Clean sweep for New Lynn

Some of the crew following prizegiving at the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron. As well as picking up the line honours trophy; Samuel (left) won the converted youth prize of a 10-day voyage on the sail training ship, Spirit of NZ.

​​Auckland threw on another magic day of weather for Auckland Anniversary Day; sunny and warm, perfect weather for the outdoors.
 
So, it was with great anticipation that the New Lynn Scouts gathered together crews for seven boats to take part in the 180th Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta on the Waitemata Harbour alongside other sea scout and cadet units from all over the Auckland Region.
 
Boats were rigged quickly with the crews eager to get out on the water, but then the wait for the wind began: unfortunately, true to forecast - very fickle and variable. After an hour it was decided there was (fingers crossed) just enough wind to get a race under way.
 
The course was set from Narrow Neck Beach to head up into the inner harbour against the outgoing tide via the number 11 channel marker; the thought being that should the wind die away entirely then it would be easier to get back to the beach with the tide.
 
The outgoing tide proved to be stronger than the wind for much of the first hour on the water, making headway very challenging. A lot of concentration was required to try to pick out the little wind that there was while not getting carried away by the tide.
 
Many crews simply gave up in frustration and got out their oars out to propel themselves along, but the patience from the New Lynn crews saw them eventually take line honours, second and third place. It’s thought to be the first time that one group has taken all three line positions for this race.
 
As the weather gods would have it, the wind really picked up once the boats were all back on shore at the end of the day. Some of the New Lynn crews went back out on the water on the pretext of practicing capsize drills to take advantage of a refreshing dip! Despite the frustrating wind, a fun day was had both on and in the water.
 
The New Lynn Sea Scout Group caters for boys and girls aged 5 - 19 years. If you’d like a slice of the summer action on the water, or to go camping and explore the awesome adventure playground that we are blest with out West, then call Andrew on 027 6939 756 or go to www.newlynn.seascouts.org.nz.