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It wouldn’t be Easter in New Zealand without the Optimist national championships - and as the host club for 2023, Wakatere Boating Club will have a special focus on sustainability when it comes to the country’s next generation of sailors.
The Devonport-based club is well known for placing a premium on running “clean” and sustainable regattas and, apart from following the Sailors for the Sea best practices, the Opti nationals will also feature a programme of activities off the water from April 6-10.
This includes the Blake Virtual Reality Experience – giving children a glimpse beneath the surface to learn more about protecting the ocean through fun virtual-reality headsets; while the Revive Our Gulf team will also be on site to talk about the regeneration of the mussel population in the Hauraki Gulf.
Wakatere Boating Club, in conjunction with Yachting New Zealand’s regional development managers, will also be facilitating a Second Chance Clothing drive – with sailors encouraged to drop off good, unused or outgrown sailing clothing at the club on registration day (April 6) for distribution to less fortunate sailors across the country.
“We all have a responsibility to take care of our oceans and coastlines, and this event is a wonderful way to empower our young sailors to do just that,” said Commodore Julia Faire.
“Wakatere can’t wait to welcome competitors and their families for what is set to be an action-packed regatta both on and off the water.”
Faire is especially excited to see the new Toyota race bibs on sailors this weekend - designed by passionate local business LUCK.E clothing and made of 100 per cent recycled ocean waste.
In addition, The Clean Up Crew will be back to run a beach clean – providing buckets, gloves and all the information required.
More than 200 entries - from across New Zealand and Australia - have been received for the Opti nationals.
For more information, click here.
