110 Boating New Zealand
LEFT
When the
serious racing’s
done it’s time
for some
serious fun.cruising up and down the harbour on a race boat in the sunshine.
Actually, there is one thing that would make it better – winning. he
stereo gets turned down and we start working our way into Rapid Ride.
We’re still behind at Stanley for the second time, but slowly, slowly we
are reeling them in. I think Mark knows we are about to pass them when
he diplomatically hands over the tiller to me on the last leg; I get the
pleasure of rolling them, then making sure they stay behind us all the
way to the inish, as the sun sets beyond the Harbour Bridge.
Not that our eforts are appreciated or even noticed by the more
social half of the crew; we are halfway down the last leg before one of the
rail weight asks, “Where’s that guy in front of us?” We just point astern.
Race over and the hooter sounded, it’s time to pack up quick before
it gets dark, and head for the Dinghy Locker bar for snacks, drinks and
storytelling. (Roberts has also managed to secure the irst berth on F
pier, right by the squadron, so it’s a short walk to the bar.)
Not only have we won the rum for division E, we’re third on handicap
as well. hat means Extreme remains on top on line for the autumn
series, with three more races to go, before the winter series begins.
It’s been a great experience, getting back out for a rum race and
sharing Roberts’ enthusiasm for the sheer fun of sailing. I’d be happy to
get the call up for some more Extreme fun anytime. BNZ