P.B. Yacht Champs

Conditions were reasonably placid for the annual Poverty Bay Yachting Championships, decided over a four-race series during Anniversary weekend.

Many outside entries swelled the numbers to large proportions, resulting in some very keen and skilful racing by the leading boats in each section.

The growing popularity of the one-man Olympic-class Finn yachts was evident in the large field which crossed the starting line. The larger two-man Flying Dutchmen were also well represented by a strong contingent of Napier visitors.

Sleek Flying Dutchmen yachts vie for the lead shortly after the start

Only girl competitor in the series was 11-year-old Darryl Christensen, of Wairoa.

Young Gisborne yachtie Phillip Green sails his "P" class close to the wind

Winner of the "0.K." Dinghy class: John Thompson, Wairoa.

Russell Cooney, Tauranga, won the Finn class section.

Alan Moore, Gisborne, with Bill Peach as crew, gained second place in the Cherub.

Ian Walker and Peter Chatfield (skipper) capped a successful season by winning the cherub section

The officials' boat was well laden

Sue Neill and crew of Wairoa trapeze from their Flying Dutchman Ivanhoe

With its spinnaker well-filled a Flying Dutchman sails the down-wind leg past Kaiti Beach.

After the series, Mr Gordon Wattie, Gisborne manager of J. Wattie Canneries, presented a silver plate to the winner of the East Coast Finn Class Championship, Jim Allen, of Wairoa. This event was held at Wairoa last month.

Finn Class competitors watch the presentation. From left: Raymond Wenham, Rod McCulloch, Jim Smith, Jim Allen, Neville Miller, Rob Lowry, David Twigley, Robin Grant, and Dave Newell.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 140 : February 23, 1966

P.B. Yacht Champs