Ability Cup - Wellington Sailability 3-5 March 2023

Rhonda’s Race Report

Kerehi and I sailed as a doubles team at the Ability Cup hosted by Wellington Sailability.

On Friday, renowned sailing coach John Sanderson from Sydney, held a seminar and what we learned paid dividends. Our tactics improved as the training day progressed and continued on both race days.

Saturday Race Day 1

Overnight rains stopped and the wind blew southerly at 10-12 knots. The seas were choppy and the skies were cloudy but dry for race day one. A fleet of 8 doubles crews sailed the race course set up just outside the Hutt River entrance. The choice of course location at the top of the harbour meant that the incoming tide had little challenging effect on our race strategy.

Kerehi and I were very pleased with our results, placing in all six of our races with five 3rds and one 4th. A good night's rest and we were fit and ready for the final day of racing.

Sunday Race Day 2

We completed another 4 races at Lowry Bay in the Wellington Harbour. Overcast again, with southerly winds shifting easterly at times. The racing was dominated once again by Darryl and Stewart, Graham and Xavier, with our Tauranga team of Kerehi and I holding on to third place overall.

Today’s racing highlight was coming a close second in the last race, showing consistent improvement over the three days.

At prize giving Xavier and Kerehi were both recognised as worthy candidates to receive the newly donated Achievement Trophy, however it can only be awarded to a Wellington sailor - so well done Xavier. Kerehi, achieving 3rd overall received her certificate from WS Trust Chair and Sydney coach John Sanderson. Her smile says it all!

Many thanks to Sailability Wellington and all their volunteers for hosting a great event. See you next time.

- Rhonda, Sailability Tauranga Club Captain

Report and photos: Rhonda Ritchie

Editor: Elisha McCarty