The season’s South Island Championships were sailed over two days which provided different conditions. The racing on the Saturday was sailed in light conditions and the Sunday stronger winds.

Tristin Ornsby and his team on the Noelex 22 “Hard Core Pawn” were the convincing overall winners. Second place went to one of the two yachts from outside of Christchurch “Garfield”a Sabre 22 skippered by Tony Cuthbertson. ”Phantom” an Elliot 7.8 skippered by Steven van deer Lely was third.

Unfortunately the earthquakes put off out of Christchurch yachts attending. In addition to “Garfield” the other out of town yacht was the Farr 6000 “Chione” skippered by Russell Phillips. Both yachts were from Dunedin.

Given all the seismic activity and some yachties have severely damaged homes a fleet of 27 yachts was a splendid effort. It was great to see the Ward Room of the Naval Point Club filled. The regatta was combined with one for keelers and dinghies. The name chosen for the event was “The last shake regatta”. Unfortunately the name was not prophetic with many after shocks still being felt.

Principal sponsors of the Trailer Yacht event were the Canterbury Trailer Yacht Squadron with generous assistance from Yachting New Zealand, Oborn’s Nautical, Burnsco Marine and Leisure.