Issue date
It is a great honour and responsibility to take the helm of Yachting New Zealand - an organisation at the heart of a sport and pastime with such a rich history, and one that has provided so many proud moments and lasting memories for so many Kiwis. From Olympic triumphs and world championships to the grassroots joy of kids having a go in an Optimist, sailing has shaped our identity as a maritime nation and continues to play an important role in communities up and down the country.
It’s much more than just a pastime - it is an inheritance - one that connects us to our past while continuing to shape our future. Importantly, sailing is something that every community can experience, because no matter where we live in this country we are never far from the water. That universal access is one of our greatest strengths, and it underlines our responsibility to ensure that all New Zealanders see sailing as open, welcoming and relevant.
Growing participation
It goes without saying that the foundation of our future lies in ensuring that more people, from more backgrounds can experience sailing and boating. Participation rates remain a challenge - we know that young people today have more choices than ever in how they spend their time, and that families are facing rising pressures that can make engagement with sport and recreation more challenging.
We must focus on lowering the barriers and enabling pathways that are welcoming, affordable and accessible. That means redoubling our efforts to invest in and support entry-level programmes that give our young people the chance to discover sailing in a safe and supportive environment. It means working with schools, communities and partner organisations to bring sailing to places where it has not always been visible. And it means building flexible opportunities that fit the lives of today’s participants - whether they are seeking competitive racing, recreational fun or simply the wellbeing benefits of being out on the water.
Lifting visibility
Sailing has given New Zealand some of our proudest sporting moments, yet outside of those peaks it can often feel hidden from view. To ensure the sport thrives, we need to lift its visibility in a sustained and inclusive way.
This is not just about celebrating the outstanding performances of our high-performance sailors - although that will always be important - but also about recognising the amazing people and stories from all corners of our community: the recreational sailors, volunteers, coaches, club members and youth sailors who keep the pulse of our sport strong. By embracing modern channels and digital storytelling, we can connect with new audiences and demonstrate that sailing is not a niche pursuit but a sport, passion and pastime with relevance for everyone.
Supporting clubs
Our clubs are at the heart of everything we do and where our responsibility as an organisation lies. This is where the values of the sport are nurtured, where skills are honed, and friendships are forged. They are also where the next generation of sailors - from cruisers to world champions - begin their journey.
We will work alongside all clubs supporting them to thrive in an increasingly complex environment. That means providing a range of support services, resources and tools that help clubs to operate effectively. It means advocating for their needs with central and local government, particularly as they navigate the pressures of compliance, funding and infrastructure pressures. It also means acknowledging that many clubs, parents and volunteers are under enormous pressure, often juggling multiple commitments to keep programmes running. Quite simply, our sport could not operate without them, and I want to place on record our gratitude for their time and commitment.
Extending reach and relevance
One of the most exciting opportunities for Yachting New Zealand is to extend the sport’s reach and relevance in communities that have not always been well-represented. Sailing should reflect the diversity of the communities they serve - in age, gender, culture and ability.
We are committed to strengthening pathways for women and girls, building on the progress of recent years to ensure they see themselves in every part of the sport, from grassroots participation to high-performance coaching and leadership. We are also focused on creating meaningful opportunities for non-traditional sailing communities, ensuring the sport honours its deep connections with voyaging traditions. And we will continue to grow our inclusive sailing programmes so that people of all abilities can experience the joy of being on the water.
Success on the water
While broadening our base is critical, success at the top end remains our most powerful driver of inspiration. New Zealand has a proud record in sailing’s elite arenas - from Olympic medals to America’s Cup victories - and the achievements of our high-performance sailors ignite pride and aspiration across the nation.
We also continue to lead the world in many other areas of our sport - from race officiating, event delivery and sailmaking to media, engineering, boatbuilding, marine technology and yacht design -highlighting the wide range of pathways through which young people can pursue their passions and reach the very top of their game.
Our aim is to sustain that success by investing in world-class coaching, talent development, and support structures that allow our members to perform at their best. Importantly, we want to ensure that the pathway to elite success is well connected to the grassroots, so that young sailors can see a clear journey from their local club regatta to the world stage.
Looking ahead
As I see it, Yachting New Zealand is more than an organisation - it is a community bound by a love of the water and a belief in the power of sailing to enrich lives.
That is why I am committed to getting in front of the sailing community, listening carefully, and being open to feedback and suggestions. This is not a journey we can make alone - it will only succeed if we build and commit to it together.
Our much-valued sponsors and partners are also vital to this. Their belief in sailing and in the wider contribution it makes underpins our ability to keep pushing forward. These relationships will be nurtured, and new opportunities will be identified to ensure that the offering we provide to members is fit-for-purpose.
I look forward to working with all of you - our clubs, volunteers, athletes, parents and partners - to make that vision a reality. Together, we can ensure that sailing continues to be a source of inspiration and connection for generations of New Zealanders to come.
Regards,
Steve
