Aitutaki sailors start campaign

Racing started in Aitutaki for the Cook Islands National Championships for optimists and 4.7m lasers on Tuesday October 14.

The Aitutaki Lagoon turned on a great racing breeze of up to 17 knots on average with choppy seas which unfortunately proved too much early on for the younger lighter skippers!

It’s true you can’t please everyone with the laser sailors revelling in the challenging conditions.

Young sailors in the optimist fleet really got to grips with the stronger wind and long courses and delighted themselves and their supporters with steady and in some cases, amazing jumps in performances and consistency over the series.

The conditions were demanding and this was no sport for the faint hearted with tough conditions especially around the top marks where the wind was funnelled between the motus.

In the 4.7 fleet Aquila Tatira won each of the races except one when Tanus Henry managed to come in first place.

It became obvious that it was going to come down to determination and strength of mind and body to hold second, third and fourth positions with Captain Brian Tumu and Raymond Mitchell close behind always looking for the chance.

The Hobiecat Fleet of four took to the water in the afternoons in the first of a series of regattas.

Talk about thrills and spills and man over board!

The conditions were exhilarating and the fleet returned to base each day with many tales of the near misses and speed experiences.

Aquila Tatira and King David Paulo took the first series of races clearly ahead of runners up Toka Narayan and Brian Tumu.

The Championships were hosted by the Aitutaki Sailing Club and the Race Committee worked well under the guidance of Principal Race Officer Andre Raoult .

We are very lucky to have a tutor of his expertise as Andre is an ISAF International Judge. Collette, Lindan, Paka, and Mattias.

Working together with the Aitutaki Sailing Club Race Committee was Sheena Vaitoru of Manihiki Sailing Club.

All received their Certification as Race Officials.

Sailing Cook Islands thanks Mama Ruru and Papa Pare Marsters for their hospitality and generosity in allowing sailors to base their crafts at Akaiami which gave the sailors a much needed rest area between class races.

The Race Committee managed a challenging final day with professional delivery, having to re-lay the marks to a triangular course in more sheltered water after the laser fleet finished their races because of heavy sea conditions.

Aitutaki Sailing Club Commodore Vane Henry expresses his sincere Meitaki Atupaka to all who have contributed to the smooth running of the competition and in particular to Papa Ron, Mattias and Sydney and those who have loaned motor boats for the race committee and safety.