M-Class Race at Akarana Series

Last weekend of March 2019 saw the Akarana series held by Royal yacht club of the region. When the M-class was racing, it was the final day and it was clear that Menace was in leading position. Second, in line was Matara. It was evident that both boats would fight out in the final races.

On 31st March, Sunday Marksman was a boat that was also due to race but they called it off since they felt that the forecasts, as well as race course conditions, were not favorable. The racing happened even then. There were initial winds blowing at 28 knots through the breeze settled later at 20 knots which made it comfortable for the boats to race.

In the first race that day, there was a windward-leeward blowing in Mechanics Bay. Matara was fierce from the start but Menace took on the lead early on. Matara then went left and took on control as they got into leading position. Matara boat passed bottom turn mark for the second time and the skipper then noticed that Menace had headed upwind for the third time. They then noticed that the start boat had Numeral Pennant 3. Accordingly, they had to drop the kite and start back upwind. They now trailed Menace while March One was the third boat in the trail.

When Race 2 was set Matara checked flags carefully this time. It was another of three lappers to finish. Menace took control from the beginning while Matara came in the second. March One stayed in the third position. This remained the same during the race. Menace won overall series whereas Matara won on handicap and second in line.

The fleet of M-class will begin again in 2021 when they will celebrate 100 years of sailing at Waitemata Harbor. There is a race on 6th April where the fleet will participate, the 79th memorial for Arch Logan.