Kiwis kicking Kangaroos in OK Interdominion standings

Ben Morrison (NZL). Image copyright Adrian Rumney.

by Mandy Burt

Despite postponement until after lunch - waiting for the 30 knots winds to abate - two races took place in the afternoon with 49 entrants taking to the water.

In the first race sailors had two attempts at a start which resulted in two general recalls. It was a case of third time lucky, with a clear start, although under a black flag.


Andre Blasse (AUS) and Terry Curtis (GBR). Image copyright Adrian Rumney.

Race One saw local sailors taking out the top three places, with Worser Bay members Karl Purdie 1st, Paul Rhodes 2nd and Matthew Steven 3rd.

Race Two had one general recall followed by another black flag. Again, the local guys called the shots and Karl Purdie led at the top mark for a second time with Paul Rhodes close at his heels and Steve McDowell in third.


Karl Purdie (NZL): the leader after day one. Image copyright Adrian Rumney.

Racing was all over just after 5pm, with two races in the bag. The sun started to break through the clouds whilst the cold, wet sailors queued for the boat ramp and hoses. Wellington Harbour turned on a picture-book evening for the contestants, as a background for the evening of bon-homie in RPNYC.

At the end of Day 1 the results were:

Open - Karl Purdie NZL - 1st
Junior - Kagan Weeks NZL- 1st
Veteran - Karl Purdie NZL - 1st

OK Worlds 2010