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Canterbury R Class Squadron Commodore's Comment 1998/1999
As the 98/99 season fizzled out owing to the weather the rest of the season was by no means a fizzer. The start of the season saw nine boats on average racing every week. New to the class was Dan Leech who bought Acid Hock with Chappie and Nelly updating to Bowies boat. Dan certainly displayed fine form right from the beginning.
The first major event was the South Islands which Sean & Steve took cut in a heated battle with Acid Rock.
The Ruddiman Trophy in Nelson was the next event with nine boats from Canterbury & five from Wellington. We won the trophy easily and Acid Rock taking the Harry Blanchard trophy for first boat. Serious fun was had by all in Nelson.
The next event was a sprint series at CYC, which definitely was a fantastic spectator event1 although some competitors didn't see it the same. The old salts Pete & Tony showed up all the young whippets by sailing extremely well, avoiding sandbars, massive holes. Well done! This day was also marked by Bevan Hussey demolishing Yahoo Seriously. Seriously! To the point of deciding to build a new boat to replace it. It was speculator. David May & John Leech took over Stealth on this day having decided to update.
Next on the calendar was another sprint all be it totally relaxed in every aspect, start time, starts, and courses. This was the Dolphin Cafe' in Akaroa series, The racing may have been laid back, even so there were winners, Acid Rock with Gryphon, Walter & Philip second1 the on shore social was a serious affair. A great time had by all.
Dirty Dancing - Pete Hoskins & Tony Park (Picture Paul Harrison)
The Canterbury champs was the next event in the season. This was marked by the only new boat in the fleet making it's debut, Chemical Weapon. Sean & Steve showed glimpses of what could come but teething problems ruled out any hope of another Canterbury champ title. Instead a fierce battle was had between Dirty Dancing and Acid Rock, with Dirty Dancing winning out and a notable stand out was Stealth into third.
Leander 99 saw nine boats from Canterbury in a fleet of 28. The new Woof hulls showed the way coming 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th. Chemical Weapon was 4th, the first Canterbury boat. Too bad there was only 2 days of racing and 2 days abandoned.
Looking to 99/00 season, the fleet is going to be huge with two definite new boats, Bevan Hussey, and Dave Pearman updating. Dan Leech is looking to update if Acid Rock sells. We should get 12 beats out racing regularly. Again the Ruddiman will be held in Nelson on show weekend. The sprints at CYC will be held again, but this time on a much higher tide!. The Dolphin Cafe sprints in Akaroa will be on just before Xmas. The big event is going to be the 50th Leander, 24 - 27 Feb 2000. This is shaping up to be huge with over 30 "A" division and Up to 15 master division boats expected. Everyone's help will be needed to see this be a successful contest. Please volunteer now and don't leave it to a few. Looking forward to 99/00 season.
Sean
Leander 2009 - R Class Nationals
