs have have had an action packed start. Josh Junior and Andrew Murdoch battled for supremecy at the committee boat end annd got the best starts. We have this on video and will put it up for you to see later tonight.

The radials have started. Sarah Winther was a little later than in her previous two starts but was immediately able to tack onto port toget clear air.

At the top mark 1st is Sam Meech then Josh Junior, Christian Steiger of Switzerland and Andrew Murdoch in 4th.

Sara Winther was first in the radiaals at the top mark.

At the first bottom mark Sam Meech had a good lead over Andrew Murdoch followed by Je Min Ha of Korea and Christian Steiger.

The radials came around the bottom mark in a large tight bunch making it difficult to pickk the leader at this stage.

At the top in the full rigs 1st Murdoch, then Sam Meech who then proceeded to breakk his mast at the bottom section. Je Min Ha moves up to second.

At the finish of the full rigs Andrew Murdoch took the gun very closely followed by Je Min Ha and a slightly bigger cap to (we think) Andy Maloney.

At the last top mark in the Radials Sara leads then Sam Scholfied and Logan Dunnning Beck.

Sara goes on to take it out. More placings as soon as they are available.

The first boat arrives - Spencer Loxton

2012-01-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

Day 3, 1.38pm

2012-01-22T15:28:00.000-08:00

A call has been made to commence racing at 1.15pm for Open Full Rig and Open Radials. All masters and 4.7s will be staying ashore.

The breeze is still strong from the south so there should be some exciting racing in store

The Pro is setting up for an inner courses for the Full Rigs and Radials which will make for great viewing from the Worsewr Bay club house.

The first lasers are coming out on to the course now and are handling the conditions well and the marks are almost all in place.

There has been a delay in getting the start line set but that is sorted now and the start sequence has started.

More soon...

Day 3 11.28am

2012-01-22T14:28:00.000-08:00

The southerrly is not abating with strong gusts from the southeast coming through.

Day 3 10.18am

2012-01-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

The wind in harbouris currently 25 knots gusting to 37 from the south. Accordingly the start of today,s racing has been delayed until 1.00pm.

Otherwise it is a beautiful day in Worser bay.

Racing Abandoned for today.

2012-01-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

The PRO has just anounced that there will be no racing today.

See you tomorrow....

Sailors waiting for the sun to shine

2012-01-21T17:48:00.000-08:00

Day 2 2.35pm

2012-01-21T17:35:00.002-08:00

The southerly has arrived. Unfortunately it is a very wet one. There is flooding just down the road in Seatoun but that is not putting off our valiant PRO. As soon as this settles he is planning to have us our there. In the meantime the club is full of sailors and supporters who are quite happy being right where they are.

Radial Grand Master Race 1 start from yesterday

2012-01-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

Day 1 Summary

2012-01-21T13:15:00.000-08:00

After the completion of the first day the two NZ olympic reps are leading their respective classes. Andrew Murdoch leads to Laser Open class with a 1st, and 2nd while Sara Winther has dominated the first day by winning both races on the first day. Both sailors were getting excellent starts at the favoured boat end of the line.

The Wellington weather lived up to expectations providing an enjoyable but challenging northerly but only after waiting for a dying southerly to fade away.

In the masters full rig fleet Murray Thom completed the first day with a perfect score of two wins. Mark Page is in second after scoring a 2nd in each of the days races. Two local sailors, Andrew Dellabarca and Rob Woodward occupy 3rd and 4th. Woodward had a commanding lead in race two but suffered from a spectacular capsize just before the bottom gate to surrender his lead.

In the Masters Radial fleet Pete Thomas and Mike Keeton from Wakatere Boating Club has been the most consistent performers and share the lead. Other leading competitors have Scott Leith and Mark Orams (both world champions) both suffering gear damage. In the video of the the Radial Masters start above you will note Scott breaking his hiking strap and capsizing just after the start.

In the 4.7s Charlotte Corston is leading after scoring 2 firsts followed by Emma Sullivan and Jacob Miller. It looks like Charlotte will be one to watch in the future.

In the meantime we wait for the southerly front to blow through with racing scheduled to recommence at 3.30pm. The good news is that in Wellington after a southerly front arrives we have some of our best sailing conditions with steady winds and flat seas. We are therefore looking forward to great sailing on Monday and Tuesday.

Racing Postponed

2012-01-21T12:25:00.000-08:00

Due to the forecast arrival of a Southerly front around midday all racing has been postponed until 3.30pm.

More soon...

Day 2 8.42am

2012-01-21T11:42:00.000-08:00

After yesterday's great sailing conditions today could be a little more challenging. The forecast is Northwest 25 knots gusting 35 knots. Changing southerly 30 knots gusting 45 knots early afternoon, easing to 20 knots late afternoon,

The current plan is to set up the course in Worser Bay where there is better shelter from the wind and seas. There will be great viewing from the club so if you are in Wellington come down to the club for a coffee and some great racing action.

More new soon....

2012-01-21T02:35:00.000-08:00

For all results from todays racing click on the results link at the top right hand corner of the page.

Log back on tomorrow for more updates on the water...

Day 1 6.20pm

2012-01-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

All fleets except the Radial Masters have now finished are enjoying a well earned fast ride home. Will get back to you with a wrap up of the top finishers as soon as the informaation comes available.

Radial Masters Race 2

2012-01-20T20:56:00.000-08:00

Mark Orams lead at the top followed by Scott Leigh and Greg Corsten.

Att the bottom mark the first two positions remained the same but Murray Bain snuck through into third with Mike Keeton fourth.

Open Full Rig Finish

2012-01-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

Je Min Ha has taken it out with local favourite Josh Junior retiring with a broken mast.

Masters Full Rig Race 2

2012-01-20T20:45:00.000-08:00

Rob Woodward leads at the top mark then Mark Page and Andrew Dellabarca.

On e run Rob was still leading but in a fit of stage fright he capsized in front of the committee boat losing a few places. Round the bottom Andrew Dellabarca took over the lead then Mark Page and Murry Thom.

4.7s Bottom Mark Race 2

2012-01-20T20:42:00.001-08:00

Charlotte Corston leads then Emlyn Perry who dropped a place on the run. Following the two leaders wereJackson Yovich and Rosa Bella Hill.

4.7s Race 2 at the top mark.

2012-01-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

Emlyn Perry leads followed by Charlotte Corsten and Jackson Yovich.

Open Radials First Top Mark

2012-01-20T20:31:00.000-08:00

Sara Winther first, then Jack Collison.

open Radial Finish Race One

2012-01-20T20:25:00.000-08:00

First was Sara Winther then James Roberts, Sam Scholfield, and Matthew Kempkers.

In the 4.7s at the finish it was Charlotte Corsten first.

Day 1 5.18pm

2012-01-20T20:17:00.000-08:00

At the top mark of the Open Full Rigs Je Min Ha of Korea was first then Van Schaardenburg and Sam Meech..

The Radial's start was delayed with Sara Winther was again getting a good one.

Day 1 5.02pm

2012-01-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

Race 2 of the open lasers is away with Andrew Murdoch getting a brilliant start at the right hand end of the line. The open radials are now in there sequence. breeze is still around 20knots.

Day 1 4.39pm

2012-01-20T19:38:00.000-08:00

At the finish of The first race of the regatta for the Laser Open Fleet Andrew Murdoch took the gun followed by Kristian Ruth.

Day 1 4.35pm

2012-01-20T19:35:00.000-08:00

In the Radial Masters ex World Champ Mark Orams leads then Pete Thomas, Hamish Atkinson and Mike Keeton.

Day 1 4.27pm

2012-01-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

The wind at the top is now up to 20 -22 knots. in the Open masters Mark Page has a good lead followed by the evergreen Murray Thom and home town hero Andrew Dellabarca.

There have been some breakages in the freshening breeze but otherwise the sailors appear to be having a great time .

The open full rigs are now approaching the finish of their first race.

Day 1 4.18pm

2012-01-20T19:17:00.000-08:00

In the Open Lasers Christian Steiger was first around the top mark followed by Andrew Murdoch and Sam Meech.

A clear start for the Full Rig Masters

2012-01-20T19:07:00.001-08:00

Day 1 3.55pm Race 1

2012-01-20T18:54:00.002-08:00

2 Flights are now away. in the Radials Sara Winther had set herself up well right on the transom of the committee boat only to be rolled in the last few seconds by two other boats. Somehow just as the gun went she wriggled through them to get a brilliant start.

Radial Open start of Race 1

2012-01-20T18:54:00.001-08:00

They are off! Open Lasers are away.

2012-01-20T18:46:00.001-08:00

Day 1 3.40pm

2012-01-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

We are now in the starting sequence in a 12 - 15 knot northerly breeze. These are perfect sailing conditions!

Setting up for the start of Race 1.

2012-01-20T18:24:00.001-08:00

Day 1 3.01pm

2012-01-20T17:54:00.000-08:00

We now have white caps from the north. As soon as it settles we will be setting up for a start to the first race of the regatta.

The fleet coming down to the starting area.

2012-01-20T17:51:00.001-08:00

Day 1 2.43pm

2012-01-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

It looks like the northerly breeze has finally won the batle and we are now setting up a course close to Ward island.
Another perfect day in New Zealands sailing capital.

Day 1 1.31pm

2012-01-20T16:28:00.000-08:00

The battle continues between the sea breeze and the northerly winds. Indications at this time are that the northerly will win the battle. In the meantime we just hurry up and wait.

Day 1 12.51pm

2012-01-20T15:50:00.000-08:00

The sea breeze has soften to below 3 knots probably because it is cancelling out the Northerly breeze. The race officer has sounded the AP as we wait for the wind to fill in.

Day 1 12.03pm

2012-01-20T15:03:00.000-08:00

A sea breeze is filling in from the South as the fleet makes its way out to the course.

The race management fleet gathers.

2012-01-20T15:00:00.001-08:00

The Beloved Leader Arrives!

2012-01-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

Start boat crew awaiting the arrival of their beloved leader - Brett Linton

2012-01-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

Day 1 10.57am

2012-01-20T13:57:00.000-08:00

On the committee boat - Bittersweet is now on station between Ward and Somes Islands. The breeze has now dropped out as forecast and we are waiting for the Northerly breeze to arrive.

Day 1, 9.23am

2012-01-20T12:22:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the 2012 New Zealand Laser Championships live feed. We will be keeping you up to date with the action from out on the course during the regatta so be sure to check back often to read the latest news and see photos of the sailors in action.

At the moment we are experiencing a light southerly breeze in the harbour exactly as forecast. If all goes to plan this will change to a building northwester in time for the start of racing at 1.00pm.

2012-01-18T00:56:00.000-08:00

Key Details for launching retrieving and storing non official spectator/coach boats.

Please note the following details on facilities for Non official boats:

1) The launching ramp adjacent to the Worser Bay Boating Club is available for use by Official boats Only. Launching facilities are available for Non official boats are available on the Marine Parade public ramp by Seatoun Wharf – 89 Marine Parade. (refer Facilities Map).

This is necessary to allow for the efficient management of the official boat fleet. Additionally the launching ramp at Seatoun Wharf will provide substantially more room for launching and retrieving your boats.

2) Overnight storage on Non official spectator/ Coach boats: There is provision for overnight storage of boats at the Seatoun School for Non official boats. This facility is approx. 2 minutes from the Marine Parade ramp the entrance will open from 8am to 8pm and chain locked at all other times. All road trailers not in use during the regatta can be stored at this facility also. Refer Facilities Map.

The Worser Bay Boating Club car park is for designated official boats only.

3) The Mooring buoys outside the Worser bay Boating Club are for official usage only and are not to be used for long term storage.

4) Sufficient car parking is available in the designated area as per Facilities Map as well as sign posted public car parking on Marine Parade (please observe any Wellington City Council restrictions that may apply).

2012-01-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

Wellington Laser Champs – Substituted to an Unofficial Regatta

Due to the Wellington Laser Champs being cancelled by the Muratai Yacht Club – an informal substitute regatta will now be held through the Worser Bay Boating Club.

We understand a number of laser sailors are coming from out of town to attend this event. In order for them not to be disappointed, Worser Bay Boating Club has decided at short notice to run a substitute couple of races off our club rooms on Sunday. Racing will be scheduled to commence at 11.30am. This obviously will mean people will need to launch from Worser bay and not Muratai Yacht Club.

http://www.nzlaser.org/content/2012-wellington-laser-champs-cancelled-alternate-event-worser-bay

2012-01-09T20:19:00.000-08:00

A number of people have asked how long it takes to sail out to the course area. Based on recent experience it will approximately take a leisurely 40 -45 minutes sail and Masters Cruising pace in a northerly and significantly less in a southerly.

live commentary feed

2011-12-29T01:22:00.001-08:00

2011-10-06T03:29:00.000-07:00

2012 New Zealand National Laser Champs
Worser Bay Boating Club
Friday 20th – Tuesday 24th January 2012