Every year, on Canterbury Anniversary weekend, R-Class skiffs from Christchurch and Wellington gather in Nelson to compete for the trophy, resulting in some exciting racing between these high performance yachts. Over the last fifty-five years the R-Class has created a reputation for technical innovation that results in speeds that can be matched by few other sail craft. Use of modern composite materials, such as carbon fibre, enables the total weight of these boats to be around 50 – 60 kilograms. As with most other yachting classes, the “R” has had it’s ups and downs with numbers in recent years steadily declining. This season however sees renewed interest on two fronts. Once again young people are being drawn to this fast and exciting class as an alternative to the Olympic classes on offer. A new “R” designed by up and coming young designer Dan Leech is also showing great promise. Sponsored by resins and materials company, Nuplex Industries, this exciting new design is not only faster but simpler to build, cutting the cost and time required to place a new boat on the water. This will make the class more attractive and affordable to a wider range of sailors.

Built at Davie Norris Boats in Christchurch, the prototype has been tested in recent weeks at Lyttelton,  much to the delight of fellow sailors and spectators alike.

People interested in these exciting boats can learn more by visiting the Nelson Yacht Club this weekend, or by looking at the class website at www.rclass.org

“R” sailors come from all walks of life, in ages ranging from 16 to over 60, both men and women.

- Doug Gale

Racing and Results

Saturday: racing consisted of 6 races, with the first two before lunch being held in a strong Northerly. Meridian Energy, Dave Pairman and Tim Allan, and Subwoofer, Paul Roe and Jess Hix, were the only two boats to finish both the heavy weather races, with Subwoofer managing to keep Meridian honest. The afternoon saw more friendly conditions and L2. Sean Milner and Doug Gale, did well to push Meridian in the light conditions. Liquid, sailed by Mitch and Murray (Mitch's father) Dean did well in Murrays first ever races, not ideal for a second time out. The last race finished off in the middle of a strong gusty southerly change.

Sunday: we only managed one very light race on the Sunday, but the breeze dropped pretty much completely.

Congratulations to the weekends overall winner, Meridian Energy, who took out the Harry Blanchard trophy for the first time.