Ah, me, things do not always go as planned, especially during a fleet start of free-sailing boats. Patience and good humor prevailed.
It's easy to form a raft. If you look closely, you can see a lucky Yank's boat sneaking past in the background.
Peter Vincent in the dinghy sorts things out. It was much smoother after that. The boat that appears to be going the wrong way is actually a R/C gaff-rig built on an "A" class hull by Martin Foulds of Dunedin. (Euan Sarginson photo.)
Retrimming a boat at Jubilee Quay, the start for the windward leg and the finish for the run.
A skipper's view of a Four Foot Six on the charge. Get that pole ready! (Euan Sarginson photo.)
Stepping lively is a prerequisite.
Having a coach always helps when turning a boat.
It looked pretty much like this the rest of the day. We broke for tea at around 3 in the afternoon (another civilized tradition) and then sailed until dusk. (Euan Sarginson photo.)
This will be my lingering, and fondest, memory of the day. On my very last run, I got the trim right and the boat I was skippering sailed straight as a die from the windward starting point to within a foot of Jubilee Quay. It is one of those special moments that only free sailing offers. My heartfelt thanks to the members of the Christchurch MYC for their kind hospitality and the generous loan of a boat. (Euan Sarginson photo.)
