Weta Marine

LATEST NEWS FROM WETA - February 2009

Louis Vuitton pacific series finals - emirates team nZ vs alinghi

Too windy for the Americas Cup boats??? - but not for the Weta. Racing was called off on the first day of the finals. This Weta was spotted from North Head sailing circles around the cup boats that were being towed in after racing was called off due to strong winds. Emirates Team New Zealand went on to take the series with a 3-1 win over Alinghi.


World News

The last couple of months in the world of Weta have had a lot of contrast weather wise.
In the north there are determined Weta sailors shovelling the snow to get their Weta out of their driveways only to find their favourite sailing waters iced over!  Instead they have to go to the boat show and have a chat to their mates about the new carbon rudder stock and foils.  They then retire to the bar to reminisce about the previous season’s missed opportunities and moments of brilliance.
One incident was heard at the bar captured the thrill of Weta sailing…..
The legendary San Francisco Weta sailor Dean was out to impress his wife, by showing off his sailing skills racing in the Bay in a fresh Breeze.  All went to plan by leaving the fleet in his wake upwind.  Downwind he casually pointed out how his gibing angles were his signature and that his 60+ years of sailing experience were showing. He efficiently furled his gennaker then rounded the bottom mark with the flick of his wrist.  Unfortunately Dean accidentally disappeared over the side.  Fortunately by the time he surfaced he was out of earshot from the cockpit…

In the south Weta sailors are experiencing the summer of a lifetime sailing in balmy temperatures and good sea breezes.  There have been many escapades by NZ Weta sailors amongst the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup spectator boats.  A sensational grandstand view.  The only reported incident being two Weta owners caught in an interesting overlap situation (literally) while sailing towards a super yacht in a complicated social exchange.
It has also been a busy time for boat shows including the London, Toronto and Baltimore shows all held in sub zero temperatures.  The Canadian cottage owners are getting excited about the ice breaking to get out on the Ontario lakes.

In the next couple of months you can see the Weta on display at the Stockholm, Auckland, Amsterdam, Oakland and China.international boat shows.

NEWS FROM WETA

2008 New Zealand Weta National Championships - December 2008

The second annual New Zealand Weta National Championships were held at Tauranga Yacht and Power boat club over the weekend. The fleet was treated to perfect sailing conditions with sunny 5-12 knot sea breezes in the picturesque Tauranga harbour. The 15 boat fleet covered a wide range of sailors from 3 year old Drew to double world champion Michael Bullot.

Racing was close at the front of the fleet  and always exciting due to the unique characteristics of the boat being a cross between a dinghy and a cat. Sailors were able to enjoy the speed of a multihull – but also tack quickly and use similar tactics to dinghies. Having asymmetrical sails downwind meant the race was not over until you had crossed the finish line!

The event is targeted at getting everybody involved in sailing and enjoying the water. This was achieved by having a kid’s activity in the morning and some serious (fun) racing in the afternoons combined with a strong off-the-water social scene. After racing local Tauranga kids were let loose with the boats enjoying screeching rides in the late afternoon 15 knot sea breeze.

Here are some reports from the sailors….

“The racing was great, 15 Wetas on one start line, throw in 3 knots of tide scattered around the course, 5 to 12 knots of wind, (also scattered around the course) and you've got the recipe for some pretty exciting Weta racing. The first day saw a pretty big learning curve for most of the new Weta sailors, which made Chris Kitchen, look pretty good after a string of 1st places, with 2007 National Champion Brent Charlesworth also sailing well to be in 2nd after the first day.
 
Day two was a lot more interesting. After a full days sailing under our belts we had a pretty good grip on what makes the boat go fast (and after that first day, what doesn't). Even sets, drops, gybes and tacks seemed second nature by the end of the day which is a real credit to the thought and design that has gone into the boat.
 
The tight racing between the first 5 or 6 boats in all three races of the day was pretty exciting for a hiking laser sailor like myself. I've never been a big fan of multihull racing, what seems like more of a speed race from one corner to the other, the Wetas really changed that view. Racing remained close for all three races and simple shift taking as well as the gains being made from even a few knots of extra pressure meant most of the races could be sailed with a never say die attitude.
 
Chris Kitchen still took out the regatta with two wins out of three on the last day, but unfortunately now has to deal with the constant reminder of that one race of the 2008 NZ Weta National Championships that he let slip.” - Mike Bullot


“The Weta Nationals was the first time my two boys (Chris aged 14 and Mattie aged 11) and I had sailed our boat outside the familiar waters of Omokoroa Beach.  Mattie, being a bit of a land lover at heart, couldn't wait to get out on the water when he saw the fleet of 14 other Weta's on our arrival at the Tauranga sailing club.  The three of us participated in the morning sail with great enthusiasm and little skill, but unfortunately were unable to collect one of those elusive milk bottles.   However it was left to Chris  and I to compete in the racing after lunch.   Chris was in charge of the head sails and was the self appointed tactician.  I was on the helm and followed the strict orders that came my way. We learnt a truck load from the days racing and had a great deal of fun along the way. Next year I think it will be Chris at the helm with dad left on the shore.” - Keith Earl
 

“With a big entourage of Weta people accompanying the Weta fleet (towed from various parts of New Zealand to beautiful balmy Tauranga over the weekend) there was a memorable and growing social element both on and off the water on this our second National Weta Regatta. From  6 months of age to at least as many decades - as land based support crew, in fun pre racing activities, as RIB cheerleaders, in rotating crews on board, as preparers and hungry participants of an after racing barbeque and prizes for everyone to finish off - I think we have the beginning of a burgeoning cross generational Weta community. A great weekend." - John van Kan


“Tauranga Yacht Club proved a great choice of venue in every way.  The club was well organised and very welcoming to the new class. The rigging and launching areas were excellent, and the club's race officials were very experienced and well-organised.  Tauranga harbour provided sheltered water, some interesting tidal flows, and a sea breeze which provided some great racing.   Definitely somewhere to return to in the future!” - Robert Gunn




“When you buy a Weta you are not just buying a boat you are joining the Weta family. A bunch of like minded sailing enthusiasts who enjoy the combination of family sailing with some seriously fun racing. Trying to pick up a floating milk bottle, so your eight year old can win a prize, is a good substitute for a man over board exercise and certainly introduces you to sailing under stressful conditions!  Add to that, a barbecue, a few beers and the company of other bright, good looking and fun Weta sailors and you are starting to get the picture of the "Weta Social Scene"
 - Gary Napier






“The 08 nationals were blessed with perfect weather conditions and a stunning location. For a relatively new class racing was close and exciting. Sail trimming upwind proved to be tricky and the sensitivity of the boats to small adjustments became evident. Downwind was even harder work when it came to getting the angles right. There were a number of approaches to sailing the angles with various outcomes which made downwind gains and losses a critical part of the racing. One can only imagine what an amazing racing environment it would be to have 50 Wetas in 20 knots racing together!” - Simon Baker


The class has grown strongly over the last two years and has a class association organising regular events that encompass both racing and cruising to maximise family enjoyment. The class is friendly and welcomes anyone to join in regardless of age or ability.

2009 Weta Nationals Overall Results
Rank	Sail	Helm	R1	R2	R3	R4	R5	R6	Total	Net
1st	211	Chris Kitchen	1	1	1	1	(5)	1	10	5
2nd	5	Brent Charlesworth	2	3	2	(4)	2	2	15	11
3rd	214	Simon Baker	3	2	3	2	3	(4)	17	13
4th	215	Mike Bullot & Chelsea Winter	(7)	7	6	5	1	3	29	22
5th	213	Chris Dawson	(5)	5	5	3	4	5	27	22
6th	6	Michael & Sarah Eaglen	4	4	4	7	7	(8)	34	26
7th	11	Robert & Nicholas Gunn	6	6	(8)	6	6	7	39	31
8th	14	Peter Richards & Sharelle	10	(11)	9	8	9	9	56	45
9th	4	John & Tom van Kan	(DNF)	14	11	9	8	6	64	48
10th	244	James Wells	8	8	7	(DNC)	DNC	DNC	71	55
11th	28	Grant & Sam van Kan	13	12	12.5	12	(DNF)	10	75.5	59.5
12th	20	Keith & Matthew Earl	9	9	10	(DNC)	DNC	DNC	76	60
13th	56	Jonathan Newsome & Greg	11	13	14	11	(DNS)	DNC	81	65
14th	2	Alan & Denis Hounsome	12	10	12.5	(DNC)	DNC	DNC	82.5	66.5
15th	144	Gary & Helen Napier	(DNS)	DNF	DNS	10	10	DNC	84	68
2009 Weta Nationals Multi-handed Results
Note: All races must be sailed with at least 2 crew to qualify for this division
Rank	Sail	Helm	R1	R2	R3	R4	R5	R6	Total	Net
1st	11	Robert & Nicholas Gunn	6	6	(8)	6	6	7	39	31
2nd	28	Grant & Sam van Kan	13	12	12.5	12	(DNF)	10	75.5	59.5
3rd	20	Keith & Matthew Earl	9	9	10	(DNC)	DNC	DNC	76	60
4th	56	Jonathan Newsome & Greg	11	13	14	11	(DNS)	DNC	81	65
5th	2	Alan & Denis Hounsome	12	10	12.5	(DNC)	DNC	DNC	82.5	66.5
6th	144	Gary & Helen Napier	(DNS)	DNF	DNS	10	10	DNC	84	68

        

NEWS FROM WETA

Weta featured at Netherlands Sneekweek - November 2008

The Weta was a feature of Sneekweek in the Netherlands which attracts some 650+ dinghies. Volvo and Gaastra used the boat to entertain clients and it proved to be a great hit. Here are some photos of the Dutch Olympic team enjoying the boat including silver medallists in the Yngling class.



 
Yngling Olympic silver medallists Merel Witteveen and Mandy Mulder enjoy a day sailing the Weta

Weta Sailing Manual Available! - October 2008
The latest version of the Weta Sailing Manual is now available. This covers everything you need to know about using your Weta. It is a must for all owners with many tips to make your sailing experience easier and more enjoyable. Click here to download the manual.

Flying Weta?? - September 2008
No - a great shot of a Weta underside during launching in San Francisco Bay



Weta Videos on youtube - May 2008

Click here to see see a collection of videos of the Weta in action!

NEWS FROM WETA

Weta Interview with Meade Gougeon! - March 2008

Click here to see USA sailing legend and co-founder of West System Meade Gougeon interviewed about his new Weta!
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tampa Weta demo day photos - February 2008
Click here for photos of the Tampa Weta demo day courtesy of Sail 22
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Weta makes waves in sailing anarchy ! - february 2008

"While out sailing around on a mid-November day in 2007 near the Dunedin Causeway, Dunedin Florida, 70 degrees, in 8-12 knots on a sunny day, Meade Gougeon's eye was caught by this small 4.4m trimaran on the beach. "Whoa!...What the hell  is that" thought Meade, "better take a pass by and get a closer look."...... read on
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cHINA - shanghai weta fleet hit by snowstorm - january 2008

The Shanghai Weta fleet has been blasted by a snowstorm and had to give away sailing for the moment - they hope to get out next weekend.........

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The Weta is a big hit again - this time at the London boat show - January 2008
The Weta was launched into the UK market at the London Boat Show on January 10.  It was a late entry but made a big impact.   A common comment was “why has no one done this before?”  The UK sailors are very knowledgeable with a vast pedigree in dinghy sailing.  There are a large number of yacht clubs with a strong sailor base with many sailing in challenging conditions.  Simon Currey of Weta Marine UK has a massive task to demonstrate the Weta throughout the country to satisfy the demand to see it in action.  The RYA has made room for the Weta at the Dinghy Show in early March as it is an important development in the UK sailing scene.
There was strong interest from Sailability backed up with a large order of Weta.  This development is very exciting.
With restricted storage for multihulls at many clubs the packaging of the Weta was a strong point in its favour along with its simplicity and performance.
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FRANCE - Weta a big hit at the paris boat show - December 2007

The Weta team were kept busy at the Paris boat show in a very successful week. The boat was turning the heads of novice sailors, world ranked sailors, competitor exhibitors and show management who just couldn't get enough of the boat! The French were especially impressed with the concept of the boat and the attention to detail in its design.  The Weta team in France will be busy providing test sails and delivering boats ready for the summer. If you are interested in the boat or a test sail click here for our contact in France

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nEW ZEALAND - First ever weta nationals a success - December 2007
These reports from sailors in the NZ Weta nationals held at Lake Taupo 1-2 December  2007.

"Last weekend the Laser North Island championships were held on Lake Taupo.  But, more importantly, amongst the sea of white sails could be seen the colourful hulls and gennakers of the inaugoral Weta Nationals.  Fickle and light winds didn't detract from the excitement and tension during the 6 race regatta.  The skill level in the fleet was variable, with huge improvement by all leading to a pretty close field by the last race. The highlights had to be Brent Charlesworth completing (and winning) the second day of racing with his two young boys crewing, and Roger Kitchen demonstrating the strength of his Wetas by ramming poor MIke Eaglan...or was it a new racing strategy?  Thanks to the NZ Weta Sailing Association and Taupo Yacht Club for a fabulous event.  Cant wait until next year."

"The first Weta Nationals was a great success, everything could not have been better. The weather was superb, although a more consistant wind would have made for better sailing, that aside we really enjoyed ourselves. The facilities, great , as was the host yacht club. Meeting other Weta owners and enjoying a good mix of familly fun with competative racing made for a great weekend allround and one not to be missed next year."

The event was a great success that involved a mix of family oriented activities - relay races, prize gathering and destination cruises - and some serious racing. Congratulations to Brent Charlesworth who claimed the title of "Weta Punga" - our first national champion. Final results:

Singlehanded

1st   Brent Charlesworth
2nd  Michael Eaglen
3rd   Roger Kitchen

Multihanded

1st   Michael Kerr and Biddi Clarke
2nd  Pete Richards and Sharelle Nunn
3rd   Alan Hounsome and Dennis Hounsome

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Weta gets great review by French Multihull Magazines - December 2007
The Weta has been reviewed by some French multihull magazines and had great reviews with the only negative that there are not enough in France to have a race! These magazines are building up to the Paris Boat Show starting next week where the Weta will be on display. Click here for the English version (PDF) and click here for the French version (PDF).
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NEW ZEALAND - Narrowneck Beach Weta Sailing - November 2007
On Sunday 6  Weta turned up to find ideal sailing conditions of 10-12 knots from the NE.  It was a perfect day for Dave Tapper to launch his new boat.  Rigging took some time as there was much Weta gossip and new friends to meet.  Dave spent some time giving all the family a ride while the rest of the fleet sailed up to Takapuna.  There was a lot of interest in the Weta fleet and many people took advantage of a test sail.  Five new Optimist sailors also went out on a Weta for a blast showing the gennaker is easy for new sailors to use.
We were happy to have Harry Handley out sailing the Weta after his recent second placing in the Hobie Masters Worlds.  Another sailor gave the Weta a good test by attacking the reef then abandoning ship leaving the Weta to head at breakneck speed across the beach followed by pack of rescuers who were left in it's wake.  It grounded itself on it's centreboard rounding up ready for it's next customer.
If you want to see the Weta in action, head to Narrowneck on Sunday afternoons. Only 2 Weta now available in the next shipment. Finally, have a look at the report from Rick in Tampa, Florida on the Endorsements page!
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Weta Being exhibited at International Boat Shows >>
Weta have appointed two new agents, one in Phuket, Thailand, and the other in Stockholm, Sweden, adding to the growing fleet of global Weta lovers. November and December will see the Weta boys strut their stuff again on the international stage, appearing at the boat shows in Paris and Florida (see the banners on top of this page). If you're around, pop in and have a chat!
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QINGDAO, CHINA- Chinese Couples fall in Love with Wetas >> see full article
Guess what's making waves among lovebirds in China? Weta trimarans! The sailboats, built by a North Shore company, have become a wedding accessory for couples in Qingdao, the Chinese mainland city North Shore is courting as a sister city. Qingdao is the venue for the sailing event for the 2008 Olympics. Since going on display on Qingdao's waterfront, the Weta has become a hit among newlyweds wanting souvenir photos taken with the trimaran, says Roger Kitchen of Campbells Bay's Weta Marine"The winds are very light there, which is difficult for sailing but ideal for the Weta, which has become a wedding accessory, helping tie the knot for more young couples," he says. The trimarans are stored on the lawn in front of a restaurant popular for wedding receptions. For more on this crazy story, read the full article at stuff.co.nz.

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NEW ZEALAND - Pt Chevalier Weta Sailing – July 2007
The morning looked cold and bleak, especially for one of the sailors who had only just got home from an evening activity! It was good to see the Weta sailors trading their sheepskin boots and an open fire for booties and a wetsuit. The Pt Chevalier Yacht Club has a good group of hardy sailors who sail through the winter. We liked the way they chose from an array of mooring buoys out the clubhouse window for a suitable course. It is a great stretch of water with the Waitakere Ranges as a backdrop. You can get good sailing two hours either side of high tide and they race every second week.
The forecasted front came through just as we were leaving the ramp - however we were treated with a hot sun all afternoon. We decided to drop the jibs as we still had plenty of power in the main and gennaker.
There was an interesting assortment of yachts and the Weta managed to tame them all as we flashed around the short course. It was obvious how relatively effortlessly the Weta handled, as many of the other boats tipped out in the SW breeze.
With a short, windward leeward course, there was plenty of action gibing the angles downwind. It is never a good idea furling the gennaker just as you hit the bottom mark, if you are as uncoordinated as the Weta Patron. Striking the bottom mark on four out of six roundings suggests a little practice/coaching is required!
The club had difficulty scoring John as he tried to round as many marks as he could find in no particular order. Fortunately the committee found his Weta antics fascinating, entertaining and obviously confusing as he happened to go through the startline for a gun.
Quite a few people turned up to look at the Weta and see it in action.
It was a huge amount of fun and we are really looking forward to the next destination sail at Castor Bay on August 19. We hope other Weta owners will join us!
Finally, last week we sold the final of the demo boats, extending the Weta family to include Tutakaka, Kawau Bay and Wellington.
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Weta's International Success
We have been fortunate in securing keen agents Europe, Asia and the USA and it is really great to see the fleets developing in these regions. A lot of work has been put in with boat shows, displays and demonstrations, the Weta being very well received as a result. We are also looking forward to exhibiting at the Genoa Boat Show.

Yachting NZ has assisted Weta Marine in developing a sailing program in Qingdao, China, the yachting venue for the 2008 Olympics. This is a most demanding venture (and a unique opportunity for Weta) as there is no sailing culture in China at present.

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NEW ZEALAND - Perfect Winds for Weta’s Second Open Day - March 2007
We were lucky to get a steady 15 knot North-Easterly for the Wetas to be put to the test again – this time with some waves. Castor Bay beach was bristling with activity as eleven boats were rigged and ready to go for the Weta Open Day, thanks to the owners who came from as far as Wellington. The demand was steady and helpers were kept busy all day! Keen sailors taking the helm ranged from novice 4 year olds to experienced sailors doing some Americas cup style racing. One speculator started the day with very little sailing experience. After four separate outings, each time with a different crew combination, he gained the confidence to take a Weta out for a solo voyage and enjoyed it thoroughly. One of our National champion sailors took out a down syndrome youth who had never been on a boat before. Not only was it incredibly heartwarming to see the huge grin on his face as he succeeded in helming it to Milford and back, it was also great to see the Weta is more than suitable for a wide range of physical abilities.

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NEW ZEALAND - Weta's Open Day a Success - November 2006
'Sailing With the Stars' got away to a great start with sailing conditions perfect for putting the Weta through it's paces. 18 of our top Kiwi sailors were on hand to take people out for a sail or to instruct them on going solo...and a great mix of people with varying skill levels turned up to check out the Weta and give it a go.

Gemma, a 6 year old who had never been on a boat before, surprised everyone. Within minutes of leaving the beach she took over the helm and with a delicate touch, steered an impressively straight line with ease.

Carsten and Marianne, a couple of young student doctors with considerable keelboat experience were visiting from Denmark and had seen nothing like the Weta before.

Peter, a Chinese national from Hong Kong, who learned to sail in NZ and happened to be looking for a craft to take his wife out sailing, thought the boat was ideal.

Seasoned keelboat racers Allan and David were looking for a boat to teach their grandchildren to sail. Judging by their match racing antics, it is more likely that they will need four Weta! Even a broken hip did not deter David from taking his wife for a sail 6 weeks after the op!

It was however a privilege and a pleasure to host one of the legends of NZ yachting. Attracted by the sight of the tips of the masts of the Weta fleet from his Takapuna home, Jim Young, at 81 made his way down to the beach to satisfy his curiosity. He enjoyed the sail and was enthusiastic in his response to the concept of family sailing in a trimaran. He commented on the attention to detail from assembly to sail management. He was confident that the Weta would “take off”.

Another highlight of the day was the novelty race with a 50m beach start. Although Chris put a generous bias on the start line, it was not long before Andrew Murdoch showed his pace on the beach, hitting his boat at speed. It is not a good idea to give Andrew a head start! With a top mark moving at speed, Chris was able to give Stephanie Williams the break she wanted and she almost caught Andrew at the finish line. Mark Overington was not impressed having to sort out three sails on his own, while Sara Winther happily multi-tasked, staying mid fleet and offering encouragement to others.

Overall, the Weta certainly satisfied a wide range of sailors from top Olympic athletes to absolute beginners showing that, not only is it ideal as a family boat, but also provides the option of speed for the thrill seekers.

The Open Day was only possible through the support of the Takapuna Boating Club, NZ’s elite sailors freely giving their time and Weta owners who kindly lent their boats.

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NEW ZEALAND - French sailors put the weta to the test - April 2006

We were privileged to have Sebastian Col, Thierry Briend and Giles Favennec from the french K Challenge match racing team to launch the latest Weta. They have a vast amount of experience in Open 60 trimarans including the skipper Thierry and tactician Sebastian on Foncia and navigator Giles on Banque Populaire. It was hugely satisfying to see them have such fun and be so complimentary about the Weta. See below...

FROM LEFT > Sebastian Col (K Challenge, skipper Auckland Match Racing, tactician Foncia), David Charleswort (Commodore RNZYS), Giles Favennec (K Challenge, navigator Banque Populaire), Roger Kitchen (Weta Marine) and Thierry Briend (Skipper Foncia)