Thanks to George Gair, our patron, for speaking on Opening Day along with Finn Drummond’s talk on his 2nd placing at the 420 Worlds Champs at Lake Garda, Italy. Also thanks to Emily Kissin for ringing the bell and declaring the opening of the season. The weather was fantastic and the turn out was impressive. It set the scene for the season.
Fantastic to see over 70 boats in 6 classes compete in the Larchmont sprint series last Sunday afternoon in a classic Wakatere south westerly. Results are on the website.
Labour Weekend saw 32 OK Dinghies (the largest fleet assembled for some years) competing for the inaugural Rum Bucket Trophy at the OK North Shore Champs hosted by Wakatere. Congratulations to the clear winner Karl Purdie from Worser Bay. This regatta forms part of the NZ qualifying series for the World Champs in February. Details are on the website about this fantastic weekend.
Wakatere starling sailors competed in the North Island Champs at Tauranga during Labour weekend and 6 of our juniors finished in the top 13. (out of a fleet of 75) Well done everyone especially Chris Steele who was 1st and Logan Dunning-Beck 2nd.
Things to look out for pre-Christmas – another Seniors Sailing Talk organised by Pete Thomas, the Wakatere Junior Regatta (Sat Dec 12th) and the junior and senior Christmas parties.
Next month I will report on the Yachting New Zealand Excellence Awards on Nov 20th where Wakatere has the following finalists:-
Singapore Airlines Sailor of the Year Mark Perrow – OK Dinghy Class, Young Sailor of the Year Paul Snow-Hansen with Jason Saunders – Olympic 470 Class, Finn Drummond with Francisco Lardies – 420 Class, Logan Dunning-Beck as member of the 420 Worlds Team and they all qualified for Merit Awards. Honours Awards Kevin Whitehead.
See you Sunday,
Dean Coleman
 
FINN DRUMMOND:
Finn and Frankie Lardies won the Toyota scholarship!
“I would just like to thank all the Wakatere members who have helped by supporting Frankie and I by voting for us in this scholarship.  The money will be very well used and it will go towards some new equipment for our 470.  We were thrilled with the way the club rallied behind us with their support, and it is greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Finn”
 
Nov 14th RESCUE BOAT SKIPPER TRAINING:
There are still a few places left and we especially encourage new parents supporting the Wakatere junior programme. This is a one day course held on Saturday 14 November at Wakatere 9.00am to 5.00 pm. Learn how to control small RIBs and to carry out rescues safely. All costs will be paid by the club. Morning/afternoon tea provided. Please bring your own lunch, warm clothing or wetsuits and footwear suitable for boating, towel and a change of clothing. Please bring your personal lifejacket if you have one. Otherwise a lifejacket will be provided. Please confirm your registration to: Ray Steele, Wakatere Safety Rep Phone: 445 4544 or 021 761194 or email on: rnrsteele@xtra.co.nz
 
Nov 20th/22nd CLUB INSTRUCTOR COURSE:
Support our young sailors with good coaches by training yourself! The YNZ Club Instructor course qualifies you to teach YNZ Learn to Sail dinghy courses. The next Auckland course will be at Wakatere Nov 20th - 22nd. The course is $120 and minimum age 18yrs. If you belong to a yacht club affiliated with YNZ (such as Wakatere) and are committed to supporting our junior coaching programme please contact Gary Hill 446 3480 as Wakatere will cover your cost. See the YNZ website for an overview of the course www.yachtingnz.org.nz The course is Friday evening, all day Saturday, all day Sunday.
 
Dec 8th MARINE RADIO INSTRUCTOR COURSE:
This course is formally called the Maritime Restricted Operators Certificate will be run by eNautical at Wakatere at 6.30pm – 9.30pm on Tuesday Dec 8th and participation shared with Kohi members. If you’ve ever been uncertain on how to use VHF and SSB this is a great opportunity to learn. ENautical specialise in these courses and you will receive a qualification on completion. More details in the attachment above. For Wakatere members there will be a small fee of $20 payable on the night. Please email Mike Simpson to register your place jam-co@xtra.co.nz
 
WAKATERE JUNIOR REGATTA HELP:
We are looking for someone to begin scouting for spot prizes for the upcoming Wakatere Junior Regatta on Dec 12th. If you think you can help in this area, have a flair for communicating, making people say yes to you… please contact Dean dean.coleman@xtra.co.nz
 
ISAAF RULE BOOK:
Copies of the new ISAAF rule book are on sale in the club office for $20.
 
SUBS:
Thanks for prompt payments but there are still a few to go. Have a good look for your Wakatere subscription invoices, any questions, email club treasurer Jennifer McIndoe jjmermac@xtra.co.nz Direct deposit to ASB Takapuna A/C 12 3026 0843130 00 making sure your name is entered as reference! Or bring a cheque with you this Sunday payable to Wakatere Boating Club. It can be left in the wooden box on the office desk. Thanks.
 
HOMESTAY NEEDED:
A 16yr old windsurfer from Noumea who will be attending the Dominion English School from Nov 15th – Dec 13th is still looking for bed and board and would like to be in the Devonport area. $200 a week will be paid to the host family. For only 4 weeks! If anyone is able to help, contact Andrea welfare@dominion.school.nz