Issue date
It is hard to believe we’re into February 2015 already – but it is certainly a busy month in lots of ways.
- Volvo National Sailing and Boating Day opened the month with hundreds of people turning out at sailing and boating Clubs around New Zealand for a day of fun on and off the water on Sunday 1 February. Congratulations to everyone who made the most of opportunity to welcome new people into the club environment – it is brilliant to read the reports, see the photos and hear the stories!
- Community Marine Activity Hub: The drive to establish a Community Marine Activity Hub at Takapuna is switching up a gear and we need you to get in behind us. Resource consent for the makeover and revitalisation of the Takapuna Beach Reserve has now been lodged with Auckland Council. The design vision cleverly meets the requirements of the Takapuna Beach Reserve Management Plan (2013) providing large grassed open space for the public to picnic, play and access the waterfront and the coastal walkway.
The hub which includes the high performance facility in the design occupies just 10% of the reserve but provides space for athletes, coaches and their equipment, while respecting the physical, cultural and community landscape in which it sits. This home for Yachting New Zealand’s High Performance programme, (which emulates similar proven centres for rowing and cycling) will absolutely be an asset to the North Shore.
The consent application will be publically notified and this is expected around mid March. I urge you to watch this space - we will update you on how you can get more information on progress and how to submit in support.
- The Volvo Ocean Race fleet is on its way to Auckland and you will see news and opportunities around the Auckland stopover included elsewhere in this Briefings issue. What I love about this race is that it is still one of the last great ocean challenges with men and women pushing themselves against the elements 24/7. A game of chess on the water that challenges so many human strengths and frailties. It is a race that has produced sailing heroes and one that young New Zealanders still dream of being part of. If you’re in Auckland, don’t miss the action at the Auckland Stopover Village.
- Aon New Zealand and Yachting New Zealand go racing! Two weeks ago we had a great day on the water for some friendly racing with Aon New Zealand and their guests. This was an occasion to spend some time furthering the relationship with a sponsor that has done a great deal for our sport over this past year. We’re pleased to announce that nearly 20 clubs have taken up on the insurance package that Aon has developed for our member clubs, bringing better cover and significant savings to the sport. If your club hasn’t yet had the chance to get a quote from Aon, I would encourage you to have a look at what they offer online our website. http://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/clubs/insurance
Aon will also be assisting sailors with Insurance requirements for the Oceanbridge Sail Auckland Regatta which starts next week. - 2015 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland is about to get underway with entries approaching 200 boats and boards heading to host Club, Royal Akarana Yacht Club for top level racing starting Thursday February 26th. This event is New Zealand’s premier regatta for Olympic and Paralympic classes and with the NZL Sailing Team heading the entry lists, an opportunity for the nation’s up-and-comers to rub shoulders and race against their heroes. Good luck to everyone!
Kind regards
David Abercrombie
