Sailors prep with tug o war and humour, wins on the day

By Paul Michael

Photos: Dominic Gasparich

A huge palm tree stands over the Tauranga Yacht Club looking over a sea of white sails. The weather is great for spectators, but for sailors, there is one problem – no wind.

William Davis from Blenheim

William Davis aged 12 from Bohally Intermediate in Blenheim raised $750 by chopping firewood, bagging and selling it for ten dollars apiece to get to the AIMS games.

He has been out on the water in a South Island winter, training by himself for this event. William said his dad forced him into sailing – his dad Des agrees, “Yes, I did.”

Zac Loader aged 13 from Hereworth School in Havelock North has just represented Aotearoa/New Zealand in Poland and said he’d be looking for “good starts because the first sailor gets clear wind”

While parents and children chat amongst themselves, waiting for the wind, Mount Maunganui looks on. Cranes from the port stand guard over the yacht club and the water remains calm.

Walter Beer with mum Kelly Collins

Walter Beer aged 11 from Cambridge Middle School said he would, “go fast, try and get in front and that he was enjoying the free kiwifruit.”

Children in caps and helmets start looking for alternatives to sailing and decide to play tug of war to the sound of laughs and cries of “pull, pull,” as they’re dragged to the ground by a strong competitor in a pink tutu.

A pink tutu added colour to the tug o war

The competition involves sailing around a port side triangle past three marks, starting downwind, then upwind and around two marks before racing to the finish line.

Seagulls are squawking and scavenging for food while Zespri flags begin to flutter.

This is Tuesday, the final day of competition at AIMS yachting and finally, there’s enough wind for racing to start. So sailors get ready for action.

Yachting results are available on the AIMS website yachting page.