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  1. I went to the event. I will echo what Bad KItty said. Its incredible. I thought I knew all about it all, and was on the water for all bar 3(?) days of the AC when it was here. The sailGP is another level of viewing. in person is soooo much better than on tv, I wasn't expecting that. I hope it is in Lyttleton again, or anywhere in NZ for that matter - I'll be going.
    6 points
  2. That's one of the things that blew me away last year, first time we saw it live. Close, action packed, 10 boats with a stack of the best sailors in the world all in a closer quarters knife fight. We were in San Fran for the LV, and while it was fun, it was like most yachting, be great to participate in, just ok to watch. Sail GP on the other hand, watching 10 boats all charging for the first mark, holey moley! And the detail you can't see live, just look at the big screen, with replays of all the close stuff & incidents. Well worth a weekend.
    6 points
  3. If you listen to the whole interview its not really about the dolphins. Sail GP is ok with protecting the wildlife. Its more about the Iwi. Nowhere else in the world do they need to pay upwards of 300k to appease the various authorities. The layers of bureaucracy all trying to tiptoe around the Iwi and the dolphin huggers go absolutely over the top. There were a dozen iwi appointed so called dolphin experts on $600 plus expenses per day from last Wednesday. Sir Russell called it right. The woke madness around stuff these days is just too hard. The rest of the world bends over backward
    6 points
  4. and he would have to include himself in his minority report as a promoter of a niche sport "I feel discriminated against by DOLPHINS!!" It's a losing battle in the PR space, he should have played his hand better. No one is going to win against flipper! He could have said we delayed racing to do our part in the global conservation movement and show our commitment to the environment blah blah blah and everyone would be on his side!
    5 points
  5. 5 points
  6. Well we killed 10 of them in commercial nets in the last 6 months, any discussion around who's eating Hoki? I have dived my whole life, and am passionate about conservation & the world's oceans. But eventually we should acknowledge the impact we are having on the planet. We need to strike a balance. And imho the race there proceeding is in that balance. There seems to be an assumption that the race meant a dead dolphin, which is far from the reality. It's a marine mammal reserve, complete with a commercial port, power boats, marina and a boat ramp. Oh yeah, and a sewage overflow?
    4 points
  7. Sometimes where theories are hard to prove either way, it is prudent to revert to empirical data. Whilst it is often hard to obtain full datasets, some empirical data is usually better than none at supporting a hypothesis. The available data is that 34 events have been held globally, and marine mammals have not been harmed. That includes 10 races in this commercial port / mammal sanctuary. Given that the verified number of Hector's dolphins is 15,000, it sounds like there is plenty of them around to hit, and they haven't managed that, so perhaps the dolphins are smarter than we give
    4 points
  8. So, no one is vetoing the date or the activity, a contract is in place, but Russell (sail GP) continue to thrash about throwing allegations about unnamed parties who are stymying the entire New Zealand economy. Conspiracy theory much? Let's be honest, unless you can show up with a marine biology qualification with a major in mammalian sealife, your thoughts on the capabilities of dolphins vis a vis an F50 are conjecture at best. Well intentioned and honest, but uninformed in its most literal of senses. The people who do have this expertise seem to think there is a problem. For
    4 points
  9. It is funny how people forget that marine mammal sanctuary is also a major commercial port. Ground zero for med fan worm too. How outrageous to want to hold this event at a commercial port. Lunacy. Completely reckless. Lyttleton is hardly a tranquil fjord in the depths of a National Park and the sole habitat of one armed starfish and unicorn seahorses. That, and his main issues aren't with the dolphins, it is with the bureaucracy and cost of dealing with red tape and minority groups with disproportionate power. We have a major productivity issue in NZ, GDP per capita is plummet
    4 points
  10. Those noodles do a great job of protecting the dad bod from abrading.
    3 points
  11. It's an awesome event, best yacht racing on the planet IMHO. TV, not even close to the real thing sorry. If fact, you can watch most things that happen now on dik tok, twitbook, youtube or somewhere, I still think getting out and experiencing the real thing is worthwhile? ChCh & the organisers put on a great weekend, even with Saturday being an imaginary dolphin watch trip!
    3 points
  12. I've watched it religiously on TV for years, I was a bit annoyed at the $130 ticket price but having gone on Sunday it was well worth the money. The atmosphere is something that doesn't come across on the TV and being there really is an experience. I would rank it in my top 3 events I've attended in my life.
    3 points
  13. The Americas cup can be taken out of the equation.Thats purely a Dalton thing,didnt get his way so takes the cup away,. 15000 maui spread around the west coast/lower east coast is not a great number. Seperating Mum and calf is the issue,minority sport and seems here or over the other place you are in the minority group wanting to have GP regardless of NZ sanctuary. Why sign an agreement then cry??
    2 points
  14. Repeating for clarity. "DOC does not have a role in permitting or allowing the race to go ahead. DOC’s role is to advocate for marine mammals and to carry out compliance functions if any incidents involving protected wildlife were to occur which may have broken the law." As it happens, neither do iwi. There is a requirement to consult, but they do not have a right of veto. Russell's problem is he wants a race in a marine sanctuary, but he doesn't want to stop racing if it's a problem. Now he wants that all at a time that is particularly problematic ie breeding season. Whe
    2 points
  15. It was rather a lot more about RC not getting his way. Nothing happened that he did not agree to beforehand. The agreement was (I understand) virtually unchanged from the previous year. Sail GP has already signed an agreement for next year with (presumably) similar requirements attached to it. Talk of red tape is therefore grossly over-wrought since there was none wrapped around any of the deal this year or next. He's like the housebuyer who is trying to renegotiate the terms after they have signed the agreement.
    2 points
  16. Various govt ministers are calling the application of the law "red tape" so in effect are saying there should be a favourable application of it to suit private interests, the courts may view it differently, The Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 applies (its been around a long time) and while I think there's a very small chance that a dolphin would be hit it's not zero so who is going to take responsibility here if they do? The main point is that SailGP helped write the agreement and signed it! Its like the ministers complaining that the event cant proceed when its blowing 30kts because wind
    2 points
  17. I do concede on the GP cats,fleet racing anyones game,but actual AC cats win start win race,boring as truck.
    2 points
  18. Sounds like there is more risk, or as much risk, in a redesign than there is keeping them as is. What is the background, are you planning a voyage in the Southern Ocean, or Gulf Cruising? Brand new rigging can fail. Sure, there is a correlation with very old rigging failing, but that doesn't exclude new gear failing. Especially if it is a novel or un-proven design. Or poorly installed. An alternative design is to glass in a large lump of hardwood. You could then screw the chainplates straight to that, keeping them visible, so you meet your objective for inspection etc. This is w
    2 points
  19. More like, Russell tossing toys out because he can't get what he wants. Again.
    2 points
  20. Probably should be a good example of IOR landfill, but I guess it deserves to be brought back to life. Predecessor to the Farr 727 and sistership to Fantzipants. The rebuild will start later this year, when I get some time to move it out of its current nest.
    2 points
  21. It took a Lil more then a week end but.... New colors and name change... We did the bilge pee ceremony, that should keep us safe. More to do...
    2 points
  22. Had a blast racing to the Barrier on Saturday despite being 45 mins late for the start and extremely hung over. Apologies for Co skippers language and inability to keep a camera in one plane.... VID-20240303-WA0005.mp4
    2 points
  23. in Auckland. I guess it's chocolate eggs and hot cross buns, and maybe the first indoor fire of winter. Have a great weekend if you are heading out.
    1 point
  24. Nice morning for it…. good angle, too
    1 point
  25. LP plastics will custom make these in small quantities, great service
    1 point
  26. If you want to drive north of the Brynderwyns then Rob Harrop at RH Engineering on Port Rd in Whangarei has made me all sorts of custom pieces out of custom materials and at a good price.
    1 point
  27. Cant happen here, right!
    1 point
  28. We used Henley's to make rudder bearings out of some fancy plastic material. At that time we were doing a new drive shaft, shaft seal and all sorts of expensive and tedious boat stuff with them as well. There was a little bit of wear on my rudder stock so ended up putting the whole thing in the car and taking it down there for them to measure so they could get the fit just right. If you need it bespoke you'll have to get something machined up, which would be either Henley's of Chatfields. I found Henley's easier to deal with but that doesn't mean either is any better for you.
    1 point
  29. We just arrived in Brest. Got out of the taxi and it hailed, turned to rain after 10 min, and hasn’t stopped. That was 3h ago. Storm forecast for the next 2 days, lol…
    1 point
  30. I reckon Easter is too close to the equinox this year. It is normal to get blowey around the equinox. Traditionally Easter weather is always either complete shithouse or amazeballs glassy calm, never anything in between. Possibly when Easter was later in April (away from the equinox) it is more likely to get those classic autumn crisp clear days and cold nights. I'm hoping that is the case, as I'm eyeing up the April school holidays for a nice autumn cruise this year (and because Easter is sucky, as you say).
    1 point
  31. Yes I read that a wee while ago when Jones first said it. My point is that there is a minority that have disproportionate influence on fisheries management - I don't want to get into the rightly of wrongly bit here. But this is the exact issue Coutts is banging on about regards SailGP. Many people have been distracted about the dolphins, noting Coutts came out on the Friday saying SailGP wouldn't return due to minority issues, when the dolphin issue didn't kick off till Saturday. And people have been distracted because it is Coutts saying it. Clearly he is a brash and polarising
    1 point
  32. There is no aversion to marine related politics but it almost always ends up in the same uninformed place blaming minorities for problems, but this is marine related so lets take this a bit further down the track of "we care but not that much" https://gulfjournal.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SOER-online.pdf Crayfish are "functionally extinct" meaning that they can no longer perform their role within the marine ecosystem, a good friend and diver with 35 years experience will no longer take crays or permit anyone on his boat to do so.
    1 point
  33. This is a very good example. Not wanting to trigger your guys aversion to politics, BUT: Any moves to manage the Gulf fisheries are blocked or thwarted by Tangatawhenua. The basic issue being that the treaty never covered the sea, and they see they have rightful control (some say ownership, others say Kaitiaki) of the fish. This is why the current plan, which I think took 10 yrs to work out, requires the entire community to stop taking fish, accept for one minority, race based group. It is fair to say that if it wasn't for the customary rights issues around fish management, we c
    1 point
  34. Agree, NZ can be a bit like this. Off topic but look at the Gulf cray stocks for example, every diver I know has reported that the difference between now even 20 years ago is shocking. The solution is simple if we are committed to rebuilding the fishery- we know how but just don't want to for either selfish or commercial reasons. We could repeat this in almost every area involving depleted fisheries- we care but not that much! It seems that for many people the sea and anything to do with it, is "outside the environment" as John Clarke commented.
    1 point
  35. https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2024-media-releases/doc-statement-sailgp-lyttelton/ DOC does not have a role in permitting or allowing the race to go ahead. The marine mammal management plan was developed by and belongs to the race organisers. DOC does not have a role in implementing it. SailGP has chosen to hold its event in a marine mammal sanctuary that was established for the protection of Hector’s dolphins.
    1 point
  36. And yet, he went ahead and signed the contract and its terms and conditions. We know that RC is a sharp commercial operator. He is for sale to the highest bidder. Any statement he is making must be viewed as a positioning tool for the next year - a warning shot that if its not cheaper/easier for him, he'll take his toys and go elsewhere. Now everyone has clarity - RC is in it for the money, local entities need to decide if the paltry amount SailGP pays is worth it balanced against the cost and the options to spend on a different event.
    1 point
  37. To finish first ‘first you must finish’. Aussies started better
    1 point
  38. In my heart I new the answer to the peoblem....just redo what is there I suppose I needed a confirmation that hell grinding and vacuum blowing was the solution. It may end up not being to bad ...the whole process of dismantling the cabinetry, insulate the working space for dust, rebuilding everything, is actually more involving than the job it self. I tell myself that this is probably the last big job left....
    1 point
  39. The dolphins live to swim another day! Many other SailGP events lose a days' racing due to wind strength, so not uncommon to cram it all into one day. Meanwhile Burling needs to improve his starting. Lucky to win with starts like that.
    1 point
  40. As an inspector I’d suggest you get a boatbuilder to do a little exploration, remove some of the glass and see if the corrosion is surface or crevice ? This will dictate your next action, document / photo this process as this will help with insurance and certification etc going forward. Plus an insurance company and safety inspector will accept a qualified boatbuilders recommendation ‘If they need to come out and be rebuilt your still then able to do either all or some of this work but follow the professional advice
    1 point
  41. They delayed for an hour last year when dolphins appeared.
    1 point
  42. I see Sail GP as akin to professional wrestling.
    1 point
  43. What is your objection to reproducing the original, they are well proven. In fact why are you wanting to replace them?
    1 point
  44. Yup. Coutts posturing. He'll be hoping CHC council give it to him for free.
    1 point
  45. When changing from A3 to Masthead Kite after Sail Rock I left front hatch open to ventilate the boat as it was champagne sailing. However; after several beers and another 10 or so kts of breeze it would appear it wasn't the best move!
    1 point
  46. Quite frankly they were bloody amazing this year. Best welcome ever. But we could certainly see the writing on the wall. I've always enjoyed this race and would love to see it back in 2025. However it probably needs the support of a couple of Auckland clubs to get the numbers up.
    1 point
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