Six Wētās, including Hamish and Bill from Queensland, enjoyed fantastic conditions for a great events on the harbour, organised by Woollahra Sailing Club, with a mixture of short and longer races - and a bonus washing machine on day one!
The first two races on Saturday helped the visitors to find the marks which had been laid that morning and in the light conditions Paul led at the windward mark by sailing higher than everyone else as well as catching the wake from a powerboat which took him to the layline, closely followed by Peter Martin who was sailing his usual fast and free technique which wasn't so effective in the 12 knot choppy conditions of the first lap. But as the wind increased Peter started to close and in trying to cover him, Paul made a bad gybe and Peter managed to get past on the line. Race two was closer but Paul tacked off after being blocked at the start and tried to follow Hamish up the right side of the course - which looked good initially but the left was better as there was lots of sailboat traffic with spinnakers on the right. So it finished with Peter followed by Ian ahead of Hamish and then Paul with Geoff and Bill bringing up the rear.
The final race on day one was part one of the Three Island Challenge around Shark, Clark and Fort Denison islands (see video below). It started with a tight reach to a laid mark in Rose Bay and Ian who was in the lead went around the mark the wrong way so in undoing his error, held up Geoff and Paul was able to nip inside. Peter was now in the lead closely followed by Ian and Paul until Paul's tiller extension came off and he was heading to Clark Island, he managed to fix it and carry on chasing after Hamish and Geoff who had got past.
The leaders were close together as they rounded the Fort with a gap back to Hamish and Geoff with Paul still playing catch-up.
The next obstacle was the wind shadow of Clark Island which the leaders avoided by going wide but as a local, Paul knew that if you passed close to the Island there was a backwind eddy which could push you through the calm section faster than going wide and he used this to clear the island at the same time as Geoff and Hamish. Hamish and Paul stayed on the right while Geoff tacked early towards Bradleys Head. Paul hung on after Hanish tacked and was rewarded with a lift and some extra pressure in Double Bay. Meanwhile Ian had managed to get ahead of Peter in the strengthening breeze and took the win in a repeat of the drag race around the mark in Rose Bay and back to the finish in a cloud of spray with Peter in close pursuit. Paul had also crossed the harbour after the others and judged the layline perfectly for the Shark Island lighthouse ahead of Geoff and take third place on a thrilling spray-filled reach to the finish.
Sunday had a repeat of the short races with an earlier start but thankfully less chop and Peter led all three races from Ian.
The start of the long race had a slightly lighter breeze and the angle meant that gennakers were deployed by those who could hang on. Peter and Ian were neck-and-neck again with Paul not far behind but the leaders dropped Paul when he gybed away from the calm area behind Bradleys Head while the leaders caught a gust to the layline. This enabled Hamish to get past and he was closely followed by Paul around Fort Denison and upwind. The freshening wind meant that Hamish was finding it tough as Paul powered through by sitting on the floats for increased leverage and he used his reverse eddy shortcut to get further ahead as they passed behind Clark Island.
Peter hung on for the finish ahead of Ian with Paul, Hamish, Geoff and Bill not far behind.
Thanks to all at Woollahra Sailing Club for organising the event and providing prizes.
Report: Paul White
RaceQs 3D Replay - Day 1, Day 2
Results here
The first two races on Saturday helped the visitors to find the marks which had been laid that morning and in the light conditions Paul led at the windward mark by sailing higher than everyone else as well as catching the wake from a powerboat which took him to the layline, closely followed by Peter Martin who was sailing his usual fast and free technique which wasn't so effective in the 12 knot choppy conditions of the first lap. But as the wind increased Peter started to close and in trying to cover him, Paul made a bad gybe and Peter managed to get past on the line. Race two was closer but Paul tacked off after being blocked at the start and tried to follow Hamish up the right side of the course - which looked good initially but the left was better as there was lots of sailboat traffic with spinnakers on the right. So it finished with Peter followed by Ian ahead of Hamish and then Paul with Geoff and Bill bringing up the rear.
The final race on day one was part one of the Three Island Challenge around Shark, Clark and Fort Denison islands (see video below). It started with a tight reach to a laid mark in Rose Bay and Ian who was in the lead went around the mark the wrong way so in undoing his error, held up Geoff and Paul was able to nip inside. Peter was now in the lead closely followed by Ian and Paul until Paul's tiller extension came off and he was heading to Clark Island, he managed to fix it and carry on chasing after Hamish and Geoff who had got past.
The leaders were close together as they rounded the Fort with a gap back to Hamish and Geoff with Paul still playing catch-up.
The next obstacle was the wind shadow of Clark Island which the leaders avoided by going wide but as a local, Paul knew that if you passed close to the Island there was a backwind eddy which could push you through the calm section faster than going wide and he used this to clear the island at the same time as Geoff and Hamish. Hamish and Paul stayed on the right while Geoff tacked early towards Bradleys Head. Paul hung on after Hanish tacked and was rewarded with a lift and some extra pressure in Double Bay. Meanwhile Ian had managed to get ahead of Peter in the strengthening breeze and took the win in a repeat of the drag race around the mark in Rose Bay and back to the finish in a cloud of spray with Peter in close pursuit. Paul had also crossed the harbour after the others and judged the layline perfectly for the Shark Island lighthouse ahead of Geoff and take third place on a thrilling spray-filled reach to the finish.
Sunday had a repeat of the short races with an earlier start but thankfully less chop and Peter led all three races from Ian.
The start of the long race had a slightly lighter breeze and the angle meant that gennakers were deployed by those who could hang on. Peter and Ian were neck-and-neck again with Paul not far behind but the leaders dropped Paul when he gybed away from the calm area behind Bradleys Head while the leaders caught a gust to the layline. This enabled Hamish to get past and he was closely followed by Paul around Fort Denison and upwind. The freshening wind meant that Hamish was finding it tough as Paul powered through by sitting on the floats for increased leverage and he used his reverse eddy shortcut to get further ahead as they passed behind Clark Island.
Peter hung on for the finish ahead of Ian with Paul, Hamish, Geoff and Bill not far behind.
Thanks to all at Woollahra Sailing Club for organising the event and providing prizes.
Report: Paul White
RaceQs 3D Replay - Day 1, Day 2
Results here
Over 20 Fun, Fast, Easy Wētā Trimarans are expected at the Queensland State Championships due to take place on December 3-4 at Lake Cootharaba near Noosa.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming boats from all over Australia to the event”, said Hamish Urquart, Australian Weta Class Secretary and local resident.
"The flat water and unobstructed lake surrounds mean it ideal for the Weta which will be raced solo and two-up at the event and If the wind gods cooperate, we expect someone will beat the top speed of a Wētā at over 20 knots and we have a prize for the fastest recorded GPS track.” added Hamish.
“Unlike other fast dinghies, the Wētā is a boat everyone can sail in almost any conditions as it’s so stable and forgiving” said Queensland Weta Dealer, Glenn Foley. “And the new lightweight foam-core boats and new square-top sails have made it even quicker and more usable in light conditions”
Glenn is also the man to beat at Queensland Wētā events but he’s been getting competition from his 14 year old son who has his inherited his older boat.
The next event on the Wētā Class Association calendar is the Sydney Harbour Challenge on January 12-13 which includes the infamous Three Island Challenge race.
Like Sailing? Only Wētā!
Unlike other small sailboats, The New Zealand designed Wētā is boat for the entire family but also for individuals and couples that want a high performance boat without the drama - it’s incredibly stable yet really quick and has been approved for both the World Masters Games and Paralympics.
More information about the event here
NOR here
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming boats from all over Australia to the event”, said Hamish Urquart, Australian Weta Class Secretary and local resident.
"The flat water and unobstructed lake surrounds mean it ideal for the Weta which will be raced solo and two-up at the event and If the wind gods cooperate, we expect someone will beat the top speed of a Wētā at over 20 knots and we have a prize for the fastest recorded GPS track.” added Hamish.
“Unlike other fast dinghies, the Wētā is a boat everyone can sail in almost any conditions as it’s so stable and forgiving” said Queensland Weta Dealer, Glenn Foley. “And the new lightweight foam-core boats and new square-top sails have made it even quicker and more usable in light conditions”
Glenn is also the man to beat at Queensland Wētā events but he’s been getting competition from his 14 year old son who has his inherited his older boat.
The next event on the Wētā Class Association calendar is the Sydney Harbour Challenge on January 12-13 which includes the infamous Three Island Challenge race.
Like Sailing? Only Wētā!
Unlike other small sailboats, The New Zealand designed Wētā is boat for the entire family but also for individuals and couples that want a high performance boat without the drama - it’s incredibly stable yet really quick and has been approved for both the World Masters Games and Paralympics.
More information about the event here
NOR here
Wētās gone troppo in Queensland
Report: Peter Hackett: Photos: Julie Hartwig
Last weekend, 16 Wētās crewed by the nicest bunch of sailors from Central and South-East Qld, Sydney, and Melbourne took to the warm flat waters of Boreen Point Lake Cootharaba and joined in the fun with nearly 100 boats at the Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club’s Mono Masters Championships.
Conducted over 6 heats on December 1 and 2, the tradition has now consolidated to make this popular event and venue our Qld State Championships.
For those of you wondering why we are enjoying the company in a monohull regatta, the Wētās have previously joined the Cat Challenge regatta, but the crowded beach and waters, combined with a few out of control foilers encouraged us to accept the offer from the club to join in with the Monohull regatta and bolster their numbers. After all, a Wētā is really a "monohull with stabilisers" isn't it?
Many of us arrived from Thursday and stayed longer than the weekend as well, because there is so much to do in the area. Noosa’s famous beaches are not far away, and you can also spend weeks cruising around the Cooloola Great Sandy National Park from your Weta, kayak, or paddleboard.
This year we were again blessed with good winds with a 15 to 18 knot NE seabreeze for the 3 races on Saturday, and a warm swinging 10-20 knot NW warmer breeze in Sunday’s 3 races. This year the club also hosted the Impulse Dinghy state titles, so it was good that we were sent on a larger outside triangle with the faster monohulls.
Weta results here. Detailed results comparing all classes at here - the highlight in this data is that Wētās were overall the fastest boats on the big course in EVERY RACE against a hot fleet of coached International Contenders, as well as representatives from the International 14’s, Javelin, and 505 class.
We had our own start and within the Wētā division it was decided that yardstick would still be used until the data on boat weight variations of the new boats has had time to be absorbed. All mainsails used were the original pinheads and most boats were single handed. Interestingly, the yardstick results were nearly identical to the scratch results.
There were a few crew changes made mid regatta with some damage inflicted by an errant trailer sailor on one hull of Angela Gregory, who teamed up with lightweight Mitchell Foley having a bit of trouble sailing single handed in the stronger breezes.
I will just mention a few standout performers:
Keith Chidzey deserves a tank of fuel for bringing his new boat from Sydney to the Pan Pacific event on the Gold Coast, and then again up to this event after an in between race in Sydney helped him with capsize practice. Keith got some great starts and if it were not for a rigging issue, would be higher up the results.
Our President Geoff Waldon deserves an IT award for sailing the series with a GoPro on each end of the boat and one on his head. Protest evidence for the rest of us maybe?
Wētā Class Secretary, Hamish Urquhart, had his first sail in a new boat, having recently had his hip replaced, and managed all but the heavy wind races.
Don Graham came up from the Gold Coast to join us and very quickly tuned in to the conditions to grab 5th place.
Local guru Geoff Smith took the over 70 year old prize, and he frightened all of us with a big Sunday scorecard of 4-3-3. Andres Gabarrin showed what a master he is of the evolving float-hiking upwind method to come in 3rd overall. He would have done better if it were not for a broken shroud in heat 2. I managed to keep ahead of Andres most of the weekend with a better day Saturday in the fresher winds and was very pleased with another 2nd overall, but it was our consistent winner and QLD dealer Glenn Foley who got the gong with an uncanny ability to make a minimal number of mistakes.
As usual, great pictures are available from Julie Hartwig Photography here. (Thanks for the permission to reproduce the images here)
Last weekend, 16 Wētās crewed by the nicest bunch of sailors from Central and South-East Qld, Sydney, and Melbourne took to the warm flat waters of Boreen Point Lake Cootharaba and joined in the fun with nearly 100 boats at the Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club’s Mono Masters Championships.
Conducted over 6 heats on December 1 and 2, the tradition has now consolidated to make this popular event and venue our Qld State Championships.
For those of you wondering why we are enjoying the company in a monohull regatta, the Wētās have previously joined the Cat Challenge regatta, but the crowded beach and waters, combined with a few out of control foilers encouraged us to accept the offer from the club to join in with the Monohull regatta and bolster their numbers. After all, a Wētā is really a "monohull with stabilisers" isn't it?
Many of us arrived from Thursday and stayed longer than the weekend as well, because there is so much to do in the area. Noosa’s famous beaches are not far away, and you can also spend weeks cruising around the Cooloola Great Sandy National Park from your Weta, kayak, or paddleboard.
This year we were again blessed with good winds with a 15 to 18 knot NE seabreeze for the 3 races on Saturday, and a warm swinging 10-20 knot NW warmer breeze in Sunday’s 3 races. This year the club also hosted the Impulse Dinghy state titles, so it was good that we were sent on a larger outside triangle with the faster monohulls.
Weta results here. Detailed results comparing all classes at here - the highlight in this data is that Wētās were overall the fastest boats on the big course in EVERY RACE against a hot fleet of coached International Contenders, as well as representatives from the International 14’s, Javelin, and 505 class.
We had our own start and within the Wētā division it was decided that yardstick would still be used until the data on boat weight variations of the new boats has had time to be absorbed. All mainsails used were the original pinheads and most boats were single handed. Interestingly, the yardstick results were nearly identical to the scratch results.
There were a few crew changes made mid regatta with some damage inflicted by an errant trailer sailor on one hull of Angela Gregory, who teamed up with lightweight Mitchell Foley having a bit of trouble sailing single handed in the stronger breezes.
I will just mention a few standout performers:
Keith Chidzey deserves a tank of fuel for bringing his new boat from Sydney to the Pan Pacific event on the Gold Coast, and then again up to this event after an in between race in Sydney helped him with capsize practice. Keith got some great starts and if it were not for a rigging issue, would be higher up the results.
Our President Geoff Waldon deserves an IT award for sailing the series with a GoPro on each end of the boat and one on his head. Protest evidence for the rest of us maybe?
Wētā Class Secretary, Hamish Urquhart, had his first sail in a new boat, having recently had his hip replaced, and managed all but the heavy wind races.
Don Graham came up from the Gold Coast to join us and very quickly tuned in to the conditions to grab 5th place.
Local guru Geoff Smith took the over 70 year old prize, and he frightened all of us with a big Sunday scorecard of 4-3-3. Andres Gabarrin showed what a master he is of the evolving float-hiking upwind method to come in 3rd overall. He would have done better if it were not for a broken shroud in heat 2. I managed to keep ahead of Andres most of the weekend with a better day Saturday in the fresher winds and was very pleased with another 2nd overall, but it was our consistent winner and QLD dealer Glenn Foley who got the gong with an uncanny ability to make a minimal number of mistakes.
As usual, great pictures are available from Julie Hartwig Photography here. (Thanks for the permission to reproduce the images here)
Wētā Halyard Holder/Bottle Cooler
Keeps your halyards neat and out of the wind or keeps your drink icy cold on hot days. More info here
Geoff's view of the exciting Three Islands Challenge around Sydney Harbour - it was a blast!
May 10th, 2017 - New Sails and Lighter hulls announced
Weta Marine are adopting a 'Wētā evolution' approach to keep pace with cutting edge technology and to ensure we keep fresh in the market while maintaining a One Design ethos. After a number of years of testing we have rolled out some boat upgrades to give the Weta a refresh as we head towards 2020 and beyond.
New Square Top Mainsail (SQ)
• The SQ gives more power in light air, excellent downwind but still capable of handling the big breeze that the Weta is famous for.
• In testing, this sail has worked very well over a wide wind range. It is fast and provides a nice boost in speed to the Weta in all conditions.
About the new SQ
Over the years, the main criticism of the Weta has been a lack of performance under 8kts of wind. While no one sail design can accommodate the entire range of crew weights, the new SQ is a highly developed sail: radial cut, square top. At the same time North Sails have used their expertise from other one-design classes to revise the standard mainsail to a bi-radial cut to the same shape as the original.
New Foam core hulls
• The new foam hulls fits the same one design rule of all Wētās but incorporates improvements in 2017.
• Redesigned foam core construction of all three hulls which is both stiffer and lower in weight, improving performance.
• The new foam hulls are approximately 12kg (26lb) lighter than the previous production boat. Sailors will find it easier to manage on land - with no negatives on the race course.
• Total weight is strictly controlled, now just at the class minimum - so no corrector weights are required for normal class racing. 120kg (265lb) so sits at the minimum in the Weta Class Rules.
About the new hulls
The original four Wētās manufactured in NZ were a foam sandwich construction. The boats are fast and strong and still highly competitive. At the time, it was not an economic option to build production boats this way but the march of technology now means we can share this benefit with all.
By removing weight out of the boat while not compromising strength, assembly and moving the boat around on land is so much easier!
Wētā Sailing Options - now even more versatile!
• Foam core Wētā and SQ 9.3 main - this is a great choice if you are a racer and want a boost in performance especially in mixed fleets in light winds.
• Foam core Wētā and Standard 8.3 main - perfect for the lighter weight sailors or sailors with reduced mobility. The foam core Wētā is a joy to trail and launch with its lighter weight hull.
• Foam core Wētā and smaller 6.5 main - perfect for mum or the kids who are lighter weight and want to play in the breeze with unmatchable stability. Great for dad in high wind with full control.
• Standard Wētā with standard 8.3 main - if you are an explorer or rock hopper then this non-foam cored boat can certainly take a pounding hitting the beaches. Complete the setup with a furling jib for easy sail management.
• Standard Wētā with Dacron main - this is your perfect sailing school or hire boat. Learn the basics quickly. Simple, safe and plenty of fun.
Both the new sails and new hulls are available from Wētā dealers now.
Spring Offer: Buy a new Weta and get both sails (original 8.3SqM and the new 9.3SqM Square top) included in the price - limited availability.
• The SQ gives more power in light air, excellent downwind but still capable of handling the big breeze that the Weta is famous for.
• In testing, this sail has worked very well over a wide wind range. It is fast and provides a nice boost in speed to the Weta in all conditions.
About the new SQ
Over the years, the main criticism of the Weta has been a lack of performance under 8kts of wind. While no one sail design can accommodate the entire range of crew weights, the new SQ is a highly developed sail: radial cut, square top. At the same time North Sails have used their expertise from other one-design classes to revise the standard mainsail to a bi-radial cut to the same shape as the original.
New Foam core hulls
• The new foam hulls fits the same one design rule of all Wētās but incorporates improvements in 2017.
• Redesigned foam core construction of all three hulls which is both stiffer and lower in weight, improving performance.
• The new foam hulls are approximately 12kg (26lb) lighter than the previous production boat. Sailors will find it easier to manage on land - with no negatives on the race course.
• Total weight is strictly controlled, now just at the class minimum - so no corrector weights are required for normal class racing. 120kg (265lb) so sits at the minimum in the Weta Class Rules.
About the new hulls
The original four Wētās manufactured in NZ were a foam sandwich construction. The boats are fast and strong and still highly competitive. At the time, it was not an economic option to build production boats this way but the march of technology now means we can share this benefit with all.
By removing weight out of the boat while not compromising strength, assembly and moving the boat around on land is so much easier!
Wētā Sailing Options - now even more versatile!
• Foam core Wētā and SQ 9.3 main - this is a great choice if you are a racer and want a boost in performance especially in mixed fleets in light winds.
• Foam core Wētā and Standard 8.3 main - perfect for the lighter weight sailors or sailors with reduced mobility. The foam core Wētā is a joy to trail and launch with its lighter weight hull.
• Foam core Wētā and smaller 6.5 main - perfect for mum or the kids who are lighter weight and want to play in the breeze with unmatchable stability. Great for dad in high wind with full control.
• Standard Wētā with standard 8.3 main - if you are an explorer or rock hopper then this non-foam cored boat can certainly take a pounding hitting the beaches. Complete the setup with a furling jib for easy sail management.
• Standard Wētā with Dacron main - this is your perfect sailing school or hire boat. Learn the basics quickly. Simple, safe and plenty of fun.
Both the new sails and new hulls are available from Wētā dealers now.
Spring Offer: Buy a new Weta and get both sails (original 8.3SqM and the new 9.3SqM Square top) included in the price - limited availability.
Lake Cootharaba SC Wētā Challenge 2017
Report: Hamish Uquhart
The weather was not very promising in the week before the Race Series and access roads were flooded on Friday. However 12 Wētās turn up on the Saturday and we had our own start after the rest of the fleet. It was terrific to see 11 Wetas on the start line together including Roger Kitchen, MD of Weta Marine, who was making a guest visit and sailed Laurie Armstrong’s boat for two of the races on Saturday, while Laurie was otherwise engaged.
The weather settled nicely into a fairly steady ENE at an average of 18 knots, which was a bit fresh for Mitchell Foley (age 12) but provided great sport for the rest of the fleet. Courses had a 0.5 nm windward leg and were the traditional “Triangle, Sausage, Triangle” with the Start/Finish 1/3rd of the way up the work.
Saturday’s racing was fast and furious taking just over 30mins for the first boat round. Glen Foley lead from the start in the first race but was chased hard by Peter Hackett racing his Wētā for the first time and coming in with a second and Michael (Knuckles) Grieve crossing for third. (Peter is more used to racing his F22 on the Multi circuit so has plenty experience with competition.)
Race 2 again saw Glen take honours with Knuckles Grieve 15 seconds behind him followed by veteran Dave Vockler. Peter Hackett had to retire with a damaged rudder and subsequently was not competitive with his original design rudder.
Race 3 saw Knuckles get the better of Glen for a great win with Hamish Urquhart in third.
Everyone was very energised but exhausted by the days racing and enjoyed a few drinks and very tasty dinner at the Clubhouse before, what was at least for me, an early night.
Sunday dawned with the Lake smooth as glass and everyone drifted out to the start hoping for some sort of a breeze. Storms were forecast for later in the day so the Race Committee was keen to get racing started. Eventually a light breeze settled in from the WSW and it became possible to set a course and get the fleets away. The breeze stayed in for the first lap but then dropped away to a drift for the second lap, eventually shifting to ENE. A decision was made to shorten the course and the start boat moved to enable a good course to be set for the second race. Glen showed great consistency to win with Dave Vockler and Knuckles making up the places.
The wind settled nicely for the afternoon race with an ENE at 15 knots. Like the Saturday races it was fast and furious with some of the tightest racing of the regatta. Again Glen showed his skills with a good win and then there was only 40 seconds between 2nd and 6th with Dave Vockler again taking second from Geoff Smith in third.
By the end of the race the Lake was surrounded by thunder storms so the last race was cancelled and we all made our way to the beach to pack up in good, warm, Queensland rain.
The final result for the series was a fine win for Glen Foley from Knuckles Grieve in second, Dave Vockler third and Hamish in fourth. Sue Germain, LCSC Rear Commodore had some nice words to say about the Wētā Fleet at the presentation and I’m sure we will be welcome back next year.
It was a shame that the weather was a bit fresh for Mitchell Foley who only completed one race on Saturday. I’m sure he will soon be one to watch on the water. Angela Gregory sailed all races and, although the weather conditions didn’t suit her, it was great to see her out there competing.
Full results here
© Images by Sailing Shotz Photography by Julie Hartwig. Hi-res versions may be purchased from her website here
Report: Hamish Uquhart
The weather was not very promising in the week before the Race Series and access roads were flooded on Friday. However 12 Wētās turn up on the Saturday and we had our own start after the rest of the fleet. It was terrific to see 11 Wetas on the start line together including Roger Kitchen, MD of Weta Marine, who was making a guest visit and sailed Laurie Armstrong’s boat for two of the races on Saturday, while Laurie was otherwise engaged.
The weather settled nicely into a fairly steady ENE at an average of 18 knots, which was a bit fresh for Mitchell Foley (age 12) but provided great sport for the rest of the fleet. Courses had a 0.5 nm windward leg and were the traditional “Triangle, Sausage, Triangle” with the Start/Finish 1/3rd of the way up the work.
Saturday’s racing was fast and furious taking just over 30mins for the first boat round. Glen Foley lead from the start in the first race but was chased hard by Peter Hackett racing his Wētā for the first time and coming in with a second and Michael (Knuckles) Grieve crossing for third. (Peter is more used to racing his F22 on the Multi circuit so has plenty experience with competition.)
Race 2 again saw Glen take honours with Knuckles Grieve 15 seconds behind him followed by veteran Dave Vockler. Peter Hackett had to retire with a damaged rudder and subsequently was not competitive with his original design rudder.
Race 3 saw Knuckles get the better of Glen for a great win with Hamish Urquhart in third.
Everyone was very energised but exhausted by the days racing and enjoyed a few drinks and very tasty dinner at the Clubhouse before, what was at least for me, an early night.
Sunday dawned with the Lake smooth as glass and everyone drifted out to the start hoping for some sort of a breeze. Storms were forecast for later in the day so the Race Committee was keen to get racing started. Eventually a light breeze settled in from the WSW and it became possible to set a course and get the fleets away. The breeze stayed in for the first lap but then dropped away to a drift for the second lap, eventually shifting to ENE. A decision was made to shorten the course and the start boat moved to enable a good course to be set for the second race. Glen showed great consistency to win with Dave Vockler and Knuckles making up the places.
The wind settled nicely for the afternoon race with an ENE at 15 knots. Like the Saturday races it was fast and furious with some of the tightest racing of the regatta. Again Glen showed his skills with a good win and then there was only 40 seconds between 2nd and 6th with Dave Vockler again taking second from Geoff Smith in third.
By the end of the race the Lake was surrounded by thunder storms so the last race was cancelled and we all made our way to the beach to pack up in good, warm, Queensland rain.
The final result for the series was a fine win for Glen Foley from Knuckles Grieve in second, Dave Vockler third and Hamish in fourth. Sue Germain, LCSC Rear Commodore had some nice words to say about the Wētā Fleet at the presentation and I’m sure we will be welcome back next year.
It was a shame that the weather was a bit fresh for Mitchell Foley who only completed one race on Saturday. I’m sure he will soon be one to watch on the water. Angela Gregory sailed all races and, although the weather conditions didn’t suit her, it was great to see her out there competing.
Full results here
© Images by Sailing Shotz Photography by Julie Hartwig. Hi-res versions may be purchased from her website here
Sydney Superyacht Get Wētā
Sydney-based Superyacht, The Southern Cloud, took delivery of a new 2015 Weta 4.4 Trimaran recently. The Weta will provide the owners and guests the chance to enjoy fast, fun, easy sailing with the speed, safety and stability of the Weta trimaran - While the Superyacht takes guests on luxury cruises around the waters of Sydney Harbour, the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.
READ MORE
Sydney-based Superyacht, The Southern Cloud, took delivery of a new 2015 Weta 4.4 Trimaran recently. The Weta will provide the owners and guests the chance to enjoy fast, fun, easy sailing with the speed, safety and stability of the Weta trimaran - While the Superyacht takes guests on luxury cruises around the waters of Sydney Harbour, the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.
READ MORE
Wētā NSW Race Calendar for 2015-16
Starting with the Cock of the Harbour Marathon Race (COTH) on 20th October with a course right around Sydney Harbour. The COTH is a Bart's Bash Event organised by Woollahra Sailing Club (WSC) to raise funds for The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation which introduces underprivileged young people to sailing worldwide.
After a successful program of events at Pittwater last year, for this season we have organised a Sydney Harbour Wētā Championship (also with WSC) - starting on 27th September and then with monthly race days through to March.
The Wetas are one of the invited classes included in Sail Sydney from 19-20 December with at least 10 Wētās amongst the 300 small boats expected.
We haven’t completely abandoned racing at Pittwater as we’re taking part in the Beware the Bullets regatta on 11th Nov, organised by the excellent Palm Beach Sailing Club, and also the Peter Loft Marathon event organised by Bayview Yacht Racing Club - from a “Le Mans” start, a 20km marathon race from Bayview around Lion Island and back - three Wetas were in the top 5 last year - can we repeat the result?
Other events include the Jervis Bay Regatta on October 3-4 in the inviting waters of Jervis Bay. The ACT Multihull Regatta on Oct 31 - always a challenge with light to strong winds on the same day and, a new event for the Wetas, the Australia Day Regatta and marathon at Kurnell Catamaran Club.
MORE INFO ON THE WETA CALENDAR
Starting with the Cock of the Harbour Marathon Race (COTH) on 20th October with a course right around Sydney Harbour. The COTH is a Bart's Bash Event organised by Woollahra Sailing Club (WSC) to raise funds for The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation which introduces underprivileged young people to sailing worldwide.
After a successful program of events at Pittwater last year, for this season we have organised a Sydney Harbour Wētā Championship (also with WSC) - starting on 27th September and then with monthly race days through to March.
The Wetas are one of the invited classes included in Sail Sydney from 19-20 December with at least 10 Wētās amongst the 300 small boats expected.
We haven’t completely abandoned racing at Pittwater as we’re taking part in the Beware the Bullets regatta on 11th Nov, organised by the excellent Palm Beach Sailing Club, and also the Peter Loft Marathon event organised by Bayview Yacht Racing Club - from a “Le Mans” start, a 20km marathon race from Bayview around Lion Island and back - three Wetas were in the top 5 last year - can we repeat the result?
Other events include the Jervis Bay Regatta on October 3-4 in the inviting waters of Jervis Bay. The ACT Multihull Regatta on Oct 31 - always a challenge with light to strong winds on the same day and, a new event for the Wetas, the Australia Day Regatta and marathon at Kurnell Catamaran Club.
MORE INFO ON THE WETA CALENDAR
L-R: Andy Weis (3rd), Peter Graham (1st) and Rohan Armstrong (2nd)
Jervis Bay Regatta
Unlike the 2014 Regatta when it blew 25+ knots, the 10 Wētās that turned out for the 2015 Regatta were greeted with a wind that swirled around from every direction - making setting the course a nightmare and also leading to huge position changes as those who got the gust were able to capitalise on it.
Sunday had even less wind than Saturday, although at least it was coming from one direction, but it was very patchy and the expected Southerly never arrived.
The Canberra contingent took 2 of the top-3 places, as conditions were similar to lake sailing, but the winner was Peter Graham from Sydney who won on countback from Rohan Armstrong as he was over the line in the final race - they were only 2 points ahead of Andy Weis. In view of Peter's continued success, his nameless boat has been dubbed "Winalot".
Unlike the 2014 Regatta when it blew 25+ knots, the 10 Wētās that turned out for the 2015 Regatta were greeted with a wind that swirled around from every direction - making setting the course a nightmare and also leading to huge position changes as those who got the gust were able to capitalise on it.
Sunday had even less wind than Saturday, although at least it was coming from one direction, but it was very patchy and the expected Southerly never arrived.
The Canberra contingent took 2 of the top-3 places, as conditions were similar to lake sailing, but the winner was Peter Graham from Sydney who won on countback from Rohan Armstrong as he was over the line in the final race - they were only 2 points ahead of Andy Weis. In view of Peter's continued success, his nameless boat has been dubbed "Winalot".
Peter Duross trying to Port Tack the fleet in 2015
Get Wētā at the "Beware the Bullets" regatta
Palm Beach Sailing Club is hosting the “Beware the Bullets*” regatta over the weekend of 21-22 November.
The multihull-friendly Palm Beach Sailing Club is very keen to see as many Wetas sailing as possible and we are hoping to improve on the five entries that we had last year.
It would be great to get some non-Sydney sailors on the start line – there are offers from local Weta sailors to have people stay at theirs to save on accommodation costs. There is also the possibility to “camp” at the clubhouse too. Please get in contact to explore any of these options.
There are also some B&Bs nearby and AirBNB has listings from $131/night.
There is free parking close to the launch ramp and boats can be left on the beach overnight.
Canberra Crew – would be great to see you there.
Gosford Crew – nice and close for you to get to!
Dennis – will you and your boat be in Sydney that weekend?
*The Bullets aren't gunshots! – it refers to the sudden gusts which can come over the hills surrounding Pittwater.
First race is 12.30pm Saturday - more information and the NOR can be found here.
Palm Beach Sailing Club is hosting the “Beware the Bullets*” regatta over the weekend of 21-22 November.
The multihull-friendly Palm Beach Sailing Club is very keen to see as many Wetas sailing as possible and we are hoping to improve on the five entries that we had last year.
It would be great to get some non-Sydney sailors on the start line – there are offers from local Weta sailors to have people stay at theirs to save on accommodation costs. There is also the possibility to “camp” at the clubhouse too. Please get in contact to explore any of these options.
There are also some B&Bs nearby and AirBNB has listings from $131/night.
There is free parking close to the launch ramp and boats can be left on the beach overnight.
Canberra Crew – would be great to see you there.
Gosford Crew – nice and close for you to get to!
Dennis – will you and your boat be in Sydney that weekend?
*The Bullets aren't gunshots! – it refers to the sudden gusts which can come over the hills surrounding Pittwater.
First race is 12.30pm Saturday - more information and the NOR can be found here.
Lake Coothraba
Queensland State Titles - Lake Coothraba, Easter Weekend 2016
Forming part of the Lake Coothraba Sailing Club annual Easter Regatta, the Wētā Queensland State is open to all Wetas in QLD and, as it's near Noosa, it will make an ideal holiday destination for the NSW Wetas too. Lake Coothabra covers an area of 5000 hectares and is free of stingers and sharks! More info on the LCSC website here.
Forming part of the Lake Coothraba Sailing Club annual Easter Regatta, the Wētā Queensland State is open to all Wetas in QLD and, as it's near Noosa, it will make an ideal holiday destination for the NSW Wetas too. Lake Coothabra covers an area of 5000 hectares and is free of stingers and sharks! More info on the LCSC website here.
Lake Coothraba
Weta included in N. Queensland Games 2016
Tinaroo Sailing Club on Lake Tinaroo will host the 2016 North Queensland Games regatta which will include Wētās for the first time.
The event takes part over the weekend of 25th-26th July and entries must be made by 23 June online via the Tinaroo Sailing Club website here.
More information and NOR here
Tinaroo Sailing Club on Lake Tinaroo will host the 2016 North Queensland Games regatta which will include Wētās for the first time.
The event takes part over the weekend of 25th-26th July and entries must be made by 23 June online via the Tinaroo Sailing Club website here.
More information and NOR here
Grinner Winner
Beware the Bullets 50th Anniversary Regatta Report
Fresh winds and grey skies greeted the participants in the 50th anniversary Beware the Bullets Regatta.
The event was dominated by Hobies of various sizes, a couple of Nacras with Olympic hopefuls aboard and 5 Wetas (although only 4 on day one). Day two was sunny and warm but a bit hazy with a light breeze that barely reached 10 knots until right at the end.
Most of the races were close with the lead swapping through the fleet. Peter Graham was unusually back in the pack on day one but came good on day two when were were joined by Ian Richardson from the Illawarra with his brand new, never sailed Weta. As a regular Sharpie sailor he was competitive straight away - although still finding passing the tiller around the back difficult to remember.
Paul had some OK results on day one but his leaking floats were causing problems in the light winds on day two and he slipped back down the order.
The other class newbie, Peter Martin was going lower but faster than anyone else and this helped him to string together a run of bullets and he was only beaten by Peter Martin and Ian once. Peter Duross had solid results on both days which enabled him to take a well deserved second place.
Full results here
More and larger images available here
Fresh winds and grey skies greeted the participants in the 50th anniversary Beware the Bullets Regatta.
The event was dominated by Hobies of various sizes, a couple of Nacras with Olympic hopefuls aboard and 5 Wetas (although only 4 on day one). Day two was sunny and warm but a bit hazy with a light breeze that barely reached 10 knots until right at the end.
Most of the races were close with the lead swapping through the fleet. Peter Graham was unusually back in the pack on day one but came good on day two when were were joined by Ian Richardson from the Illawarra with his brand new, never sailed Weta. As a regular Sharpie sailor he was competitive straight away - although still finding passing the tiller around the back difficult to remember.
Paul had some OK results on day one but his leaking floats were causing problems in the light winds on day two and he slipped back down the order.
The other class newbie, Peter Martin was going lower but faster than anyone else and this helped him to string together a run of bullets and he was only beaten by Peter Martin and Ian once. Peter Duross had solid results on both days which enabled him to take a well deserved second place.
Full results here
More and larger images available here
News Archive
Custom Wētā Hull Colours Available Now
Stand out from the crowd with a custom coloured Wētā hull. Choose from the range of Nuplex colours here.
Stand out from the crowd with a custom coloured Wētā hull. Choose from the range of Nuplex colours here.