A BEAUTIFUL BLEND OF CRUISING & RACING
A BEAUTIFUL BLEND OF CRUISING & RACING
Taking on New Zealand's North Island
Back into it for legendary sailors Vicky & Tom Jackson as they set out for the 2023 Two-handed Round North Island race (RNI). After settling into their first home together down in Nelson, the Jacksons have decided to get back into some racing after some itchy feet. Impressively, they have decided this years 50th Wedding Anniversary present to each other would be competing in the RNI, definitely not out of the ordinary for a couple like this.
When asked what their reason was for still competing, Tom and Vicky jokingly blamed it on their ‘Geriatric Foolishness’. They went on to say, “the challenge is addictive, we enjoy the preparation that goes into competing, from the boat maintenance, physical prep, and putting on our meteorologist caps.”
This incredible couple lived aboard their beloved 39 foot Sparkman & Stephens sloop ‘Sunstone’ for 35 years, impressively sailing over 200,000 nautical miles, completing 6 Pacific Ocean and 2 Atlantic Ocean crossings, alongside throwing in some racing here and there. Whilst clocking up the nautical miles, they competed and won their divisions in the Sydney-Hobart Race and Swiftsure. They are not newcomers to the RNI, having won it back in 2008, and only a few years later winning the 2012 Two-Handed Round New Zealand Race.
The Jackson’s have been longstanding North Sails customers, having known our Sales & Marketing Manager Andrew Wills since back in 1999, being one of his first clients. Their appreciation for North’s has only gotten stronger since then, as they love the tailored blend of sails in their locker. Able to fit their lifestyle of cruising, and ability turn it up a notch when they want to go racing. Keep an eye out for The Jackson’s currently competing in the RNI, onboard their new noble steed, Zest, equipped and battle ready with a new Code-Zero from the North Sails team. See below for some tips from the team about getting your cruiser into racing shape.
Paper Tiger National Champion Finds a New Gear
The start of 2023 kicked off with a hiss and a roar, as a contingent of Paper Tiger sailors made their way to Napier Sailing Club for the start of their nationals. The Hawke’s Bay waters turned it on for some glamour yachting conditions, really testing the limits of the 50 year old class. Some regular frontrunners were in the mix, from the likes of Dave Shaw, Scott Pederson, and North Sails OneDesign expert Derek Scott. Derek was full of praise for the national champion Dave Shaw, stating “Scott sailed super well, and since his change to North Sails, its almost like he’s found a new gear.”
Shaw culminated an almost perfect scorecard as he sailed to victory, winning 9 of the 11 races completed. Derek Scott just a click off the pace, yet finding some consistency to pick up second place. Local Napier sailor Scott Pederson, started off with a bang, winning the first race of the regatta, navigating his way to a comfortable bronze. If you want to find another gear, get in contact with our OneDesign team.
#NSVictoryList #PaperTiger
