Ponsonby Cruising Club

April 18, 2021

Open to anyone

Last time there was 16ft up to 60.

Mark Foy Start

AON is throwing out a big pile of cash money

Craft beers now on tap

Watch the Mullets have another pre Lipton hit out.

Suss the lads in the Mullet growing competition, 2 weeks to the big day so it's a case of hair, hair and more hair every bloody where

Seen a Gollywobbler, if not Ponsonby Scow may pop theirs up

Always a lot of fun, come on down......

September 15, 2020

It's that time again for PCC and Armare Ropes Solo Weekend or as it's known to a few 'The Nigel No Mates Weekend'.

Armare sole logo.gif

October 3^rd & 4^th 2020

Yeap it's Nigel time again

Get your entry in now for this great fun weekend. It is Race 1 & 2 of the Vinings Single Handed Series. You can do just this weekend or the whole series if you like.

Start by North Head sail up to the lovely waters by Whangaparaoa Peninsular to finish off Gulf Harbour marina where we will all park up for the night. Boats will be given a berth in GHM for the night. We'll then enjoy a few beers, a feed and some tall stories with the team at Gulf Harbour Yacht Club. The next morning we'll start off the marina and make our way back to finish off Westhaven. Prize giving will be in the PCC that afternoon. All going to plan you'll be home showered all ready for Country Calendar ;)

There are 2 divisions, Extra and No extras. Both have good sized fleets and range of boats.

This is a weekend that is a good one for those thinking of trying Solo and those who have done not too much so far. It is a inshore race with a range of boats and skills. In events like this you'll find those sailing are more then happy to help new people with tips n tricks. If you're new and have some after the race up there will be many to help with questions etc you can put into practice on the race back.

If you would like to enter just this weekend please do so with the ladies in the PCC office. If you're keen on doing the whole Vining Series then enter at the Richmond YC.

Go on, get that entry in, we know you want too.

NOR/SI's out tomorrow. So much fun

For those wondering 'Why Nigel?

April 2, 2019

Talking of mullet boats how is the restoration of Tamariki progressing.

What happened to Snatcher.

Tamariki's restoration is now all on under the watchful eyes of Martin Robertson and Rob Waring. It is going into a Charitable Trust. Any donations and help to get this large bit of the Waitamatas history back on it would be appreciated.

Snatcher is on the front yard of a place in Epsom. She is being given a big going over by Suzie ready to come out next season to get some miles in prior to the 100th.

April 2, 2019

10 Mullet boats in the line up for the start, 10-20knt easterly straight down the guts of of the Waitemata with an incoming tide the whole day. This was going to be a challenging 98th race for the Lipton Cup.

The fleet was tight on the start but spread out a little the initial windward leewards. Every part of the fleet had tacking duals all the way to Resolution buoy resulting in Tamatea and Orion gaining the lead. The 20 mile course then took the boats over to Rangitoto back to North Head, Northern Leading, Torpedo, Resolution Bean Rock then finished on a long kite run home.

The sea state around North head saw the bigger boats gain the advantage and it was between Resolution and Rangi Yellow that saw Orion take the lead from Tamatea. This may have coincided with one of the winches being ripped out of the deck on Tamatea! As much as Tamatea pushed she couldn't quite catch an Orion that was eeking out a couple of seconds more at each mark.

Not far back a tidy looking Limited Edition was going well but never made up the ground she needed to to catch Martin (Orion) or Trubi (Tamatea). LE did a great job of defending her place from a near rabid horde close on her heals. The mob contained Tao Too, Valeria, Matanza and Scullet (once was Alias JD). As those 3 couldn't catch LE they spent the 22 miles fighting each other. Close behind them the next bunch also was in tight battle.

Orion driven by Martin Robertson and his crew took the gun by less than 2 minutes over Tamatea. It was a truly challenging race for everyone with some long beats and well fought across the fleet. From the spectators angle the fleet put on a magnificent show.

The boats entered were - Orion, Valeria, Tamatea, Rangi Manu, Limited Edition, Tere Kane, Komuri, Matanza, Tao Too, Scullet.

There were three magnificent stand outs in a day of many stand outs.

1 - Tao Too a month ago was near written off by many. She was a oyster farm. Massive credit to Brendon Crawford, Suzie and there helpers to not only get to the start line but sail a bloody good race as well. Awesome effort there.

2 - Tere Kane. Again a week or 2 ago not looking good at all but a all nighter or 2 by the Father and son Murie's.

But the biggest, or maybe the smallest, is a dude called Maxum who was aboard Scullet. To be a mainsheet hand on these old heavy arsed boats is the position for a gorilla and a strong gorilla. As one massively experienced and very good yachtie but a Mullet boat virgin said to me 'Haven't sailed a boat that doesn't light up but just barge there way though everything like the Mullets'. At the prizegiving all mainsheet hands were called up and in a line up of big gruntier people was this 13 year old young fella near 1/2 the size of them all (a 1/3 of one or 2 ). He was not only the youngest sailor in the fleet but also wrangled Scullets mainsheet around the entire track. The dude is a legend in the making if not one already after that. A lot of people thought it was a jack up but nope, he is a genuine hardarse in the making. After playing with L Class for near on 35 years now I'm still totally gob smacked about that fella, never seen anything even close to that before.

Some cool stats -

Oldest boat racing and first boat to ever win the Lipton was Valeria at 107 years old.
The young buck of the fleet is LE, she's only 30 odd years old.
The trophy was donated by Sir Thomas Lipton who raced and never won the America's Cup 5 times.
Trophy was made by the same silversmith as the America's Cup.
The youngest crew was Maxum at 13 but had 2 x 14yo's aboard Scullet with him.
The oldest was a gentleman of 7...cough cough years old. He was skipper so not far different than Maxum in the hardarse stakes, the Mullets are not known to be light on the helm.
3 Skippers were hers, 7 were hims.
The PRO for the day is in her 8th decade.
The defending Champion was Orion II

The results – Line and Club sailed for

1 - Orion II - Martin Roberston - Ponsonby Cruising Club

2 - Tamatea - Brian Trubovich - Opua Yacht Club

3 - Limited Edition - Paige and Bianca Cook - RNZYS

4 - Scullet - Mike Thompson - Northcote Birkenhead YC

5 - Valeria - Ben Freedman - Victoria Cruising Club

6 - Tao Too - Suzie Bosher - Navel Point YC

7 - Matanza - Tania Nigh - Wakatere BC

8 - Tere Kane - Gary Murie - Taikata YC

9 - Rangi Manu - Kelsey Muir - Devonport YC

10 - Komuri - John Grinter - Richmond YC

Handicap - place and corrected

1 - Tao Too - 3:49:06

2 - Orion II - 3:49:19

3 - Tamatea - 3:49:53

4 - Limited Edition - 4:00:13

5 - Scullet - 4:02:07

6 - Valeria - 4:02:21

7 - Matanza - 4:03:4

8 - Tere Kane - 4:09:50

9 - Komuri - 4:20:51

10 - Rangi Manu - 4:23:47

The 100th Lipton Cup has been locked in for the 20th March 2021 and we are expecting to see more Mullet boats of all sizes coming out of the wood work. If this year is anything to go by it really could be anyone's race in 2 year's time.

March 28, 2019

SATURDAY 30th MARCH 2019

START: 1100HRS off Westhaven Marina

98^th LIPTON CUP

PONSONBY CRUISING CLUB INC. ESTABLISHED 1900

A 22 mile race hosted by Ponsonby Cruising Club competed for annually in 22ft L Class ‘Mullet Boats’. The harbour course is decided on the day and has previously been between Narrowneck area in the East and Kauri Point in the West.

The Cup was donated by Sir Thomas Lipton and first competed for in 1922. It is made by the same silversmith as the America’s Cup and is the oldest consecutively competed yacht trophy in New Zealand. What makes it more special is that is has only ever been competed for by one class of yacht.

The Start will be ‘on the wind’ and can be viewed from the Clubrooms or Westhaven carpark area. A windward/leeward is incorporated into the course before the boats head off down the harbour. The boats will also be finishing in front of the club rooms for great
viewing.

The H Class will also be a racing for further entertainment for those remaining in the club rooms. They are the larger 26ft relatives of the L Class and still maintain their Gaff rigs.

You are welcome to join us at the clubrooms, from where you will be able to view most of the race. The Club will be open all day from 0730.

There will also be spectator boats available. If you would like to watch the racing from the water or have a little space on your boat for some spectators please contact the club.

Breakfast will be served from 0730hrs—0900hrs: $20pp/$22pp or $10 per child. Please see attached menu. Bookings are essential.

Race Briefing at 0900hrs. All skippers to attend.

Bar to open 1400hrs. Food will be available following the race. Please see attached menu. Antipasto, Seafood & Vegetarian Platters available for pre-order and a snack menu is available on the day.

Club contact details: 09 376 0245 / info@pcc.org.nz.

October 1, 2018

Solo Weekend

Change to Sailing Instructions

Issued - 2 Oct 2018 1100am

Was -

Division Flag will be White (extras) & yellow (non-extras).

~~Preparatory Flag will be U (Rule 30.3 will apply)~~

Individual and General Recalls will be used if required.

Has been changed to -

Division Flag will be White (extras) & yellow (non-extras).

Preparatory Flag will be I (Rule 30.1 will apply)

Individual and General Recalls will be used if required.

30 - STARTING PENALTIES

30.1 - I Flag Rule

If flag I has been displayed, and any part of a boat's hull, crew or equipment is on the course side of the starting line or one of its extensions during the last minute before her starting signal, she shall sail across an extension to the pre-start side before starting.

Rational -

We have a fleet of Solo's who have their hands full. We do not need one having issues on the startline with a pile more solos trying to dodge them. Using this rule is designed to keep the line clear and not have boats trying to come back into the starting fleet. Rule 30.3 was deemed a bit harsh so we have changed to 30.1.

September 4, 2018

The PCC is pleased to announce a nice turnout of people who learnt a few things.

No people, vehicles, harbour bridges or neighbouring Yacht Clubs were harmed during the Flare demonstration.

The same can't be said about a certain members underwear

September 3, 2018

A bit short notice but .....

SAFETY BRIEFING EVENING

A must attend for all boaties, especially our racing sailors!

WHERE: Logan Lounge, Ponsonby Cruising Club
WHEN: Tuesday September 4^th, 7pm to 9pm

The kitchen will be opening at 6pm. Enjoy a curry before the talk and demonstrations.

Come and set off some flares and learn about the latest in life jackets, personal EPIRBs, life rafts, Man Over Board procedures and VHF protocols etc. with Sean Patterson from MARITIME NZ and Tristan Campbell from SAFETY AT SEA.

(NOTE: We are still working through obtaining permission for the flares but it is looking positive - it will be good to see the reality of setting off flares as well as the effectiveness of different types of flares.)

The kitchen will be open from 6pm and of course the bar will be open.

There is NO charge and non-members are very welcome!

We encourage all our sailors to attend this evening. Please pass on the invitation to everyone that sails on your boat whether cruising or racing!

RSVP encouraged: info@pcc.org.nz

April 17, 2018

ANZAC DAY REGATTA

Sponsored by AON / Hosted by PCC

Wednesday 25 April 2018

An invitation to ALL Auckland yachties. Come on and take up the ‘Challenge’.

This is a race day for everyone to sail “Around the Yellow Cans”

Fantastic CASH Prizes to be won !

Prizegiving at PCC following the race.

Start times & Course available from PCC at 1130hrs

Mark Foy start with the first boat away at 1300hrs.

Entries close Tuesday 24th April ’18 at 6pm

Contact: Ponsonby Cruising Club Incorporated
PO Box 47010, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144
141-151 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven, Ponsonby 1001

Phone: 09 376 0245
Web: www.pcc.org.nz
Email: Admin/Office: info@pcc.org.nz

March 23, 2018

Yes OK you smarty pants watchers, it was the 97th not the 98th as was suggested earlier. Maybe a little excited with the 100th getting close.

Anyway a bit of video form the race last weekend.

For those who know him do feel free to ask Trubi how he didn't sink his boat when a gybe went bad. You'll know it when you see it.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvqjijgtut2s7vs/97th%20Lipton%20Cup%202018%20Full%20HD%2050%20FPS.mp4?dl=0

March 8, 2018

Can you beat this team around a 20nm, minimum, race track?

Martin Robertson and his team off Orion II, winners of the 96th edition.

You'll have to to win the 97th running of the Lipton Cup, NZ's oldest yachting trophy and one of the oldest in all NZ sport. Orion is again a favourite for this years edition but certainly not a shoe in. Valeria is pushing hard and could easily take the win... and she is 105 years old.

Just out of the shed is Tamateta, a veteran of many Liptons and a winner of a fair few. She'll have a Mr Trubi on the helm so she'll certainly be one to watch. Plus there are a few others all with a chance of the gun.

History has shown loading a pile of rock stars aboard is certainly no guarantee of a win or even a podium. These are special boats that don't play like most others so to win first you have to master the mighty L Class, something some big names have tried many times yet failed.

The L Class has a 22ft long hull and a 22ft long boom, plus a bow sprit. They carry silly amounts of sail. They are centreboarders with 1000kg of lead strapped inside them for ballast, which the winning boat has to pull out and get weighed before they can pick up the trophy. The boats do rely a lot on crew skills and crew weight to keep them upright, if they get it wrong they do fall over and they can sink. L Class were originally fishing boats that plied the harbours and estuaries of NZ hence they become known as 'Mullet Boats' or 'Mulleties'. Most are very old and as mentioned above some are centurions and still racing hard. Orion II, last years winner is one of the newer young bucks (even if the crew are old crusties) at a gentle 45 years old.

The silverware up for grabs, if you think the AC is flash you've not seen this beast.

The name Lipton is from the gentleman who donated the trophy, a Sir Thomas Lipton, yes the same dude who had a crack at the AC a few times, back in 1920. Sir Thomas had a connection to the Ponsonby Cruising Club for a quite a few years prior to that. The story goes that way back in the day some likely lads from the PCC had a race they wanted a trophy for so being cheeky buggers they shot down to Devonport and took a photo in front of the Esplanade Hotel, a flash looking place of the time and still operating today. They sent the photo to Sir Thomas and said the club had spend all it's money on new clubrooms (at the time the clubroom was just a tin shack in a corner of what is now Westhaven) so couldn't afford a trophy for the big race, would he like to help?. Sir Thomas thought that was a bit ruff so donated the cup which became the Lipton Cup and it has been raced for every year since.

With the 100th Edition close a few are in the shed for rebuilds and tweaks. The class is starting to wind up to that so the interest level on who, what, when, how and all that fun stuff is accelerating. It;'s going to be big and great to watch.

The course has to be a minimum of 20nm. It is usually within the area bounded by the Harbour Bridge to Northern leading to up off Taka beach. There are W/L's at the start right off the Westhaven breakwater before they head out for a while then back for a couple of W/L off the breakwater again and the finish. In the 96th Edition the first 3 boats finished literally within spiting distance of each other, not too shabby considering the 50 plus year age gap.

97^th Lipton Cup will be sailed Saturday 17 March 2018 - L Class Mullet Boats

EVERYONE is WELCOME to join us at Westhaven to for the whole day or any part of it.

Breakfast: Bookings essential and pre-orders essential to avoid disappointment 7.30 - 9am

Briefing: All Skippers are required to attend.

Start: 1100hrs Harbour area in front of the Westhaven club area

Viewing: Westhaven Carpark or PCC Clubrooms or out on the water

Clubrooms: OPEN ALL DAY

The Galley: Platters available – see attached flyer for ordering through office or Bar (ph: 376 0245 email: info@pcc.org.nz)

Prizegiving: Approx 4.30pm

A taster from last years edition - The 2 boats you can see before you push the start button are Valeria (L8) to windward, she is 105 years old, and the one to leeward is Limited Edition (L57), the youngest one designed by Greg Elliot, it is only a kid at around 30 years old. Last time they meet Valeria came out on top.

December 19, 2017

Keep our harbours clean – dispose of boat sewage properly

As the busy boating season begins, boaties are being encouraged to help protect Northland’s harbours by disposing of their sewage properly.

Northland Regional Council’s summertime campaign is reminding people of the rules on untreated boat sewage, as even very small amounts can contaminate shellfish and make water unsafe for swimming.

Under the marine pollution regulations, untreated sewage from boats must be discharged well outside of Northland harbours or at a pump-out facility.

A new interactive map developed by the council shows you the marine pollution rules and near-by pumpout facilities in relation to your location – check it out at: Online Marine Pollution Map
Under Northland rules, it's illegal to stay overnight in a mooring area – even at anchor – without a proper way of treating or containing your boat's sewage. This means having (and providing proof if requested):

a well-maintained treatment system that complies with the Marine Pollution Regulations; or
a sewage holding tank (a permanently fixed on-board sewage system which is: constructed in impermeable materials, and plumbed to a toilet, and incorporates a sewage tank with a discharge outlet).

If you see an illegal discharge, report it to the council’s 24/7 Environmental Hotline on 0800 504 639.

Find out more – visit www.nrc.govt.nz/marinepollution

Nick Bamford
Environmental Monitoring Officer, Coastal

November 9, 2017

This is leg 1 of the Westhaven Triple Series made up by -

The PCC Around Rangi Race

The RNZYS Kawau Night Race on Feb 9th

and the always fun RYC Haystack race on April 7th.

The Around Rangi Race is tomorrow the 11th on November.

NOR - http://www.pcc.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PCC_NOR_Round-Rangi-2017.pdf

Entries close at 5pm today - Info@pcc.org.nz or 09 376 0245

In response to a boat asking if the race will be cancelled should the wind exceed 25kts and just to remove any doubt, the RO replied -

It's not the Race Teams decision whether to race or not, it is the boats.

So unless Armageddon is coming down the Rangi Channel or there are no boats in the starting zone we will be honking horns and pulling flags.

In a grudgingly given compromise we need to see sustained winds of in excess of 40 knots at Bean Rock before Armageddon becomes a consideration.

Big thanks to our supporters

and

October 8, 2017

A write up to follow shortly...... including the comment "I think Sunday morning is the first time ever I have seen an entire fleet wide and race management wide hangover'. Armare Ropes did out a few bucks on the bar and the fleet did deal to them all with enthusiasm.

But in the mean time was some of the finishing close?

October 3, 2017

News Flash -

We word coming through we have a potential E1050 V a Sunfast 36 battle on the cards as well.

October 3, 2017

There was no need for boats to take dingys last time.

A combo of a raft up in the little bay at the end and marina. Not spoiled for space so it is cosy.

It's a good spot and not many seem to have found put about it yet so that's good.

October 3, 2017

Race Control as ready as it will ever be.

Patrol boat ready

Snarler's for a post race nibble ready

A special lemonade or 2 will be on hand...... for emergency rehydration purposes of course, safety first people

Disprins on hand for the morning.

Swag is on a aircraft winging it's way from Armare in Italy... drive faster please Mr Pilot

We have splurged on the 'Good Weather package' so should have a nice 10-12 NE for the ride up and a good 15 Northerly up the chuff for a good slide home on Sunday.

With the His V Hers SR battle I wonder if we should have a marriage counsellor on hand?

October 1, 2017

Long range looking at 7 to 12 knots, lovely stuff to kick off the Series with. A magnificent slide home looking at the forecast.

We have a His and Hers, or more accurately a His Verse Hers, battle on in SR26's.

Looking like far more fun than mowing the lawns.

October 1, 2017

Starts this weekend with the PCC Armare Ropes Single Handed to Fairway Bay.

Next Saturday will you be Sailing or mowing lawns?

September 12, 2017

That's right all you Nigel's, it's on again and we are back to Fairway Bay

ARMARE ROPES SINGLE HANDED WEEKEND

October 7^th and 8^th 2017

Start at Orakei and make our way north to finish off the entrance to Gulf Harbour Marina. Then into Fairway Bay for a evening of beverages and bullshit and maybe more boom boom coming from Space Station.

The next morning start off GHM and wonder our way back to a finish off Orakei.

Divisions for extras and one for no extras, courses tweaked to suit.

NOR here - ARMARE ROPES SINGLE HANDED WEEKEND2017.pdf

May 24, 2017

A quick reminder about this tomorrow evening.

As Wal suggests the stories will be varied, wild, exciting and large.

April 24, 2017

$1500 cash money up for grabs plus you get to watch some Classics doing up close plus the weather just looks good.

Get in today

For more information Ph 376 0245 or info@pcc.org.nz

April 13, 2017

ANZAC DAY REGATTA

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