Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week

by Lesley Haslar

Wired flew the New Zealand flag alone at the 18th Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week.

Kiwi boats usually visual at Airlie were perhaps this time more noticeable by their absence. However as usual amongst the 120 competing boats in 10 divisions there were dozens of visiting Kiwis crewing on Aussie yachts – and charters.

Living Doll was the ‘one to beat’ for Line Honors IRC Division. Wired gave her a run for her money throughout the regatta, but couldn’t match her on handicap. The entire regatta was a light weather affair with winds 5-15 knots, the ‘norm’ being 5 or 6. Ray Haslar sailing on Wired and first time to Airlie Beach, “I was impressed with the uncomplicated but efficient running of the regatta. The Queenslanders have that ‘nice easy feeling’. Yes it feels very laid back – but on the water there’s no quarter given.“

In the Sport Boat Division a little boat called ‘Ketchup’ captured the hearts of competitors and media alike. Crewed by Steven (dad) and his three sons aged nine, eleven and twelve, and one other adult, Cord, Ketchup came 13th out of 15 in the series. A joy to watch. These kids will be back.

On day two, Excapade (Cruising Class Division One) had a confrontation with Pioneer Rock; she was towed home by the safety boat, only to turn around the next day and knock’m’ dead with a win. Well done Excapade.

Grant and Iris Bartlett from the Opua Cruising CLub returned to Airlie Beach to again charter their favourite boat True Love. Coming in 7th, Grant said “we’ll be back again next year to do better”. Peter Hall of Yachting Events and his all-kiwi crew racing on another charter Bali Hai, were very noticeable in sunny aloha shirts. As Peter says “I set up this racing package each year as an affordable way for New Zealand yachties to experience Airlie Beach Race Week - and have too much fun”.

No cups to bring home this time – maybe in 2011.

Yachting New Zealand