Keen volunteers who just can't get enough

By GAVIN ENGLISH

Fickle days out on the Hauraki Gulf just prolong the pleasure for yachties Glen and Julie Bradley.

They, along with around 200 other volunteers, gather each morning at the Buckland's Beach Yacht Club for an 8.30 briefing before heading out to another day helping to run the Louis Vuitton Cup regatta.

The Bradleys, who have volunteered their 52-footer, C'est Assez (It's Enough), work as windward judges on the blue course. They take wind readings and relay them to the course-setters at the starting box.

But it's not all plain sailing. When the wind is borderline, tensions rise and readings are required more frequently.

When the wind does come to the party, the Bradleys get a great view, as the challenger boats hustle to the windward mark only 60m away.

Other volunteers are farther away, some in speedboats to prevent spectator boats getting too close to the race course, others onshore performing small but crucial roles in administration, carparking and refuelling.

The only racing they see is on television.

Sometimes it is hard work, the occasional squabble flares up, but that doesn't diminish the thrill of being involved.

Like many of the most satisfying things, the having done is often better than the doing.

Many of the voices on the radio have an accent - British, American, European - foreigners that have found their way to New Zealand, often through their love of yachting.

Richard and Dorothea Cheesebrough are from Laconia, New Hampshire.

They are retired and have volunteered at six America's Cup events.

This is their second in New Zealand.

Dorothea explains the attraction: "We made so many friends last time. It was like being welcomed home."

They are backing Team Dennis Conner.

Sue Dixon arrived in New Zealand from Essex, England, seven years ago.

She left her job at Carter Holt Harvey to be part of the regatta.

"I love yachts and sailing and I just wanted to be a part of an event like this. It's not like waking up to a real job."

Cedric Hosking was a volunteer last time. "This one seems to be a lot better organised. Last time it was good, but this time the organisers seem much more relaxed about things."

Not surprising with this many dedicated volunteers to rely on.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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