Parratt wins last race, May takes series

Press, 11 January 1986, Page 68

Parratt wins last race, May takes series

Graham Parratt, of Canterbury, at the helm of Polly Stripper mastered the windy conditions to win the final race of the Epiglass Noelex 22 national yachting championships sailed on Lyttelton Harbour yesterday. Parratt took command of the race at the bottom mark, and was never headed off to win by 22s from Red Pepper, skippered by Rod McCullough, of Gisborne.

The series was won by John May and his crew of Alvyn Finlayson, Tommy Smith and Neville Adams in Double Dark of Canterbury. May had four wins, two thirds, one fourth and an eighth to wrap up the contest with 13.7 points from McCullough, who won the championship last season. He was runner-up with 33.4 points.

In the final race Rodger Allen, at the helm of Lyric (Canterbury), got off to a good start after a general recall, and was first round the top mark from Lindisfarne of Canterbury, skippered by Keith May. Keith May passed Allen in the run to the wing mark, and Parratt slipped by to be round the mark first by ss. Running with the wind to the bottom mark Parratt opened up a substantial lead on John May and his brother, Keith, who were fighting it out for second

place. On the windward—leeward leg, much foxing between Parratt and John May developed, with Parratt beating May round the top mark.

Parratt was then first round the wing mark for the second time from McCullough and Keith May after John May made a tacking error, and slipped back into fourth place 37s behind Parratt at the mark.

On the run to the bottom mark, Parratt pulled away from McCullough to lead by 35s at the mark with Keith May further back in third place.

Sailing up on the final beat, Parratt kept McCullough covered to win by 225, with John May slipping through to take third place from Keith May.

Results.— (Race seven (28 boats):— Polly Stripper (G. Parratt, ’Canterbury) 1; Red Pepper (R. (McCullough, Gisborne) 2; 'Double Dark (J. May, Canterbury) 3; Lindisfarne (K. May, Canterbury) 4; Superann (N. Morris, Dunedin) 5; Rhumb Raider (B. Thorpe, Gisborne) 6; Knights Pursuit (A. McFarlane, Timaru) 7; Murihiku (E. Johnstone, Timaru) 8.

Over-All: Double Dark 13.7 points, 1; Red Pepper 33.4, 2; Lindisfarne 48.4, 3; Polly Stripper 49.0, 4; Murihiku 52.7, 5; Lyric (Rodger Allen, Canterbury) 54.4, 6.