Issue date
When I first sat in this chair in early 2011, I could never have imagined the journey ahead. So much has changed since then - in the sport, the world, and, let's be honest, my hairline. We've seen a global pandemic, the impacts of climate change, shifting government priorities, and more economic curveballs than I care to count. Yet through it all, one thing has remained constant: the resilience and passion of our yacht clubs.
Today is officially my last day at Yachting New Zealand and since announcing my decision to retire earlier this year, the question I've been asked most is what I'm proudest of. I've struggled with the answer; I couldn't possibly choose just one thing. There have been too many moments - some unforgettable, others I've probably forgotten entirely - but all of them have been underscored by a sense of shared purpose, community and care.
Seeing how the sailing community pulls together, their strength, that unity, is part of the reason I leave with confidence. Club membership has remained steady despite the challenges, and in many areas of the sport, we continue to lead on the world stage - not bad for a small country at the bottom of the map.
I believe much of that is due to the dedication of the Yachting New Zealand team. I'm proud of the work we've done to grow and future-proof the sport. From our Women and Girls in Sailing strategy, to the Clean Club sustainability programme, and the continued growth of our school engagement framework RŪNĀ, we've aimed to be innovative, inclusive, and relevant.
At the performance end, we've had some incredible success, too - nine Olympic medals, multiple world titles, and most recently, two teams on the podium in Marseille. In the year since the Paris Games, we've continued to perform on the international stage, showcasing the next generation of stars, and we have secured strong funding for the next Olympic cycle.
That support is testament not only to the work of our high-performance department under the guidance of Ian Stewart, our athletes and coaches, but also to the enduring partnerships we've built with Sport New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand - relationships I've deeply valued.
Perhaps the most meaningful shift during my tenure has been a greater focus on the wellbeing of our people.
Long before Paris 2024, we recognised that how we support our athletes and staff matters just as much as what they achieve. That sparked Project Arotake, the independent evaluation into our performance programme, the recommendations of which are currently being adopted. We've also created a dedicated people, wellbeing and performance staff role, and over the past few years established and refined a shared identity approach that aligns our high-performance culture with our aspirations.
This people-first mindset has also driven our decision to relocate Yachting New Zealand's headquarters from Takapuna to Milford, a move that will provide a more functional, welcoming and marine-connected home for staff, sailors, and visiting club members alike. The new space will help streamline member services and better integrate with High Performance Sport New Zealand's offerings including physiotherapy, nutrition, data analysis and more, making these resources more accessible, especially for emerging athletes.
It will also help us better showcase the value we bring to our sponsors and funders, many of whom have stood by us for years, and without whom none of this would be possible. To them, I owe heartfelt thanks.
To board chair Greg Knowles and the current Yachting New Zealand board: thank you for your wisdom and support. I'm also grateful to the chairs who came before you - Jan Dawson, Jamie McDowell and Ross Blackman - and to the many board members who've given their time and expertise to guide the sport.
And to the team at Yachting New Zealand: you are small in number but mighty in impact. It's been an honour to work alongside such dedicated and capable people. I'm immensely proud of what we've achieved together, and I know you'll continue to thrive under new leadership.
Speaking of which, I'd like to offer a warm welcome to my successor (whose announcement is imminent). You're stepping into an organisation in good shape, with an incredible community behind it. I know that community will support you as strongly as they did me.
Finally, to you - our club members. You've been the constant. You've turned up, volunteered, hauled boats, flipped sausages, cheered from support boats, and given generously of your time and energy.
What am I most proud of? You. You are what make this sport great.
After nearly 15 years of these updates, this will be my last Dave's Desk. Thank you for reading them - and more importantly, thank you for everything you do to keep sailing alive and well in New Zealand.
The sport is thriving because of you, and I have no doubt it will continue to do so for many years to come.
Warm regards,
David Abercrombie
Chief executive, Yachting New Zealand (just for a little while longer)
