The Hawk 20 Nationals

The Hawk 20 is a sail boat innovated, designed and manufactured in Christchurch by the famous Reid family. I was lucky enough to be asked to crew for one of the local sailors in the recent Hawk National. This race attracted over twenty five vessels all geared up for intense racing over two days. The first day, last Saturday was just about as bad for sailing as you could get, wet windy with a big sea and I have to say that for a moment or two I wondered what the heck I was doing at my age leaping about the boat like a youngun. It was worth it though because we were well ahead after the first days racing with one first and a third. Impressed? you should be however all came unstuck on Sunday, weather a bit better certainly no rain but an awkward squally wind and much closer racing. We blew it and came second overall, not bad when you look at the opposition. However my point is that this is a real Christchurch success story of a product designed here and now manufactured for export and national sales. Well done to all concerned and I hope that this event goes from strength to strength. My body however is still aching!!!