The 2012 Grocery Industry Charity Gulf Classic suffered at the hands of Auckland's dissapointing summer weather. The first date was called of because of Gale force winds and whilst strong Easterlies were forecast for the second day these fortunately did not eventuate and the sailors instead battled the tide in a very light Easterly breeze. With some of New Zealand's and the World's top Americas Cup, Olympic and Match Racing sailors at the helm all crews got a feel for some of the skills involved in yacht racing at the highest level. In the end New Zealand's top ranked match racer on the world circuit Phil Robertson led his Heinz Watties crew to victory just ahead of Americas Cup skipper Chris Dickson and his crew from Hansells.
On behalf of The Hearing House thank you to the grocery industry, the participating companies, the celebrity and MRX sailors who made this event possible and helped raise a substantial contribution for The Hearing House.
Photos of the winners and the crews in sailing action follow together with the Celebrity Sailors who volunteered their time. Watch out for the Olympic sailors in the news - there are some excellent medal prospects here.
The Winners - Phil Robertson and Mary Jane Boland and the winning Heinz Watties crew
A well earned beer for the crews - ready for prize giving
Jockying for position just before the start
And they are away
Phil Robertson & his Heinz Watties crew
Chris Dickson talks tactics with the Hansells team
Harry Thurston and The Hearing House courtesy of Cerebos Greggs
Blair Tuke and Countdown looking for wind
Garth Ellingham & Chep head for Stanley Point
Phil Douglas & Emerald Foods - weight forward for light air speed
Peter Burling and Arnotts & Countdown closing in on the Bridge.
Will Tiller and William Aitkin & Co moving along nicely
Sarah Macky / Dunn and Coca Cola Amatil ghosting along
Unfortunately some could make the first day but not the second. Chris Dickson came all the way from Matamata especially!
Chris Dickson - World Match Racing Champion, Americas Cup skipper and Olympian
Jeremy Scantlebury - Americas Cup sailor with Team NZ when they won and retained the Cup
Tom Dodson - Americas Cup Sailor and now principal tactician and co-helmsman of J Class Valsheda
Jez Fanstone - Yachting NZ's Olympic Programs Manager, coach of highly successful British team last Olympics
Hamish Pepper - Tactician for Dean Barker with Team NZ and multiple Olympian - competing in London Olympics in the Star class
Jo Aleh - Competed in China Olympics in the Laser Radial - competing in London Olympics in the 470 class - skipper
Olivia Powrie - competing in the London Olympics in the 470 class - crew
Peter Burling - competing in the London Olympics in the 49er class - skipper
Blair Tuke - competing in the London Olympics in the 49er class - crew
Sarah Macky - Multiple Olympian, (Sydney and Athens), in the Europe dinghy
Phil Robertson - skipper, NZs top ranked team in 2011 and 2012 on the World Match Racing circuit
Garth Ellingham - crew, NZ's top ranked team in 2011 and 2012 on the World Match Racing Circuit
Will Tiller - skipper, current NZ Keel Boat Champion and up and coming youth team on the World Match Racing Circuit
Harry Thurston - crew, current NZ Keel Boat Champion up and coming youth team on the World Match Racing Circuit
Phil Douglas - NZ Keel Boat champion and coach NZ Olympic team for London Olympics