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2011-08-20T09:55:00.000+12:00

2011 Story on Sail World

the TOTAL Fiji Hobie Challenge trail

2011-08-16T13:44:00.006+12:00

Thanks again for a wonderful time. We had

a really great experience and look forward to being able to do it again

I was chatting to Shane about the legs and have the following info from GPS and memory

Leg 1 90km downhill all the way got scary in the last hour

Leg 2 55km light downhill till near navula passage last 30km dead beat in lumpy 20+

Leg 3 14.6km round Beachcomber downwind to Navini Is work back to Treasure Is 10 to 15 knots

Leg 4 34km one upwind leg to SE corner of Vomo Is return run to Treasure Is 10 to 15 knots

Leg 5 26km round Beachcomber downwind to Navini reach to Malamala beat to Vunuadra reach back to Treasure 10 to 15 knots

Leg 6 22km treasure to smugglers cove light downwind all the way

Mick

Mick + Patrick Buttler - Winner of the TOTAL Fiji Hobie Challenge 2011

Results - TOTAL Fiji Hobie Challenge 2011

2011-08-16T13:19:00.003+12:00

for more regular updates

2011-08-06T08:51:00.000+12:00

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2011 Oceania Hobie Championship

2011-08-06T08:19:00.005+12:00

Its the final morning of the Championship and the event has been anything but predictable. Day 1 was spent on the beach (well for most of us) - some went out for 5 minutes and came back on shore - that was the day's wind used up.

Worsty's day 1 started with a speeding ticket doing a 97 on a 60 zone, came out of the gates too early and started on the bar @11am - I think he had inside information that there was not going to be any more wind for the day. Unfortunately for Locke, Worsty was the only one that knew where their accommodation was and had great difficulty finding it from the hours between 11 to 2:30am. 4 taxi's later, they found "home".

Day 2 - well what a complete contrast to day one! Wind picked up building through out the day and by the afternoon it was blowing 25knots gusting to 30knots, steep waves hence the number of DNFs and DNSs. Fortunately no major accidents, the lead changed a few times showing the diversity in the skills of the fleet.

Must log off and rig up - 4 races to complete today before 2pm and there's wind but boy is it cold - 22˚C!

Final Results from Day 1 - 2011 Fiji Youth Championship

2011-07-13T17:23:00.001+12:00

from gusting 20knots in the morning to 2 knots in the afternoon, we were only able to do one more race before calling it a day. here is the final result for day 1...........one day down, two more to go!

Day 1 - 2011 Fiji Hobie Youth Championship

2011-07-13T13:30:00.000+12:00

After 3 days of training, the Fiji Hobie Youth Championship started with ideal sailing conditions. 12 - 15 knots gusting up to 20 knots.

All competitors for the event (3 Wallis + Futuna, 1 Noumea and 8 Fiji Team) are failry evenly matched in skills and it's a battle to keep the lead especially between Chatonnier Lucas of New Caledonia and Moape Draunavesi of Fiji.

The occasional 20knots saw a couple of capsizes and remarkable recovering from the Wallis team who were heros from zeros.

Here are the results from the first 3 races this morning. They've just come in for lunch and then it's back on the water for another 3 races before calling it a day for Day 1.

have nothing planned for this coming weekend?

2011-06-21T08:37:00.000+12:00

this Sat and Sunday will be full on!!

Sat will have some boats available and training for those the newbies and Sun will be racing.

Some fun races for newbies and serious for others

Intro to Hobie Sailing Weekend

2011-06-20T15:07:00.001+12:00

My name is Deborah Sue and I took part in the Intro to Hobie Sailing Course organised by Fleet 252 held over the weekend of 28-29^th May, 2011 in Laucala Bay. The main objective of the weekend was to have fun learning to sail Hobie Cats in a safe environment.
So! After a Friday evening 'classroom session' getting a preview of the hobie lifestyle and diagrammatic no sail zone, upwind, downwind and all the points in between; we started Saturday morning with learning the parts of the boat and rigging on land before launching off onto the water. Clear sunny skies and a nice gentle breeze of about 10-15 knots was perfect for us beginners and particularly those who'd never skippered before! Moape of the Youth Hobie Team was our instructor for the day and a very knowledgeable teacher for Cameron and me. After many practice tacks and gybes we all eventually got to the sandbank for lunch and a demonstration on Fiji's secret method of easily fixing stuck rudder cams. The wind picked up towards the end of the afternoon much to the thrill of some, and one team in discovering the love for speed on the water got a head-start on the following day's lesson on recovery of a capsized boat!!
All in all, it was a fantastic day out ... although a bit tiring as most disappeared soon after chowing down the yummy BBQ organised by Stephen and gang.
Sunday turned out to be surprisingly sunny (given all the rain Suva usually gets!) and after another class session with the blackboard, it was time to hit the water. At least half of us had harnesses this time and discovered the exhilaration of hiking out on the trapeze ... however, the promising strong winds of the early morning eased much and resulted in many a dunking! Oh, what FUN!! Capsize recovery was the lesson for the afternoon and our monkey-agile instructor (Cyril) much enjoyed climbing around on the boat as well as us to demonstrate the techniques.
The Course concluded on Monday evening at the Royal Suva Yacht Club with a last lecture from Lead Instructor Paul Littlefair, on basic meteorology to give us an idea of how local and global weather patterns come about, and how to interpret weather charts.
Vinaka vakalevu to all our instructors over the weekend! Paul, Grahame, JP, Shayne, Stephen, Epeli, Moape, Cyril, Manoa and Marshall. Also, our support and rescue crew: Bronwyn, Led, Mika and Gus, and photographer, Karl.

social sailing: this coming weekend..June 4-5th…

2011-05-31T12:18:00.001+12:00

For those of you who may want to do a bit more practice this weekend, Grahame will prepare 3 boats for your use on Sat and Sun…

He and the youth will be sailing Sat and Sun, and between the 3 boats and the 5-6 youth boats we will be able to get almost everybody out on the water for a few hours on both Sat and Sun…

We may be doing sort of two hours on ,two hrs off turn about but all who turn up will get a go..

On Sun there will be normal race training for the racing teams but the training teams ( you guys ) can just do some more tacks and gibing practice and just improve your skills..

At some point on Sunday, we will ALL join up and sail to sandbank for a chat….and sail back..

For those of you who are waiting for their turn, it would be a good thing to come and sit on the start boat during race training and observe,,,

There is a great deal to be learnt by watching and Grahame will explain this ..also those of you waiting your turn can assist with the starts and will be useful as well as beneficial to your training…

On both Sat and Sun, Grahame will spend some time in the safety boat, following those on their own and helping you iron out problems….

It would assist us if you could indicate how many may attend Sat and or Sun…

In case you are wondering, there is no charge for this…

See you out on the water : )

6: 2011 oceania championship + fiji hobie challenge bulletin

2011-05-31T08:33:00.001+12:00

bula!

we have just completed our first event in our sailing calendar and now i have a little bit of time up my sleeve to get to the nitty gritty of the august event. the may 2011 intro to hobie was a great success and we welcome new members and potential members to the fleet.

a couple of reminders:

1. please send me your entry forms as soon as possible as i urgently need it for the accommodation rooming list. if you do not have the form - you can download it from our website www.fijihobie.com

2. in order for us to secure our accommodation booking etc, i need you to start sending us some money please

please let also let me know if you have any allergies or have any special dietary requirements so that i can make necessary arrangements.

vinaka (thank you in fijian)

5: 2011 oceania championship + fiji hobie challenge bulletin

2011-05-23T17:25:00.000+12:00

bula

air pacific specials

it is with our deepest regret to announce the death of our longstanding relationship with air pacific's sponsorship for our event. if you have flown with them recently you would have noticed that they are cutting cost. grahame is still doing cpr but i'm not holding my breath.

raddison

there has been another change to the accommodation on the challenge - instead of the raddison, we will be staying at the sheraton fiji for the last night of the challenge. for those of you that want to stay longer than one night - i will respond to you individually after i've secured a good rate for your extra night.

transportation to pacific habour

once you have booked your flights, please let me know if you require assistance with transportation from nadi airport to pacific habour. we can organise pickup at the decent rate if you wish to travel by taxi. also happy to send you bus schedule should you be arriving during the day.

communication

as this is a part time job - i am often unable to respond to your email enquiries immediately. they are delayed but not forgotten - my apologies.

thats all for now - have a great week

vinaka + kind regards

torika brodie - event coordinator

mobile +679 9998724 skype torikabrodie

4: 2011 oceania championship + fiji hobie challenge bulletin

2011-05-02T12:06:00.006+12:00

bula

from now on I will be sending out any updated information or changes by numbered bulletins such as this

boat damage deposit

we will accept the equivalent of fj$750 for charter boat damage deposit for those of you not wishing to change any cash

air pacific specials

nothing has been confirmed yet - i will advise hopefully by the end of the week as grahame aka. fish is in negotiations with them and communications with grahame is a little bit restricted as he is in thailand sailing.

vinaka - tor

fiji hobie @ the 2010 hibiscus float acknowledging our sponsors contribution

learn to sail! come experience what the fuss is all about

2011-04-18T11:55:00.002+12:00

golden oldie

2011-04-06T17:16:00.003+12:00

stumbled across this photo on my of my random google search......photo thai nationals in 2009

Bring it On!!

2011-04-06T16:36:00.003+12:00

We are in the process of finalising the last details for the 2011 Air Pacific Oceania Championships and the Suzuki Fiji Hobie Challenge from 3rd to 13th August so stay tuned over the next week for updates regarding the NOR, accommodation, flight specials etc.

So what's the plan for this year?

Well, it all starts in Pacific Harbour for the now 3-day course racing Air Pacific Champs, followed by some interesting swings and turns as the 5-day long distance Suzuki Hobie Challenge heads up the South Coast with 2 lay days of sun, sand, surf at a gorgeous resort where there'll be recuperation time (for the non-sailors, that's sailor speak for rum drinking time).

After the lay day, we head off north again to Treasure Island (by popular request) for 4x nights. Yet more sun, sand, surf and massages....sigh, it's a tough life! And Beachcomber Island's bar is only a swimmable distance away......need I say more?

The last day of racing will head down towards the Sofitel Resort on Denerau Island for the prize giving night. The airport is only 20 mins away and with 7 resorts in a row and Port Denerau, there'll be no shortage of rum.

Families and friends are more than welcome - we've got ground transport organised, nannies for the kids, spa discounts, zip lining, white water rapids, diving and fishing available and some of the most gorgeous beaches and waters in the world.

Confirmed Entries so far:

Pete Dubbelaar (Aust)

David Lovell / Nick King (Aust)

Mike Montague (USA)

Geoff Rowden / Rosie Phelan (Aust)

Bruce Tardrew / Sarah Turnbull (Aust)

Fletcher Warren / Georgia Warren-Myers (Aust)

James Wierzbowski (Aust)

Bob Engwirda / Worsty (Aust)

Ray Muld (Aust)

Kerli Corlett / Ali Corlett (Aust)

Rohan Gilmore (Aust)

Didier Arnould (Tahiti)

Didier Arnould #2 (Tahiti)

Andrew Locke (Aust)

John McCormick (Aust)

Mick Butler / Junior Butler (Aust)

Matt Sheppard (NZ)

Grahame Southwick (Fiji)

John Philp (Fiji)

Shayne +Lt Torika Brodie (Fiji)

Alan Marshall (Fiji)

Stephen Breen (Fiji)

and

Special Guests: Fossil & Mrs. Fossil (PNG)

Andrew Springford (NZ).....we are waiting to hear from you!

That leaves only 2 boats left so if you're up for 10 days of great sailing (ask last year's competitors about the Royal Davui Squall......)

dramas @ the worlds?!

2010-08-30T15:56:00.001+12:00

we just heard that "big rehearing protest com against leading French lying to comp yesterday in port/stb incident. back check found his witness 15 boats back. could get rubbed out rule 69. all waiting"

final day report for the grand masters

2010-08-20T08:59:00.002+12:00

"well first round is over and it was a hard battle in 25 knots gusting and shifty. everybody pretty well held positions in the variable conditions so for us/fiji a 4th it is. 6 day break for me as the women, youth and open qualifiers begins and then its into battle again. time to lick the woulds and down some fiji bounty rum. cheers" grahame southwick - fiji team - hobie 16 world championship in weihai, china
click here for the final results of the grand masters series

day 3: evening update

2010-08-19T08:50:00.002+12:00

"race 8 was a brain explosion. crew had my mainsheet tangled around her legs as we went out first tack. i scrambled to assist and sorted everything then as we were leading the pack and needed quick sheet on, i jumped out without hooking on!!! rolled, broke my tiller and did 3 rounds with no tiller. lots 11 points so dropped from clear ahead 2nd to 1 point behind tards and now in 4th. harry will be hard to overtake now as only 4 races to go so its on for young and old between me and tards for 3rd tomorrow" grahame southwick - fiji team - hobie 16s world championship in weihai, china

fiji is currently coming in 4th place in the grand masters section of the hobie 16 world championship in china. click here for overall results after day 3 racing of the grandmasters

day 3: morning update

2010-08-18T10:28:00.003+12:00

"6:15am and some breeze so looking better today. more later. expecting 5 races today. today will set the final positions pretty well although one more day to go but got to put more distance between harry and tards and see what we can do to claw back duchacel. he's sailing very smart in these light conditions. cheers" - grahame southwick - fiji team at the hobie 16s world championship in china
click here to view the overall result after after day 2

day 2: Masters + Grandmasters @the Worlds in Weihai

2010-08-18T08:49:00.005+12:00

"better today. 8-10 knots single trap. 5 races. currently holding 2nd behind Duchatel of Sydney, Australia (Gold in Masters Games last year). harry handley 4rd and tards 4h. dropped ocs. good point spread so try to hold on. two more days. cheers. G" grahame southwick - fiji team, 17th august 15:54hrs

masters result after day 2 (top 10)

Masters - Overall Results
1 AUS R.Waterhouse/K.Waterhouse Total pts: 9 (1,5,1,1,6,1)
2 RSA W.Edwards/L.Edwards Total pts: 11 (2,1,3,2,3,8)
3 AUS B.Engwirda/W.News Total pts: 17 (5,4,4,3,1,13)
4 AUS A.Duchatel/E.Curtis Total pts: 25 (7,3,7,6,7,2)
5 HKG Y.Tong/K.Tong Total pts: 37 (11,7,8,8,4,10)
6 KOR P.Byeong Ki/Y.Hae Kwang Total pts: 39 (3,2,23,30,2,9)
7 FIJ G.Southwick/O.Chan Total pts: 40 (30,6,6,7,10,11)
8 USA K.Hilk/C.Bradshaw Total pts: 41 (23,15,13,4,5,4)
9 BRA M.Dubeux/. Total pts: 45 (9,12,2,20,8,14)
10 NZL H.Handley/P.Evrard Total pts: 49 (4,8,10,16,11,16)
Grahame Southwick (FJ) and Harry Handley (NZ) photo courtsey of hobieclass.com

2010-08-17T14:55:00.001+12:00

message from Grahame Southwick aka "Fish" - 19th Hobie Worlds, Weihei China

2010-08-15T20:26:00.003+12:00

17 august 2010
Flat glassy this a.m. again but only 6:30 so we will see. Harry Handley on 131kg drifting ahead of all. I stop eating, Tards drinking rum! we looking for virgin to sacrifice but so far none!

16 august 2010
F! horrible 3 to 5 knots. one race only 2nd around the mark and got OCS. actually dived back in before the start but big fleet they didn't see so drop. 3 more days. First racing tomorrow. Flat glassy hot........Forecast next 3 days too. Could develop into a rum drinking comp!

15 august 2010
Reg today. First racing tomorrow. Flat glassy hot........Forecast next 3 days too. Could develop into a rum drinking comp!

Hobie for Sale at Suva Point

2010-04-26T16:53:00.000+12:00

Dear All,

There is a hobie 16 for sale in Suva as per the attachment/below. Please contact the seller if you're interested and pass on to any other interested parties.

Thanks!

Ards

Administrator
Fiji Hobie Class Racing Association

fijihobie252@gmail.com

Fiji Hobie Notice: 004-2010 - Flights + Accommodation Preliminary Quotes

2010-03-18T10:14:00.000+13:00

Dear All,

The preliminary plan and quotes for the 2010 South Pacific Championship & Fiji Hobie Challenge are set out below. These are only indicative rates i.e. discounts not yet applied. Final rates are due on the Monday 8 March.

Note: We've been negotiating viable flight packages for those who want to travel to China via Fiji and those fares will also be posted on Monday. The delay is being caused by code shared issues and getting the lowest possible prices from the various airlines involved in getting your from LAX to SYD to Weihai via Fiji.

Flights:

Air Pacific:

LAX - NAN - LAX: (discount pending): US$ 115.12 (incl taxes)

SYD - NAN - SYD: (discount pending): AU$ 696.77

LAX - NAN - HK - WEH,CHINA - LAX: TBA

SYD - NAN - HK - WEH,CHINA - SYD: TBA

Accommodation:

these prices are indicative only + final discounted amounts will be available soon

South Pacific Championship

July 30 - Registration + Opening Function

July 31 - Racing

Aug 01 - Racing

Aug 02 - Rest Day

Location: The Pearl Hotel, Pacific Habour

Accommodation + Meals: Approximately US$ 114.73 / AU$ 126.00 / FJ$225.00 per double per night, including taxes and continental breakfast.

Extra person: US$ 61.00 / AU$ 67.00 / FJ$ 160.00

Fiji Hobie Challenge

Aug 3 - Racing to Sigatoka

Location: Shangri-La's Fijian Resort + Spa or The Intercontinental

Accommodation + Meals approx US$ 230.00 / AU$ 252.00 / FJ$ 340.00 per double per night, including taxes and breakfast.

Extra person: US$ 61.00 / AU$ 67.00 / FJ$ 170.00

Aug 4 - Aug 6: Racing to and around the Mamacucas

Location: Musket Cove or Mana Island

Accommodation + Meals: approximately US$ 158.00 - 173.00 / AU$ 174.00 - 202.00 / FJ$ 310.00 - 330.00 per double per night, including taxes and breakfast

Extra person: US$ 71.00 / AU$ 78.00 / FJ$ 150.00 (0-2yrs free, 12-15yrs 50%)

Aug 7 - Racing to Vuda

Location: First Landing / Anchorage

Accommodation: approximately US$ 76.50 / AU$84.00 / FJ$ 150.00 per 2 x Adults + 2 x Children under 16 yrs per night, including taxes and breakfast.

Extra person US$ 25.00 / AU$ 28.00 / FJ$ 60.00

Rates are based on

US$1 = FJ$1.96098 / FJ$1 = US$0.509950

AU$1 = FJ$1.78057 / FJ$1 = AU$0.561619

We advise budgeting approximately US$50.00 - 75.00 / AU$55.00 - 85.00 / FJ$100.00 - FJ$150.00 for domestic trasportation and an additional US$/ AU$ 100.00 - 150.00 / FJ$200.00 - 300.00 for meals + misc.

Cheers

Ards

Hobie Notice 006-2010 - ACCOMMODATION FOR SOUTH PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP & FIJI HOBIE CHALLENGE

2010-03-18T01:24:00.000+13:00

Dear All,

Apologies for the delays in getting you the following information - as you may know, we experienced a severe tropical cyclone over the past 4 days and communications have therefore been intermittent.

ACCOMMODATION & BOAT HIRE

Attached is an accommodation booking form setting out all accommodation options and costs in FJD and Boat Hire/Entry Fees in AUD for reservation purposes only. If you are intending to attend the Event, this information will secure the applicable accommodation for you but you will not be required to pay until you confirm attendance and pay a deposit and/or a final amount over the next weeks.

USD & AUD amounts will be calculated on the day of payment at the prevailing bank rates.

Please fill in the form with your preferences and email to me or email me your requests ASAP as room configurations are limited and will be booked by me for you on a FIRST COME/FIRST SERVED basis!!

The 2010 Programme, NOR and Boat Hire Form will follow by separate cover.

See below for links to the applicable resorts. If you have any special requests or questions regarding domestic transport (flights, taxis, buses), please let me know and I will endeavor to provide you with the information you require.

Best,

Ards

Administrator

Fiji Hobie Class Racing Association

fijihobie252@gmail.com

Hobie Notice 005-2010: Final Flight Prices - Fiji & China

2010-03-11T16:20:00.001+13:00

Dear All,

Apologies for the delay in getting these figures to you but there is much competition out there and various route configurations to price. Attached is a Word doc setting out the best prices we could get from the airlines, travel agents and online for the various routes involved ie USA-Fiji / USA-Fiji-China-USA / Aust-Fiji / Aust-Fiji-China-AUST / Fiji-China-Fiji.

All prices include taxes and some are ridiculously cheap (eg SYD-NAN-SYD for AUD 302) so these prices are available only on a first come, first served basis and are subject to change as seats get booked.

NOTE that if you're interested in doing both Fiji and China, the best priced flight seems to be from Sydney so there are various routings for that leg including USA to Fiji via Sydney (cheaper than the direct flight with Air Pac).

If you find it difficult wading through this info, I'm happy to assist but you'll need to book directly with the relevant airline/agent.

Final accommodation quotes will be distributed tomorrow - lower than originally estimated so it's all good! Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions of any nature.

Best,

Ards

Fiji Hobie Notice Number: 003-2010

2010-02-22T15:14:00.000+13:00

Dear All,

Now that the Worlds have been announced (15-30 August), we are in the
process of consolidating our Fiji event dates.

General demand seems to be that we run the challenge in early August
so as to allow a one week gap to get to China. There are direct
flights Fiji- HK and we've asked Air Pacific to package two routes:
Syd-Nadi-HK-Syd and LAX-Nadi- HK-LAX for those who want to attend
both events.

For various reasons (high season accommodation etc), we are pretty
much left with the first week of August if time is to be left to get
to China by 13th/14th August. That gives those attending both events
a few days leeway for R&R in Fiji before travelling to China and
getting over jet lag in China before the Worlds start.

We're interested in your thoughts/comments on this. A group
discussion can be opened on our website http://groups.google.com/group/fiji-hobie-252/topics?hl=en-GB

We look forward to you all being able to make one or both events and
will keep you updated on feedback and flight packages as soon as the
information comes in. Following that, we'll take confirmations and
deposits in about 10 days when Fish is back from galavanting (I mean,
competing) in the Phillipines.

Thanks
Ards

2010 South Pacific Championship + Fiji Hobie Challenge

2010-02-03T15:56:00.000+13:00

Notice Number: 001-2010

Fleet 252 have set the dates for the next South Pacific Championship + Fiji Hobie Challenge. Please note that this may be subject to change if any confirmations comes to hand about the next Hobie Worlds rumored to be held in China this year.

2010 South Pacific Championship

Venue: Pacific Harbour (host to be confirmed)

30-07-10 Registration Day

31-07-10 Racing Day 1

01-08-10 Racing Day 2

02-08-10 Rest Day

2010 Fiji Hobie Challenge

03 Aug - 07 Aug Island Racing Around the Mamanuca.

Start Point: Pacific Harbour

End Point: Vuda Marina

07 Aug: Closing / Prize Giving - Vuda Marina Yacht Club

should you have any questions about the event, please email us on fijihobie252@gmail.com

vinaka + have a hobie day

Fiji coming in 2nd + 3rd overall at the 2009 south pacific mini games

2009-09-30T07:23:00.001+12:00

The John Philp + Grahame Southwick crews are doing really well at the games. Here is the link for stories etc 2009 Mini Games Sailing News

Have a Hobie Day

july article on sailing in mai life magazine

2009-07-09T16:45:00.001+12:00

2009 Suzuki Marine Fiji Hobie Challenge Final + Overall Results

2009-07-06T15:38:00.001+12:00

Dj...dj...djcell?

2009-07-04T01:01:00.000+12:00

Sent via BlackBerry® from Vodafone.

Day 5......night more like it

2009-07-04T00:58:00.000+12:00

Sent via BlackBerry® from Vodafone.

The irish dj

2009-07-04T00:57:00.000+12:00

Sent via BlackBerry® from Vodafone.

FHC Day 4 report

2009-07-02T19:02:00.000+12:00

“Give us a course of 4 or 5 hours please to give us some chance of catching Azza and the Dog” was the plea from the assembled Pirates, Pimps, Poofters and Prostitutes during last nights fancy dress to the letter ‘P’ party.
Another race of 2 hours like yesterdays would not have provided such an opportunity so a new course, #9, was devised starting off sailing to the north along the eastern coast of Ovalau Island and then round a turning mark to sail back the same way thus avoiding the light winds in the lee of the mountainous terrain.
Slight delay to this morning’s start – who took the mark boat to go fishing yesterday afternoon and left it anchored too close to the shore and thus high and dry!?!?! Fish!!!!!
A break in the clouds gave a brief spell of sunshine as the teams rigged and headed off after an all clear running start which was very keenly contested. Only half a mile after the start Nicole and Kerli Corlette, who were second overall going into the day, capsized and were relegated to DFL as the fleet beat to windward through the Moturiki Passage and out into the open ocean swells.
After an exciting beam reach with 16 knot winds along the edge of the breakers our combatants gybed twice running through Gava Passage, with breaking surf on either side, to emerge into the flat calm lagoon within.
The barrier reef runs half a mile offshore with waters of 60’ depth, except there are some Bombies per the Fish (really….?) , and Levuka town gybe mark was to be placed within the lagoon somewhere between Levuka and the NE tip set at a position such that the leaders would be rounding it at 10:30 Hrs thus allowing the length of the course to be adjusted on the water.
“Boring” – Aaron Worral and Bradley Wilson were yet again first round the turning mark and hardened onto a twin wire beat past the town quay with a two minutes lead over Philp and Dugdale with their slender 5 second lead over Engwirda and Wilson.
Last minute entrant and Hobie newcomer Stephen ‘Irish’ Breem and Xiaomara Rosenbaum had erred on the side of caution and retired before running through the Gava Passage. Gybing into the narrow strait however had been easy compared with beating back out and passage claimed one victim, the Aussie partnership of Geoff and Rose Rowden, who dismasted just as they were clearing out.
They drifted back through the gap, thankfully clear of the white water either side, and after passing their sails and mast into one of the support boats they were taken under tow and back to Leleuvia – a sad way to curtail sailing in excellent conditions.
The remaining 13 Hobies successfully cleared out to sea again and went back past the Moturiki reef and through a gate set to the north of Leleuvia – except Moape and Ovini, the Fiji Youth team, who were sadly later disqualified for missing the gate completely.
A 7 nm run to the WNW and starboard round Qata island leaving only a 7 nm beat back to the finish. Worral had had a 5 minute lead over second placed Engwirda after almost three hours of racing when they passed through the Leleuvia gate.
By the finish, though, Worral had extended his lead to just over 16 minutes, now over local sailors John Philp and Charlotte Dugdale, who had in turn squeezed in just ahead of Engwirda & Slater.
You had your chance to catch up on Azza and the Dog guys, but instead he’s now extended his overall lead to 1 Hour, 1 Minute and 24 Seconds – only a disaster such as a dismasting would snatch overall victory from this team.
Nicole Corlette sailed a steady race after her early capsize picking through the fleet recovering to 6th place today but she dropped to third overall, 2 minutes and 40 seconds behind Matt Sheppard and Altaire Mandell. Only 3 minutes ten seconds behind them however Engwirda and Slater are hot on their heels and in the hunt for a podium position, themselves struggling to claw back having gone right on the Tuesday!!
38 nm back to Suva tomorrow – the south easterly trade winds are allegedly forecast to hold for tomorrow so the leaders could be home within 3 hours. It should be a blast home and fingers crossed that we do so in sunshine!!!

photos from day 2, 2 + beginning of 4

2009-07-02T10:11:00.000+12:00

FHC Day 3 report

2009-07-02T09:28:00.000+12:00

Where is the sun?!?!?!

At least the rain stopped after breakfast....

Conscious of the long day everyone had had yesterday the Race Management team had come up provisions to shorten some of the set courses and at 07:30 made the call to send everyone round the shortest course - a 17 nm figure of 8 course around Cagala, Leleuvia and Nasautabu Island Reefs.

The early morning easterly winds swung to the SE and built to 12 knots for the running start from Aristo-Cat our committee anchored just off the resort. Flat sheltered seas for the fleet until around Cagala Island then a 4.5 nm beat in winds of up to 15 knots across to Daveta ni Kalavo (Rat Passage).

Worral lead Engwirda through this pass and out into the open Pacific Ocean for the first time. David Lovell and Nick King were in third place just ahead of Grahame Southwick - however true to his nickname, of the 'Fish', Southwick and his crew lost their balance in the waves within the entrance to the pass falling from the trapeze and capsizing in the process.

A 2.5 nm beam then broad reach in the ocean swells just outside the reef to a gybe mark on the northern end then a screaming twin wire tight port reach of 4.5 nm back inside the protected waters inside the reef again. 3 marks had been laid on the southern and western extremities of Leleuvia Reef which was a run then a final short reach into the finish.

Worral and Wilson completed the course in 1:47:18 - an average speed of 9.5 knots for the complete course. Second and third also stayed the same with Engwirda and Lovell respectively.

Meanwhile Geoff and Rose Rowdell placed 4th just ahead of the daughter and father partnership of Nicole and Kerli Corlette who with that were elevated to second place overall just 26 seconds ahead of New Zealanders Matt Shepherd and Altaire Mandell.

The leading Fijian crew are Kaveni and Mika who are only 52 seconds behind 4th placed Bob Engwirda and Slater.

One more Leleuvia race tomorrow before Fridays 35nm passage back home to Suva. With a 40 minute lead, after 3 bullets, Worral and Wilson and looking comfortable but with only 12 minutes and 3 seconds separating second from sixth place the second place overall is wide open.

Let's hope for some sun tomorrow!!! (and wind too of course....)

FHC Day 2 report

2009-07-01T20:48:00.001+12:00

Clear skies and welcome sunshine as the fleet passed over the Leleuvia startline at 09:05 Hrs.
Seas were calm and following winds of 5 knots or so as the Challengers soon rounded the reef heading to the north. However counter currents and softening breezes were to dominate the 14 nm leg to Naigani Island.
Several teams made a bee line to the east seeking some protection from the adverse currents along the Moturiki coastline however local teams who ran over the Smith Reefs and their extensions a mile offshore were to secure the early lead. Aaron Worral, winner of the previous days leg, was third from last with Bob Engwirda another 50 metres behind him.
Event Chairman Grahame 'Fish' Southwick was the first to clear the northern tip of Moturiki and 2 miles later was looking pretty with a 500 metre lead on the fleet half way into the first leg heading north and to the east of the rum line. However a group of 4 boats split off slightly left of track attracted by the rain clouds on the mainland coast. As the winds started to gently swing to the left the winds dropped off for the bulk of the fleet whilst the breakaway group, comprising local sailors Matt Shephard & Altaire Mandell and Kavena & Mika together with Australians Nicole & Kerli Corlette plus Aaron Worral and Bradley 'Little Dog' Wilson were able to maintain their progress albeit in softer breezes.
Race Officer Jerry Rollin and his team were aware that the fleet would be struggling to sail the full 30 nm course around Naigani Island but could find no way to reduce the length of the course within the SI's and the first opportunity to shorten was at the gate to the west of the island.
At the gate the winds dropped off and even swang to the North East briefly and the sunny skies of the morning had already clouded over. As Worral and Wilson approached the gate flag 'Sierra' was hoisted together with two long sound signals indicating a shortened course as the leaders maintained momentum and ghosted through the gate at 13:59:37 in a NE wind whilst the other three of the breakaway group sat in doldrums just 100 metres from the finish.
After what must have been an agonizing 13 minutes eventually the wind filled in from the south allowing the Corlettes to claim second place just over half a minute ahead of Kaveni who was in turn only 2 seconds ahead of Shephard - and Fish was still a speck on the horizon in 5th place...
It was almost half an hour later before he crossed the line, still 500 metres ahead of the rest of the main fleet. With the breezes picking up quickly from a cloud system closing in from the south the final 6 boats all finished within 150 seconds of each other after 5 hours and 40 minutes of racing whilst 4 retirees had already called it a day and turned round before reaching the gate.
And then came the best sail of the day!!! Winds picked up to 16-18 knots as the frontal system passed and the sailors were twin wire beating for home but with only 3 hours of daylight and 14 nm to go. Torrential downpour as the front passed over and then the winds shut down leaving the last few floundering before they were taken under tow with the last two making it back to Leleuvia around 30 minutes after sunset.
It continued drizzling late into the night but this could not dampen the spirits of the Challengers as Fish had promised everyone it would be sunny again tomorrow!

you heard it here first......

2009-07-01T20:28:00.000+12:00

a beautiful bird joined us on the island today + has stated philippine's desire to host the next hobie 16s worlds
just be warned.....book your holidays around feb next year

day 2: results

2009-07-01T07:11:00.001+12:00

the day started off beautiful. at about 1500hrs the skies opened up, sucked out what little wind there was + poured down with rain. it rained so much that the roof at the dining area (the only place that has dry tables + chairs + powerpoints so that you can charge electronic gadgets, cameras + laptops) leaked to the point where there was no safe place to work - hence the delay in any updates to the website.
still drizzling this morning + hopefully it will clear up later in the day.
there is a couple of errors to the results above that will be amended with day 3 results. they are: the skipper for boat#02 is nicole corlette, her dad kerli is the crew and boat#54, the skipper is david silvester + the crew is pip pietromonaco. david was also the skipper during the air pacific south pacific championship
over + out

Day 2.....

2009-06-30T10:39:00.001+12:00

1 1/2hours into the race 6 of the fiji fleet are leading the pack with david lovell on boat 33 coming in 7th. What is most exciting for me anyway is the leaders of the pack are the two fiji youth teams - skippers are rusi + moave. Go Fiji Go
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Day 2: 2009 Suzuki Fiji Hobie Challenge

2009-06-30T09:43:00.001+12:00

Course 6: leleuvia - around naigani - leleuvia

15 boats started this morning
Conditions: light southerly winds expected to increase later......well we are hoping anyway. Fiji's John Philp led the start + the fleet has since split up into 3 groups. Will be interesting to see which way was favoured. Weather is overcast with dark clouds forming to the east of us.
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photos from yesterday

2009-06-29T20:48:00.000+12:00

I cannot put to words the emotions I felt watching the children's faces + expressions when they returned from their very first ride on the hobie 16s

2009 suzuki marine fiji hobie challenge: prep day + day 1 photos

2009-06-29T20:47:00.000+12:00

2009 Suzuki Marine: Fiji Hobie Challenge Day 1 Results

2009-06-29T19:36:00.003+12:00

Near perfect conditions for day one of the Suzuki Fiji Hobie Challenge. Northerly winds of up to 20 Knots powered the fleet to windward over the 1 metre deep coral and seagrass gardens from Suva to Leleuvia Island Resort.

Australian duo Aaron Worral and Bradley Wilson, fresh from winning the Air Pacific South Pacific Titles, lead the fleet from start to finish.

Challenge organizer Grahame Southwick and Cyrill Miller were hot on Worrals heels past the first two Nasoata Reef turning buoys with the high powered twin wire reaching from Laucala Bay suiting his grand stature.

After passing the Togerava checkpoint the deeper waters within the barrier reef gave rise to waves of 12 to 18" and the fleet split with
3 boats risking their rudder tips going offshore towards the reef whilst the rest of the fleet stayed to the west in the deeper waters.

Disaster struck for John and Michael McCormick, one of the three boats who had taken the eastern side of the beat, some 6 miles after the checkpoint when a loose shroud adjuster pin fell out resulting in their dismasting. The support boats were following the bulk of the fleet in the deeper waters and passed them by.

After being washed through the breakers and out into the deep ocean waters, and by what must have been a remarkable feat of ingenuity proving necessity to be the mother of all inventions, they managed to step their Hobie 16 mast on the water with no external assistance at all in order to complete the course fifteen minutes within the time limit!

Bob Engwirda and Slater had been in second place passing the Nasautabu Island turn but were just overtaken on the final light wind beat into the Leleuvia Island finish by David Lovell and Nick King to complete Australian domination of the top three places.

However there was a close fight for local honours with John Philp and Charlotte Dugdale just by 12 seconds beating Graham Southwick to 4th place.

As this report is being sent off the sailors and Challenge support crew are being serenaded by the local band as they eat their dinner having enjoyed fresh water showers at the end of a long and enjoyable first day on the Fijian waters.

sunday....day 3

2009-06-28T11:16:00.002+12:00

this morning, the hobie 16 fleet are hosting a lunch for the students at the hilton special school. before lunch, the sailors are taking the children from the school for a sail in the hobie cats....the turnout has been more than we expected and the children are extremely excited.
have been taking heaps of photos + will post them as soon as i can as i have left my laptop at home. so far 10 students have gone out for a sail. initially they were all a little bit hesitant but when the first boy - sakiusa went out....everybody wanted to have a go too.
thanks to all our sponsors we were able to do this.
vinaka - suzuki marine, pleass beverages, ministry of youth + sports, anz, vodafone, air pacific, pbs, tourism fiji, total, bluescope lysaght

results

2009-06-27T23:46:00.001+12:00

double click on the above image to enlarge

more photos from today's races

2009-06-27T16:05:00.000+12:00

with only one more race to be completed - here are the results

2009-06-27T15:55:00.000+12:00

photos from day 2 of racing

2009-06-27T15:19:00.000+12:00

day 2.....7 races down - 3 to go

2009-06-27T14:32:00.001+12:00

apologies for the late blog....have been out on the water taking pictures....the will be uploaded after this.
here are the unofficial results as of now. I believe there will be 3 more races this afternoon before the air pacific south pacific hobie 16 championship is over.

day 2

2009-06-27T08:34:00.001+12:00

good morning,
HUGE! difference in the conditions today compared to yesterday.....still overcast but the wind has dropped down to 8 knots. Great conditions for light crews
sailors are just turning up slowly to rig their boat for today's races. I think they will try to squeeze in 6 races but if the wind dies down..not so sure
over + out

day 1: race 5 - unofficial results

2009-06-26T20:14:00.000+12:00

Race 5

start time 1515
finish time 1603

placing Boat # Skipper cntry
1             36       Aaron Worral (AU)
2              2       Kerli Corlette (AU)
3             33       David Lovel (AU)
4              3       Shayne (FJ)
5             32      Bob Engwirda (AU)
6 ocs       54       Pip Pietromonaco (AU)
7             1        Graham Southwick (FJ)
8            35       Ray Muld (AU)
9 ocs      37       Geoff Rowden (AU)
10          53       John McCormick (AU)
11          48       Kaveni Natadra (FJ)
12          22       Angus (FJ)
13 ret     19       John Philp (FJ)
14 ret     24       Marshall Nusbaum (FJ)
15 dns    46      Matt Shepherd (NZ)
16 dns   49       Alan Marshal (FJ)
17 dns   47       Mo (FJ)
18 dns   39       Usa (FJ)
19 dns   18       Manoa (FJ)
20 dns   38      Rusi (FJ)

Day 1: Overall Results

2009-06-26T16:41:00.001+12:00

After 5 races today - below is the unofficial results

placing Boat #   Skipper                 overall points
1              36       Aaron Worral (AU)           5
2               2        Kerli Corlette (AU)         15
3              33       David Lovel (AU)           19
4              32       Bob Engwirda (AU)        22
5               3        Shayne (FJ)                  24
6              37       Geoff Rowden (AU)       40
7              35       Ray Muld (AU)              47
8              53       John McCormick (AU)    53
9              19       John Philp (FJ)              55
10            54       Pip Pietromonaco (AU)   58
11             1        Graham Southwick (FJ) 59
12            22       Angus (FJ)                    67
13            24       Marshall Nusbaum (FJ) 68
14            49       Alan Marshal (FJ)          75
15            48       Kaveni Natadra (FJ)      76
16            46      Matt Shepherd (NZ)       86
17            47      Mo (FJ)                         87
18            39      Usa (FJ)                        95
19            18      Manoa (FJ)                    96
20            38      Rusi (FJ)                        97

comments from sailors after day 1:
kerli: "fantastic"
david lovell: "good clean racing"
worsty: "salty - limited collisions - cheers tards"
slatter: "good size courses, good winds, good racing"
azza: "where is the sun"

day 1: race 4: unofficial result

2009-06-26T15:51:00.000+12:00

Race 4

start time   1435
finish time 1501


1         - 36 Aaron Worral (AU)
2         - 02 Kerli Corlette (AU)
3         - 32 Bob Engwirda (AU)
4         - 19 John Philp (FJ)
5         - 03 Shayne (FJ)
6 ocs   - 54 Pip Pietromonaco (AU)
7         - 33 David Lovel (AU)
8         - 37 Geoff Rowden (AU)
9 ocs   - 53 John McCormick (AU)
10       - 35 Ray Muld (AU)
11 ocs - 01 Graham Southwick (FJ)
12       - 24 Marshall Nusbaum (FJ)
13       - 48 Alan Marshal (FJ)
14       - 22 Angus (FJ)
15 ret - 18 Manoa (FJ)
20 dns - 38 Rusi (FJ)
20 dns - 39 Usa (FJ)
20 dns - 46 Matt Shepherd (NZ)
20 dns - 47 Mo (FJ)
20 dns - 49 Kaveni Natadra (FJ)

race 3 unofficial results

2009-06-26T13:29:00.001+12:00

Race # 3
start time   1230
finish time

1 - 36 Aaron Worral (AU)
2 - 2 Kerli Corlette (AU)
3 - 37 Geoff Rowden (AU)
4 - 33 David Lovel (AU)
5 - 32 Bob Engwirda (AU)
6 - 1 Graham Southwick (FJ)
7 - 3 Shayne (FJ)
8 - 53 John McCormick (AU)
9 - 54 Pip Pietromonaco (AU)
10 - 35 Ray Muld (AU)
11 - 19 John Philp (FJ)
12 - 22 Angus (FJ)
13 - 48 Alan Marshal (FJ)
14 dnf - 24 Marshall Nusbaum (FJ)
15 dnf - 38 Rusi (FJ)
16 dnf - 47 Mo (FJ)
17 dnf - 18 Manoa (FJ)
18 dnf - 46 Matt Shepherd (NZ)
19 dnf - 49 Kaveni Natadra (FJ)
20 dnf - 39 Usa (FJ)

race 2 unofficial result

2009-06-26T13:04:00.001+12:00

Race# 2
course 1G
start time 1140
finish time 1212

1   - 36 Aaron Worral (AU)
2   - 32 Bob Engwirda (AU)
3   - 33 David Lovel (AU)
4   - 02 Kerli Corlette (AU)
5   - 54 Pip Pietromonaco (AU)
6   - 03 Shayne (FJ)
7   - 37 Geoff Rowden (AU)
8   - 01 Graham Southwick (FJ)
9   - 53 John McCormick (AU)
10 - 24 Marshall Nusbaum (FJ)
11 - 35 Ray Muld (AU)
12 - 46 Matt Shepherd (NZ)
13 - 19 John Philp (FJ)
14 - 47 Mo (FJ)
15 - 49 Kaveni Natadra (FJ)
16 - 22 Angus (FJ)
17 - 48 Alan Marshal (FJ)
18 - 18 Manoa (FJ)
19 - 39 Usa (FJ)
20 - 38 Rusi (FJ)

race 3 is almost completed + they will be coming in for lunch for an hour + then back into the water for more races

race 1 results (unofficial)

2009-06-26T12:29:00.003+12:00

  thanks to vodafone who is one of our sponsors - we are able to give you updates frequently

course         2G
start time 1030hrs
finish time 1118hrs

placing   Boat #
1              36           Aaron Worral (AU)
2              03            Shayne Brodie (FJ)
3              33           David Lovell (AU)
4              37           Geoff Rowden (AU)
5              02            Kerli Corlette (AU)
6              54           Pip Pietromonaco(AU)
7              32           Bob Engwirda (AU)
8              19           John Philp (FJ)
9              53           John McCormick (AU)
10            24           Marshall Nusbaum (FJ)
11            35           Ray Muld (AU)
12            49           Kaveni (FJ)
13 OCS     01           Graham Southwick (FJ)
14            47           Mo (FJ)
15            46           Matt Shepherd (NZ)
16            48           Alan Marshal (FJ)
17            39           Usa (FJ)
18            38           Rusi Xiomara (FJ)
19            22           Angus (FJ)
20            18           Manoa (FJ)

boat allocations

2009-06-26T12:29:00.001+12:00

Boat     Skipper / Crew                                 Country
01         Graham Southwick / Cyril Miller             Fiji
02         Kerli Corlette / Nicole Corlette             Australia
03         Shayne Brodie / Lisa Philp                     Fiji
18         Manoa / kalokalo                                  Fiji
19         John Philp / Charlotte Dugdale               Fiji
22         Angus / Terrance                                  Fiji
24         Marshall Nusbaum / Mariya Prokurvakor Fiji
32         Bob Engwirda / Slater                       Australia
33         David Lovel / Nick King                     Australia
35         Ray Muld / Scott Dewan                    Australia
36         Aaron Worral / Worsty                      Australia
37         Geoff Rowden / Rose Rowden           Australia
38         Rusi / Xiomara Rosenbaum                   Fiji
39         Usa / Paula                                         Fiji
46         Matt Shepherd / Altea Shepherd   New Zealand
47         Mo / Ovini                                          Fiji
48         Alan Marshal / Michelle Philp                Fiji
49         Kaveni Natadra / Mika                         Fiji
53         John McCormick / Michael McCormick Australia
54         Pip Pietromonaco / David Silvester    Australia

Race 1

2009-06-26T10:36:00.001+12:00

....20 boats have started in the first race, all have now tacked + making their way to the windward mark. All crews are two out on the wire. Wish I was sailing
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Waiting for the first race to start

2009-06-26T10:30:00.001+12:00

Will upload more info/photos when I get ashore

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day one

2009-06-26T09:33:00.001+12:00

blowing up to 15 knots....very cold for fiji standard - should be a good day of sailing
5-6 races are expected to be completed today
....somebody gonna get a hurt...real bad

....air pacific south pacific hohie championship + suzuki fiji hobie challenge opening function

2009-06-25T23:15:00.001+12:00

opening function was at Traps middle bar. confirmation from the race officer Tony Philip that races will start at 1025hrs.....from experience it is 1025 - no later, no earlier.
it's looking like it's going to be very windy conditions tomorrow. sailing will be hard ! fun but loads of hard work.
good luck all

Opening function...to be continued

2009-06-25T20:48:00.000+12:00

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air pacific south pacific championship day 1: resigration day

2009-06-25T14:17:00.000+12:00

Lovell twins: registration day

2009-06-25T10:23:00.000+12:00

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money where your mouth is...

2009-05-23T17:34:00.000+12:00

We are fast approaching the final payment deadline,ie 20th …two days time…..by which time ALL your payments for the events should be in to guarantee your boat, entry, and accommodation, food and RUM

The event is only a little over 4 weeks away ,and we need all the confirmations and $$$ in now please….If we are to have this event run smoothly…we have accom deposits to make and social nights to plan and confirm numbers….so we need your $$$$ in now…!!

Lets do it guys…don,t give me a hard time…I know where all the rum is stashed…!!

As soon as your payments are made, you will be emailed the course charts and waypoints etc…

Cheers Fish

the date is set!!

2009-05-23T17:32:00.000+12:00

Well we have killed the chicken and examined its entrails, sacrificed the last remaining Virgin and consulted with the Oracles……

The dates for the 2009 South Pacific Championships / Fiji Challenge, have now been set to coincide with the Winter offseason, and favorable tides for the first and last legs across the flats….

First day of racing will be Friday, June the 26th……Last day will be Friday,July 3rd

Full details will be published in the NOR, but for the moment …..

SPs…..       Friday / Sat June 26/27th

Prep Day     Sunday 28th

Challenge    Mon-Friday June 29th / July 3rd

The tide will allow a respectable departure time on the Challenge…29th June 10am ( Mid day High ), and a late departure from Leluvia on the last leg home….Mid day…( unless we decide to come home outside weather permitting…then we can leave earlier )
All will be revealed in due course….

The general plan will involve two days course racing in Laucala Bay, a prep day ( Sunday ) and a Monday am start to the Challenge….

Day 1…Laucala Bay / Leluvia

Day 2… Leluvia….West…..Leluvia

Day 3…Leluvia….North ….Leluvia

Day 4…Leluvia …East……Leluvia

Day 5…Leluvia….Laucala Bay

Days 2,3,and 4 will track thru various Islands and sand banks,reefs and passages….there will be plenty of good sailing , navigation, AND WAYPOINTS…..( besides looking out for the palm tree…!! )

This is just a preliminary plan, so you can prepare you flight bookings, notify us, AND PAY the first $ 500 ( any currency ok, but equivalent to A$ 500 please )

This will lock in your entry and boat….

We are hoping to put together 30/35 boats in total, of which there will be about 20 ex Fiji Worlds boats for charter, on the basis of First Man , First served…..

Generally speaking the costings are the same as last year,but we will give you details by the end of this week…..

The important thing here is that you now know the dates, so presumably you can make a decision and book flights….

We will give you the bank details again tomorrow,so that there is no confusion……

We will also arrange these bulletins to be attached to our website,

More later….. Fish