The second race of the series is coming up this weekend. Details can be found here: http://www.hoetonga.co.nz/?p=3538. The race will be in Mana at Ngati Toa domain, and there will likely be a couple of course options: one long course for outriggers and surfskis, and a short course for SUP.

The long range forecast is looking ok for Sunday morning, with 10knot winds. Let’s hope it holds.

One more thing:

Are you keen to review your race after it’s all finished? Are your partners tired of having to wait on the beach while you race? Want to make them part of the action and get an America’s Cup view at the race course? Here is how:

Hoe Tonga is trialling a race tracking system and we want you to take part at the winter series race on Sunday at Ngati Toa domain. Basically, competitors can use their smartphones (eg android and iphones) to track their craft, and supporters can follow the race on an ipad or similar tablet on the beach. You can also review the race once you have had a hot shower. A screenshot of an example below (we trialled it with a couple of people at the first series event on 26 May).

What you need to do before race day:

• You will need a smartphone, such as an iphone or an android device with GPS, and you need to be on a data plan (so that your phone can transmit your position while you race).
• Before the race (i) register an account on the yacht-bot web site (go to http://www.yacht-bot.com), its free, (ii) download and install an app called “Yachtbot Sailing Tracker” (no cost), (iii) register your YachtBot app with your new account, and (iv) add “hoetonga@gmail.com” as your contact. You are best to do this by Saturday as it will be busy on Sunday morning. You can call Joern on 021-1250997 if anything is unclear.
• On the morning of race day, make sure your phones are charged fully.

On race day: Bring along your device, and see Joern at registration so that he can make sure you are all good to go. Bring a waterproof bag and carry the phone on you or your boat when you race.

If the above instructions are not detailed enough, have a look at the following:

• How-to-share-my-tracker-with-my-club: boat-owner-instructions

Supporters: Bring your tablet with a decent screen (at least 8-inch screen). You will need a G3 connection (or use your phone to connect to the internet with your tablet). Go to the following address to follow the race (or review it after racing has finished): http://www.yacht-bot.com/races/2552 (it will go live at 9am on Sunday).

Just a reminder that the first installment of the series is coming up this weekend. Details can be found here: http://www.hoetonga.co.nz/?p=3538. The race will be in Haitaitai at Cog Park.

It’s that time again, Tai Tonga 41 OCC’s annual regatta is to be held on Saturday 20^th April 2013.

• Where: Evans Bay Yacht and Motor Boat Club, Evans Bay Parade , Wellington
• When: 20 April
• What: 5km and 10km
• Entries close 15 April

Click here to download the AMENDED race pack.

See you there!

Yep, its that time of the year again. Starting to feel the cold? Is the Southerly making it a little harder to get out of bed in the morning to go for paddle? Well, it looks like you need something to train for, here we go again with this year’s Welly Paddlers Winter Series. The series is brought to you by Jörn Scherzer, Chester Burt & Sharlene Winiata, Chris Fox, and Turi Hodges. The series is proudly supported by Fergs Kayaks.

What is it about: Do you paddle a surfski, outrigger, canoe or SUP? Then this event is for you. It’s primarily about participation and catching up with your paddling mates but those looking for some competition will find what they are looking for.

Where we have come from: Chester and Sharlene have run a number of very successful paddling events in summer for many years, and Jörn started running a winter series in 2010. They have now combined their efforts with like-minded people to bring you paddling action in winter. We regularly have more than 50 paddlers on the water.

Race dates and venues:

• Sunday, 26 May; at Shelly Bay or Haitaitai; organised by Chester, 022-645 58 20
• Sunday, 16 June; at Ngati Toa Domain; organised by Jörn, 021-125 09 97
• Sunday, 7 July; at Petone or Wellington; organised by Chester, 022-645 58 20
• Sunday, 28 July; at Onepoto; organised by Turi, 021-685 625
• Sunday, 18 August; at Hikoikoi / Petone; organised by Chris, 027-651 53 79
• Sunday, 8 September; at Ngati Toa Domain; organised by Jörn, 021-125 09 97

We encourage you to attend as many races as possible, and not just those in front of your house. Please support your mates in all locations. Note that locations may change in case of poor weather.

Click here to download the race flyer.

Time: meet at 9.15am, race start at 10am (to allow those travelling from as far away as Wairarapa and Palmerston North)

Distance: about 10km for surfskis and outriggers, up to 5km for SUP and juniors

Safety: Paddlers must carry all necessary safety gear such as life jackets, appropriate for each craft, and must be confident in self-rescue techniques! There will not be any support boats. Keep an eye on www.metservice.co.nz to get an indication of the conditions you may encounter, but the course will be set to ensure suitable conditions.

Cost: $5 per paddler ($5 for a single, $10 for a double, $30 for a W6), or $2 per junior-paddler (up to J19). All money goes toward spot prizes, and Fergs Kayaks will multiply the retail value of the spot prizes.

Prizes: There will be loads of cool spot prizes; in the 2012 series we had prizes worth more than $2,300! All you need to do is participate. The more often you race, the higher the chance of winning a prize. Prizes are handed out at the final event. Don’t miss out!

Notices, photos and results: announced at www.hoetonga.co.nz and www.wellypaddlers.blogspot.co.nz. The race venue will be confirmed 24 hours before the event on those sites. Results and photos are posted within three days of the event.

A fantastic race for all abilities and all types of craft, including waka ama. Detailed info is available at http://www.wellypaddlers.blogspot.co.nz/.

When:

• Sunday April 14th 2013
• Race briefing 9.50 am
• Start: 10.00 am

Entry Fee: * $5 singles * $8 doubles * $12 sixes

Distances: 13km, 6km and 3 km

Contact:

• Chester Burt
• Email: chester.burt@gmail.com
• mobile: 022 645 5820
• phone: 04 976 1795

Venue: Wellington Waterski Club, Petone (Korokoro Gateway)

Long Course: Petone foreshore to Interislander reclamation and back (An alternate course may be used if it’s a southerly. Check http://www.wellypaddlers.blogspot.co.nz/ the day before the event.)

Short Courses: one and two laps along the motorway

Craft: Multisport Kayaks, Waka Ama, Sea Kayaks and Surf skis and Stand Up Paddle Boards.

SAFETY: Buoyancy vests, leg leashes, spray decks and other appropriate safety equipment for your craft, are a requirement of entry.

Check out www.wellypaddlers.blogspot.co.nz for info on some upcoming downwind races.