October 1999 R Class Skiff News

Read Seans... Another upcoming event of non importance!

R Class CYC Sprint Series Sunday 31 October

Don't miss this. One of the most exciting spectator events of the season. Check out this years details and last years report

R Class Open Day a Success

This years open day held on 23 October attracted a large number of keen P and Starling sailors. Dirty Dancing, VR,Chemical Weapon, Acid Rock, Sydenham Bakery and Buster Blood Vessel turned up to take allcomers for a ride in the blustery and sometimes challenging SW to NW conditions. A couple of informal sprint races were run to add a bit of excitement. A few of the more hardy braved a second ride as the breeze strengthened. Ashton on Buster Blood Vessel was out for 3 hours and wouldn't give up for anyone.
Many thanks to Helen Irvine for organising the keen crews.

Buster Blood Vessel Sports New Look

Bevan and Dan have finally finished the new paint job. Blood Red hull with pewter cockpit. Is this in some subtle way supposed to stop the crew realising that its his blood on the boat? Or harking back to the good old days when boats weren't white?

Ashton Buys R Class

During the open day Bevan of Buster Blood Vessel fame succeeded in convincing Ashton Smith that he'd better get an R. When Bevan baulked at putting up the kite in the extreme conditions. Ashton calmly pointed out in good R Class spirit "its insured isn't it?". A few wild rides (and the odd loss of control) later Ashton had decided he wanted in. Bevan took him out in Reggae the following Monday and the deal was done. Ashton will be sailing with Mitch Dean. Ashton says they are "still learning to swim" and will be "going hard after Christmas" when they step out of their starlings.

Tony Park (Dirty Dancing) built Reggae in 1984 (P Mac Hull) as a bullet proof racer

Danny's new toy...

and it has proved a survivor over the years. Originally built with side tanks, the boat came up dry, but tended to sail away on its own. Reggae has survived vicious Wellington conditions more than once. Ask Tony about the time they cartwheeled on the wind in a steep Wellington chop. Owned previously by (among others) the Buster Boys (Bevan and Dan) it has introduced a good many new crews to the excitement of R sailing, and stood up to the punishment.

Danny Buys R Class

Danny of 49er (watch out for the hobie) fame has bought Barton Marine and it should be here by the start of November. It's rumoured he's sailing with Milton Bloomfield. Originally called Easyrider (Acid Rock hull), Barton Marine was built and sailed by Tony Mercer before going up to the tender care of Derek Foden from the Wellington Squadron.

R589 Launched

Meridian Energy

Dave Pairman and Tim Allan tentatively ventured out for the first time in, by no means, ideal conditions. As proved by Tony Park winning his bet... "$10 says they don't get out of the marina without a swim". Unfortunately a small gear failure mean't we didn't get to see the bag. is the best presented boat in the squadron - good work guys.

Check out August News for some pictures of the building of new hull

Dan finishes the new mould

The new mould is very similar to the Woof hulls, but has a few refinements in an attempt to make it more controllable in extreme conditions. Let's hope it works!

Check out September News