Issue date
Registration for this year's Anchor Aims Games is now open and for the first time the O’pen Bic is being offered alongside the Optimist.
The Aims Games (Association of Intermediate and Middle Schools) was introduced in 2004 and last year attracted more than 10,000 intermediate-aged children competing across 22 sports. Sailing was added to the programme in 2015 but, until now, has only ever featured the Optimist.
"We are very excited about the yachting event this year as the O'pen Bic fleet will be joining the Optimist fleet for the first time in Anchor Aims history.” said Herman Rooseboom, who is leading the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club's Anchor Aims Games organising team.
Schools around the country will have received information from the Anchor Aims Games organisers, meaning it's now time for sailors and parents to start talking with their school sports coordinators about entries for this year.
Registrations close on June 12, 2019, and are only accepted via the nominated school key contact. Sailing at Aims Games will be run on September 8-10, with registration on Saturday, September 7.
Another development for this year's sailing event is the option to charter either an Optimist or O’pen Bic. “We're looking forward to sailors from further afield, including the South Island, participating due to the charter options available," Rooseboom said.
You can download the 2019 Anchor AIMS Games registration booklet HERE which outlines the information around the event this year or go straight to the Yachting page HERE.
Sailing in Tauranga in September can be challenging and cold, meaning it's a requirement for sailors to have completed Yachting New Zealand's learn to sail level 3 and to have competed in at least one regional (two-day) regatta to show they are sailing at a standard to enjoy this event.
The Aims Games has grown from four sports in 2004 and this year a number of other sports will feature alongside the O'pen Bic.
“It’s vital that children at this age don’t specialise too early," Aims Games organiser Vicki Semple said. "They need to try as many sports and pastimes as possible and develop all-round skills and enjoyment.
"We continue to introduce new sporting options, keeping pace with the changing participation preferences of young people. In 2019, we have introduced mountain biking, 3 x 3 mixed basketball, canoe sprint to run alongside canoe slalom, mixed quick rip rugby sevens, a 9-hole golf tournament, O’pen Bic yachting and AeroDance.”
For more information, please contact Yachting New Zealand regional support officer Raynor Haagh raynor@yachtingnz.org.nz or Herman Rooseboom herman.rooseboom@gmail.com.
