Icebreaker Victory for Ladybird

It was heart-warming to see Devonport’s ketch Ladybird skippered by Mike Strong, with Matt Foster as crew, win the first race of the Devonport Yacht Club season. It was especially poignant as Matt’s father Martin was one of the DYC Life Members who sponsored the race and he formerly co-owned Ladybird with Mike.

Martin and Matt Foster with Mike Strong lurking in the right rear of the frame!

Thirteen yachts crossed the start line on Saturday 29 October in three divisions, Classics A and B, and 4th Division, including Ladybird with Matt and Mike Strong on board. 

Battling strong wind and intermittent rain, conditions were described as ‘perfect’ for the 10.4m Woollacott Ketch, Ladybird. According to post-race chat in the bar, Ladybird was ’slicing through the water when she passed’.

Ladybird on a much sunnier day than last Saturday!

Ladybird is a famous yacht previously owned by Sir Peter Blake’s parents, and was the first NZ yacht to win a trans-Tasman race, namely the Hobart to Auckland race in 1952. Sir Peter was thepast Patron of Devonport Yacht Club before his untimely death.

Martin is the Club’s longest-serving Life Member, having also been a member of the General Committee for 35 years. His son Matt has been a member for 37 years — since the day he was born!

The Icebreaker is sponsored by DYC Life Members and their partners:

Pippa Lady Blake, Martin and Janet Foster, Alan Kemp, Frank and Janet Warnock, Les and Keitha Smith, Marje Ward, Colin Tubbs, Sue and Kevin Johnson.