Issue date
Yachting New Zealand is reminding clubs and class associations to notify them as early as possible if they plan to host a national championship in the upcoming season - and to take note of important regulation changes regarding official recognition of national champions.
To qualify as a national championship, an event must be approved by Yachting New Zealand. The organising authority - typically the host club, in partnership with the class association and a race officer - must notify Yachting New Zealand at least six months in advance. This initiates a review by the race management sub-committee, ensuring all documentation meets national standards and connecting organisers with experienced support where needed.
"Clubs will have been working hard on planning next season's national championships over the winter months," said Raynor Haagh, Yachting New Zealand's interim chief executive. "These regulations help protect the integrity of the regatta and maintain the prestige of being crowned a national champion."
Haagh noted the regulations have been updated to reflect modern best practice and to guarantee regattas are run safely and fairly.
One significant change concerns how champions are recognised.
"Yachting New Zealand will now officially acknowledge overall, male, female, and mixed champions in any fleet, provided there are enough boats in that division," Haagh explained. "Class associations can also apply to have titles like youth, junior, or masters recognised. It's recommended clubs make such requests during their application. Fleets must meet minimum size requirements."
Haagh also emphasised that only Yachting New Zealand-affiliated yacht clubs are authorised to act as organising authorities when applying the World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing. Class associations, regional bodies, and other maritime affiliates must partner with a Yachting New Zealand-affiliated club and ensure the organising authority holds appropriate third-party liability insurance.
Hosting a national championship also comes with clear safety expectations.
"Our experienced race management team assists clubs with documentation and reviews event reports to ensure regattas comply with all necessary safety regulations," Haagh said.
Templates for these documents are available here.
