Boating Club’s Double Trouble poised to light up the Bay
In just under one month, the Mercury Bay Boating Club will be hosting its signature catamaran regatta, nicknamed Double Trouble (since all the boats have two hulls). Three classes are expected – A-Class single-handed cats along with the double-handed Tornados and Hobie Cats – with competitors flocking to Whitianga from all over the North and South Islands, from Keri Keri to Picton.
These catamarans are lightning fast and when the wind is up, you can count on thrills and spills. Cast your eyes seaward on Saturday 19 and Sunday, 20 November or pop down to the club and sit on the beach deck to get a good view of the action. This is the fourth year running for this event, and the stakes are high for those seeking the podium. Races will take place in the Bay, starting at 11 am on Saturday, and 10am on Sunday. A veteran team of Mercury Bay Boating Club volunteers will set the courses, manage safety on the beach and water, and show off the clubhouse to our local and out of town guests. “This event will feature the top sailors from around the country in each of the classes,” notes Commodore Jonathan Kline. “Friendships on the beach are soon forgotten once the racing starts. One of the great things about this regatta is that we have sailors ranging in age from 16 to 70. These boats require a lot of strength and flexibility to sail well, but also a huge amount of tactical skill. Will it be youth and strength, or age and wisdom that takes the podium?”
“We expect about 70 sailors and support crew flocking into Whitianga on the Thursday and staying through the weekend. This group of sailors love our town, not just the great sailing bay, with the restaurants, accommodation options and family friendly activities within easy reach.”
Dates: 19th and 20th November, races commence 11am Saturday, 10.00am Sunday.
Mercury Bay Boating Club is situated off 90 Buffalo Beach Road, Whitianga.
Photo 6721. Caption: The Hobie Cat fleet lights up the BAY in the last Double Trouble. Photo by Jackie Dagger
Photo 6858. Caption: 16 year old MBAS sailors, Josie Fairweather and Elise Reader power ahead of several other competitors.
Screenshot – logo of the event