Wellington Dominates Ruddiman (Pictures)

The Wellington squadron have finally broken the Canterbury stranglehold on the Ruddiman.

Nelson turned on a variety of breezes, 0-20 knots over the regatta with Stagecoach (Wlg), Stephen Hogg and Neill Woods taking out the Harry Blanchard (individual) trophy, with B3D (Wlg), Shaun Sheldrake and Craig Anderson second. The Wellington boats showed the Canterbury fleet that they may have only had two boats for the regatta, but they were on fire in most conditions. This would have to be a rocket up the rear for Canterbury fleet if they want to do well at the Leander Trophy.

The first Canterbury boat home was Chemical Weapon (3rd), Sean Milner and Ashton Smith ("Sean the Xman" and "Hubba Bubba"), with Liquid 4th, Dan Leech and Steve Fortune ("the Foetus" and "the Gannet"), close behind was Subwoofer, Paul Roe and Dan Wise, then Montana Bakery, Danny Folter and Paul McGibbon ("Defaulter" and "the Gibboon") snapping at their heels. 92 More FM's, Richard Chapman and Grant Nelson ("Chappy" and "Nelly") only raced on the Saturday as per usual (against their religon to race on Sundays) and were 1st equal with Stagecoach after the first days racing. If only they raced on the Sunday, then perhaps Canterbury may have retained the Ruddiman (Teams) trophy.

The MoreFM teams no show on Sunday was due to Nelly sustaining a bruised retina and scratched cornea, after being hit in the eye with the trapeze handle, just before the finish of the second race on saturday. Nelly was definitely the worse for wear and ended up at A & E.

Saturday night we all went out for our traditional curry, but alas the wind that this always provides the next day didn't suit the Canterbury boats with the Wellington boats cementing the titles. Well done to Wellington.

Photos are courtesy of Daryl pizzazweb@hotmail.com from NYC. More at the Nelson Yacht Club Website