Meffan is new talent
Story by: The Nelson Mail - Photo by: Marc Palmano - Shuttersport
Young Nelson sailor Max Meffan turned in a strong performance in the green fleet at the recent Port Marlborough Interislander Optimist Regatta at Picton.
Sailing in his first regatta, Meffan was second in the 11-year-old age group and 10th overall in the green fleet. Aged 10, it is Meffan's first season with the club although he has been a recreational sailor for some years.
Also from Nelson and sailing in the green fleet's 12-year age group was Isabelle Harding, who finished 12th overall, followed by Kate Hand in 25th place. In the open fleet, Laura Harding and Hannah Mangin were 67th and 81st respectively.
Nelson Yacht Club open and green fleet representative Richard Mangin said the conditions on Picton harbour were light and shifty and not all of the scheduled races were held.
He said there were more than 120 competitors from all over New Zealand for the nationally ranked regatta competing to represent New Zealand at this year's world championships in Napier, making for some very strong competition.
Nelson was also well represented in the Laser 4.7 traveller series held in conjunction with the optimist regatta, with last year's world champion, Ryan Amlehn, best placed in third.
Mangin said there was considerable interest in optimist sailing in Nelson this season and the yacht club was seeking boats for keen young sailors to buy.
He said young competitors were benefiting from the coaching services of Aucklander Blair McLay who holds a world title.
Results – Interislander Optimist Challenge:
Open fleet: Markus Somerville (Wakatere Yacht Club) 1, Abby Goodwin (Napier) 2, Alastair Gifford (QCYC) 3, William McKenzie (KYC) 4, Michael Creesy (Napier SC) 5, Kim Buchanan (CBYC) 6, Trent Rippey (TYPC) 7, Tim Adair (Wakatere) 8, Cameron Moss (Murrays Bay SC) 9, Zak Merton (TYPC) 10.
Green fleet: Islay Fowler (CBYC) 1, Henry Gibbs (QCYC) 2, Tim Rutherford (QCYC) 3, Isaac Fowler (CBYC) 4, Dougal Frame (CBYC) 5, Angus Dysart-Paul (QCYC) 6, Amy Anderson (WBBC) 7, Philipp Governale (WBBC) 8, Seren Adams (QCYC) 9, Max Meffan (Nelson YC) 10.
Port Marlborough Laser 4.7 Traveller Series: Keith Inglis (LTYC) 1, Taylor Burn (QCYC) 2, Ryan Amlehn (Nelson YC) 3, Philippa Wood (NYC) 4, Charles Corston (CBYC) 5, Emma Sullivan (NYC) 6, Laura Webster (NYC) 7, Stephanie Vining (Nelson YC) 8, William Gifford (QCYC) 9, Andrew Wood (NYC) 10.