Napier Sailing Club narrowly beat Muritai Yacht Club in a cliff-hanger final at the inaugural Optimist Teams Racing Championships at Oriental Bay on Saturday 5 February. Going into the last lap of final race, Muritai’s finest under-sixteen sailors held a solid lead. Working closely together, the Hawkes Bay team outmanoeuvred their rivals, finishing second, third, fourth, and fifth in the eight-boat race.

The contest attracted twelve four-boat teams of under-sixteen sailors, representing yacht clubs in the Hawkes Bay (3 teams), Paremata (2), Eastbourne (3), and Worser Bay (4). Wellington Harbour produced tough, challenging conditions, with a moderate to strong northerly and very choppy sea. The young sailors relished the chance to demonstrate their skills. “They had plenty of fun,” said Adrian Mannering, a spokesman for the Napier Sailing Club teams.

Wayne Holdt, the Central Region Support Officer for Yachting New Zealand, said he hopes the regatta will become an annual event, drawing teams from across the lower North Island. “The Optimist Teams Racing Champs are an integral part of the Wellington Harbour Festival,” said Dean Stanley, CEO of The Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club. This type of racing is great fun for young sailors, and an excellent way to encourage their competitive spirit. Our club is very pleased to host this regatta, which will enhance the development of New Zealand’s future racing sailors.”

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Results

1st Napier Sailing Club 1

2nd Muritai Yacht Club 1

3rd Worser Bay Boating Club 4

4th Worser Bay Boating Club 3

5th Napier Sailing Club 2

6th Napier Sailing Club 3

7th= Muritai Yacht Club 2

7th= Worser Bay Boating Club 2

7th= Worser Bay Boating Club 1

10th Paremata 1

11th= Paremata 2

11th= Muritai Yacht Club 3

ENDS

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