NOVEMBER SPRING RALLY

Chads Spring Rally – 2026

Perfect sunshine and flat seas — with just enough breeze to justify hoisting the sails.

Eight boats sailed down with, or to meet Chad on Friday night at Man O’ War Bay, some arriving from different directions for a wonderful social evening aboard Tawera. Some crews dinghied over to the MOW vineyard for dinner and drinks, while others enjoyed the warm evening onboard — or even a refreshing swim.

Saturday began at a leisurely time and pace. With the wind still shy, sails were raised (motors assisting) as the fleet meandered in convoy toward Waikalabubu Bay, Motutapu, where we became the bay’s sole occupants.

Later in the afternoon, Tawera slipped away to make the most of a freshening breeze, putting on an impressive display of windward–leeward sailing, with an unfamiliar crew testing her power. Meanwhile, a few boats took the chance to explore nearby coves.

That evening, everyone reconvened for beverages and tapas with crews lounging across decks there wasn’t much freeboard showing. Many also took the opportunity to test the water temperature firsthand.

Sunday brought another relaxed start. Light, or almost absent wind made for a gentle cruise or motor home, leaving everyone rested after a wonderfully relaxing weekend in great company.

Competition – First to identify the yacht in the main photo, and the crew from what yacht (who were totally the crew of another yacht), will get an extra tot of rum at Patio Bay.                      email answer: admin@classicyacht.org.nz

Hint – The crew shown in pic are usually crew of an A class and wear a white uniform