With clubs across the country heading into the quieter winter months, Yachting New Zealand has confirmed an extensive programme of coaching and race official development opportunities aimed at helping volunteers, coaches and officials upskill ahead of the next sailing season.
A nationwide series of in-person Start Coaching (Learn to Sail Coach) courses starts this weekend with a course at Murrays Bay Sailing Club, and will run throughout the remainder of the year. Other confirmed courses include at Paremata Boating Club on 6-7 June, Royal Akarana Yacht Club on 20-21 June, a Northland course with the venue still to be confirmed on 22–23 August, Manly Sailing Club on 29-30 August, and Naval Point Club Lyttelton on the same dates.
Additional Start Coaching courses are also planned at Queen Charlotte Yacht Club, in Waikato and in Southland, with dates to be confirmed. Yachting New Zealand is also expecting to run up to two online Start Coaching courses later in the year.
All coaches attending an in-person course are required to complete the online “Coaching Yachting 101” module beforehand, ensuring participants arrive with a consistent foundation before moving into the practical elements of the programme.
Race Coach practical sessions are also scheduled over winter, with Royal Akarana Yacht Club hosting a session on 18-19 July, while a Wellington-based practical session is planned for September or October, with final dates and venue still to be confirmed.
Race officials will also have multiple opportunities to further develop their skills over the coming months. National Race Officer training courses are confirmed for Port Chalmers Boating Club on 13–14 June and Lake Taupo Yacht Club on 15–16 August. A further course will also be held in Auckland on 1–2 August, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
The annual Race Officials Conference will also take place in Christchurch on 29 August, bringing together officials from around the country ahead of the busy summer regatta season.
According to Yachting New Zealand's General Manager: Community and Development, Raynor Haagh, several online courses also remain available year-round through the Sport Tutor portal. "Alongside the in-person opportunities, there are also online Club Race Officer, Club Umpire (Teams), Introduction to Race Officiating and Coaching 101 courses available, giving volunteers and officials the flexibility to continue developing their knowledge at any time during the year,” Haagh said.
