Day One:
Day one of the 2025 NZTSA Secondary Schools National Championship at New Plymouth Yacht Club kicked off with light winds, ranging from 5 to 10 knots, and some lulls throughout the day. The teams had to adjust their tactics for the conditions, taking their time to set up properly around the marks, making those crucial starts even more important. One of the standout moments was an intense race between Garin and Nelson Girls, both teams going head-to-head with their training partners in what was a thrilling matchup. The light winds also led to several rule 42 penalties as sailors struggled with propulsion rules, getting a few reminders along the way. In total, 61 races were completed out of the planned 91, with more action to come.
Day Two:
With strong winds forecast, a cautious attempt was made to begin racing in the morning with reefed sails. However, gusts exceeding 30 knots from the east made conditions too dangerous, and racing was postponed until 1pm. As the morning progressed, wind speeds reached over 45 knots, leading to the official abandonment of racing for the day. The challenges didn’t end there—when the mooring system shifted due to the extreme wind, the umpire and support boat crews acted swiftly to retrieve boats at risk. A huge thank you goes out to everyone involved in protecting the fleet and preventing damage.
Day Three:
Light and shifty winds delayed the start of racing, beginning as an easterly before gradually shifting north and softening throughout the day. Despite the sunny weather, the breeze started off chilly but warmed up by midday. Racing was tight from the outset, with many matches decided in the final stretch of the course.
The first round robin was completed, and fleet re-seeding began. Auckland Grammar dominated the Gold Fleet with a flawless 7/7 record, closely followed by St Kentigern with 6/7 wins. Napier Boys and Christ’s College moved down to Silver Fleet. In Silver, Takapuna Grammar went undefeated (6/6), earning promotion to Gold alongside Mount Aspiring College (5/6). Waimea and Whangarei Girls were relegated to Bronze.
Bronze Fleet saw Macleans go 6/6, with Botany Downs securing the second promotion spot after a tie-break with St Kentigern Girls. Marlborough Boys and Napier Girls moved down to Emerald Fleet. In Emerald, Tauhara and Diocesan Girls tied in wins and earned promotion to Bronze.
Round Robin Two began by midday, but a major wind shift to the north required a pause while the course was adjusted. As the afternoon progressed, the breeze faded further, causing several races to time out on the final leg. Despite the tricky conditions, half of the second round robin was completed. The plan is to finish the round and begin a third over the final two days of competition.
