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You don't need to hold a national or club judge qualification to attend the World Sailing judges seminar hosted on our shores later this year.
In fact, any experienced sailor or coach is free to register - and take the next step on what could be a rewarding journey.
It certainly has been for Doug Elder, New Zealand’s only World Sailing-recognised international judge instructor and one of the country’s most experienced race officials.
Elder will be one of two instructors at the seminar, held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron from 2 to 4 May 2025, and is encouraging Kiwis from all walks of the sailing community to register.
"You don't have to be a national judge to attend the seminar - I definitely wasn't when I attended my first one in 1991," Elder said.
"Anyone who is interested in judging and has a general yacht racing background - whether as a sailor or a coach - is welcome."
Some of the best judges he has come across in his 34 years in the role didn’t have official qualifications when they first got involved.
"As long as you have the racing experience, are generally fair-minded, and like to be involved in the sport, you can do well."
Doug Elder is one of the most experienced race officials in New Zealand. Photo / Jacob Fewtrell Media
Age isn't a barrier either, according to Elder.
In November last year, World Sailing appointed Louis Mayo, 28, as an international judge, making him the most recent Kiwi to achieve the position and one of the youngest ever.
The judges seminar follows the World Sailing race management seminar hosted by Gulf Harbour Yacht Club in October last year and planning is already underway to run a World Sailing measurement clinic and seminar later this year.
Raynor Haagh, Yachting New Zealand’s national sport development director, highlighted the significance of these events.
"It is an honour to have this seminar hosted in New Zealand so soon after also being chosen for our first race management seminar in several years and with work underway to have the measurement seminar, too," she said.
"These seminars don't just provide valuable training and certification opportunities but will also foster international collaboration and the sharing of best practices in these areas. We look forward to hosting the World Sailing judges seminar and assisting our community in pursuing their goals as race officials in the sport of sailing."
To register for the World Sailing judges seminar, click here.
