The wind didn't get up quite as much as some would have liked but considering this was the first time the Far North had seen anything of its like, the 2015 New Zealand Kiteracing Foil and Formula Nationals at Doubtless Bay over Easter weekend were regarded as a major success by all involved.
And while the spectacle of having 15 colourful kites flying high in a balmy autumn breeze on the second day, Saturday, resembled a scene from a medieval sea-faring fantasy, those racing around a course offshore from Taipa beach were competing fiercely for the two national titles up for grabs over three days from Friday to Sunday, April 3-5.
As the person responsible for bringing the nationals to the Far North, Ben Turner noted they ended up bettering his own demanding expectations particularly in the face of a less than favourable weather forecast in the week beforehand.
"Yeh, it went well, we got 13 races in over the three days which was great considering the light winds which had been predicted. Saturday was the best day, we got some really good racing in. The light guys with the big kites did the best," he said of the conditions, adding it was the third time the formula division had been held, and the inaugural running of the foil champs.
The undisputed standout overall was the accomplished Torrin Bright, widely regarded as the best in New Zealand being the defending champion of the formula division, and also regularly features in the top 10 world rankings. Other highlights for Turner included taking the Australian entries sightseeing along the coast, and seeing dolphins racing alongside the kiteboarders on the last day. Also notable were the presence of local boarders including Ben Nunn from Taipa and Les Bore from Ahipara, and Paddy Simms who "did a fine job" as race officer.
