The 2000 North Island Championships at Ohiwa Beach in the Bay of Plenty composed of a very difficult and challenging course.

The sou-easterly wind angle which prevailed for the duration of the weekend came from directly behind the surrounding hills. The course was situated to benefit from the swirling of the residual offshore wind turbulating into the lee of the ranges behind Ohiwa Beach. There were other sailing zones along the beach, with possibly a more constant draft and more suited angle, but those beach areas were found to be either too narrow or too soft for the mostly tacking sessions.

Varying degrees of moon country existed in the centre of the course, some areas were quite deep despite their illusion of shallowness.

Alan Elliot and Stuart Keat were pilots who deserve mentioning for their efforts in providing spectacular high speed photo opportunities of one-wheeled moon country crossings involving beautiful water scenes.v It was noted that a smooth corridor did open for an hour either side of low tide, allowing for a risky alternative bypass of the moon zone. The exit of the 100m corridor featured two significant craters on either side. Exact navigation through this area was required with failure punishable by multi-dimensional exponential water exposure, only inches of error were allowed.

Bill Nairn was one who was noted to have successfully perfected this route, making up good distance on the others in the process.

I never did attempt this path always preferring to compromise some speed for slow speed tacking on the softer and more often windless higher ground above this moon area.

The 5-20 knot gusting turbulance further increasing sailing complexity, was typical of the first day¼s sailing. One could not afford to engage the sheeting ratchet with the wind angle sometimes moving 90 degrees in seconds. Many pilots capsized their boats that day, fortunately with no injuries. Clem Kinnaird capsized his boat whilst leading a race.

I did manage to capture some panoramic photos via my disposable camera. I have only used up half the shots, hoping to take the rest at this coming weekend's NZLYA Nationals (Muriwai Beach, Auckland - Fri-Sun, Nov 24-26)so you will have to wait until after that for their availability.