What should have been the fourth Terra Nova Challenge instead went ahead as a ‘‘fun day'' on the water.
Oamaru's Terra Nova Challenge was called off for ‘‘political reasons'' after a fee dispute with Yachting New Zealand, North Otago Yacht & Power Boat Club sailing captain Graeme Thorn said.
But four boats from Timaru and a sailor from Milton joined the five-strong local fleet of keelers who set up a course for an unsanctioned event on Saturday, Mr Thorn said everyone had ‘‘just had a good old time, really ... A very informal sail about''.
He said there was a ‘‘nice breeze and just very pleasant conditions''.
As an amalgamated club, the North Otago Yacht & Power Boat Club formerly had to pay affiliation fees only for those who sailed, but changes to how Yachting New Zealand charged fees meant every member of the club - power boaters and the underwater members included - was required to pay, Mr Thorn said.
‘‘So, we're no longer affiliated with Yachting New Zealand. We couldn't afford their fees. We're talking thousands of dollars.''
The club had been affiliated to Yachting New Zealand since inception.
No results were posted after the two hours sailing.
‘‘The Terra Nova is a much more official racing event, so it does attract the more serious sailor and we generally like to have a few more boats,'' he said.
