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ePaper created 2014-06-11, 13:05:34 | version 1.30.01
77 Citizen for the remainder of the period that Citizen Watch and the Stewart Association were involved. Early in his Chairmanship, Richard Endean was the leading light in the formation of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Youth Training Programme. This fine programme has been a great success. It encourages and trains young people to become expert sailors in match racing events both locally and internationally using a fleet of ten Squadron-owned 6 metre Elliot yachts. Since its formation in 1987, many of New Zealand’s top match racing crews have been a product of the Squadron’s Youth Training programme. Additionally, a scholarship fund was formed to sponsor outstanding young sailors in overseas events, as was earlier suggested by the Stewart Association. Stewart Class Trials were held on 16 and 17 November. Ken Davern, Peter Evans, Chris Packer and Bryce Sommerville went through to the New Zealand Trials series. The fourth went through due to a cancellation. 1986 “The R.N.Z.Y.S went one step further in its equalising of yachts competing in the Citizen this year.As well as adjusting weights, the squadron standardised tension rigging - producing the same loads on all caps, for’ard and aft lowers. Rigger Terry Gillespie has suggested that mast rake also be given the treatment in 1987.‘This time we found variances in J measurements and in the rake of the masts,’ he said.‘The rake varied between 2’1” and 2’3”. It would not take too much work to make them all the same and in view of some of the comments this time, I think it would be an excellent extension of the Squadron’s efforts to ensure that the yachts used are as equal as they can be made.’” NZ Yachting The New Zealand Trials sent Ken Davern, Brad Butterworth and Chris Packer to the Citizen. Rod Davis was unable to attend the 1986 Citizen Watch Match Racing Series, so he suggested that American Peter Isler come in his place. Peter did, and won the Series. Peter, sailing on Prism, showed everyone in New Zealand that it was quite often possible to overtake your competition on a downwind leg. On numerous occasions he found himself trailing at the top mark, but used his excellent tactical skills and ability to get good boat speed in order to find a“passing lane.” Still, there was a three way tie for first place between Isler, Chris Dickson and Terry McLaughlin, so Isler won on a count-back. When he raced Chris Packer, one of New Zealand’s best, who finished ninth in the series, the winning margin was less than one second. Competitors in the 1986 Citizen, in place order, were: Peter Isler, USA Sailed on Prism. Yale University Intercollegiate Sailor of the Year in 1976. Navigator for Dennis Connor’s Stars and Stripes successful 1987 America’s Cup campaign. First place on count-back with 7 points. Terry McLaughlin, CAN Sailed on Pua-Wai. Won the 1984 Citizen. Second place on count-back with 7 points. Chris Dickson, NZ Sailed on Phantasy. Two-time Citizen winner. Third place on count-back with 7 points. Peter Gilmour,AUS Sailed on Phlyer. Top Soling sailor and member of the 1986/87 Kookabura America’s Cup campaign. Fourth place with 6 points. Chris Law, UK Sailed on Pahi. Involved in 1983 and 1987 British America’s Cup challenges. Fifth place on count-back with 5 points. Brad Butterworth, NZ* Sailed on Prince Hal. NZ Trials winner. Sixth place on count-back with 5 points. Ken Davern, NZ* Sailed on Psychic. Stewart Class and NZ Trials winner. Seventh place with 4 points. Gordon Lucas,AUS Sailed on Psyche II. Tenth place the previous year. Eighth place with 3 points. Chris Packer, NZ* Sailed on Pionnier. Stewart Class and NZ Trials winner. Ninth place with 1 point. Tommaso Chieffi, ITA Sailed on Passion. Olympic contender in Los Angeles in 1984 and World Champion in 1985 in 470’s. Tenth place with 0 points. *Stewart 34 owner or skipper.