Issue date
Next season promises to be a busy one for many of this country's young sailors as they transition out of the junior classes and into youth classes.
Yachting New Zealand run the Aon youth programme, which caters for sailors just starting out in youth sailing through to those representing the NZL Sailing Foundation Youth Team at the youth sailing world championships.
For many, this journey starts at an Aon New to Youth Clinic similar to the one held at the Manly Sailing Club last weekend.
As many as five 29er combinations and eight ILCA 6 (Laser Radial) sailors received expert guidance from coaches Sara Winther, Markus Sommerville and Yachting New Zealand youth and events manager Sam Mackay.
These clinics are designed for sailors who have moved into a youth class within the previous six months and are not already attending Aon National Youth Clinics.
The coaches did on-land demonstrations explaining how the boat works and how to set them up for a variety of conditions. The sailors then hit the water working on foundational techniques to help them progress in the class.
The Aon New to Youth Clinics also provide an opportunity for sailors to be assessed for eligibility to attend the Aon National Youth Clinics.
The base level to get into the national clinics is to be training regularly (about three days a week) and have an on-water level of skill that will not tie a coach to a safety role in conditions over 20 knots. Sailors should also be aiming to compete at their class nationals and the New Zealand youth championships.
Yachting New Zealand are looking to run another Aon New to Youth Clinic in Auckland on September 24 and registrations are open here.
If you're transitioning into youth classes and unsure of what to sail or what your next step might be, any of the Yachting New Zealand youth staff are happy to help anytime.
- Jenny Armstrong – women's sailing / ILCA 6
- Sam Mackay – youth and events
- Geoff Woolley – talent development
