Tricky winds tested sailors as the Nelson Radio Sailing Club launched its Brass Monkey Trophy series at the Best Island pond on Sunday.
The club, one of 22 affiliated radio sailing clubs nationwide, held the first round of racing in challenging conditions, with 19 members lining up in the International One Metre class.
There are nine different classes of yachts sailed by the club, with the Brass Monkey Trophy contested in the International One Metre fleet.
Experienced sailor Dean Atkinson took line honours, finishing ahead of Rob Sharland and Brian Bennett after a closely fought afternoon on the water.
The club sails five days a week at its Best Island home base and is using 2026 to build towards hosting two major national events later in the year.
It will host the DF95 National Championships in late November, followed by the International One Metre class National Championships on 5–6 December.
Club convenor Annie Carrad believes the championships will bring strong interest from outside the region.
“IOM nationals usually attract a few international sailors as well, so we’re delighted to be named as host this year.”
