Issue date
Our NZCT regional development managers bring you the latest updates from across the country - including a report on the recent request for clubs to support efforts to protect a crucial funding lifeline for grassroots sport.
Yachting New Zealand was among hundreds of sporting bodies opposing the Bill in its current form.
Sailing community response to OCG Bill praised
The sailing community's strong response to last month's call for submissions on the Government's proposed Online Casino Gambling Bill has been hailed as a crucial step, with the debate now moving to a pivotal stage before the select committee.
"We are grateful for the effort clubs put in," said Yachting New Zealand interim chief executive Raynor Haagh. "It shows how much our community values the funding that keeps grassroots sailing alive."
The Bill would legalise online casinos, but unlike Class 4 pokie trusts, offshore operators would have no obligation to return a share of profits to the community. With gambling rapidly shifting online, there are concerns the $173 million in Class 4 funding distributed to sport in 2024 - nearly half going directly to grassroots organisations - could disappear without replacement.
Yachting New Zealand was among hundreds of sporting bodies nationwide opposing the Bill in its current form, warning of the lack of safeguards to protect community funding. The select committee will now weigh those submissions before making recommendations to Parliament, a decision that could shape the future of grassroots sport funding.
Haagh asked clubs to consider getting in touch with their local MPs and media to further strengthen efforts.
"MPs need to hear from every corner of the country - how funding has helped, and what will be lost if it disappears," she said. "These grants are more than just dollars; for many clubs, it's the difference between sinking and sailing."
More than 50 boats competed in the 2025 Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga.
Belmont Intermediate takes top AIMS title
The Zespri AIMS Games brought together 53 Optimist sailors at Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club, where ACG Tauranga's Harry Strang stamped his authority on the fleet. Strang won six of the eight races to secure the overall title, finishing five points clear of runner-up Jeffrey Du (ACG Parnell College), with Ponsonby Intermediate's Noah Peterson third. The trio also filled the Year 8 podium.
Belmont Intermediate's Milla Holland led the way among the Year 8 girls, finishing seventh overall. Kristin School's Claire Bao followed in 11th, with Taradale Intermediate's Mia Fenwick 21st.
Zac Loader of Hereworth School was first in the Year 7 division, also cracking the top 10, ahead of Te Atatū Intermediate's Jack Robertson in 16th and Sacred Heart College's Henry Hall in 17th. For the Year 7 girls, Saint Kentigern's Annika Wells impressed in 12th overall, with St Cuthbert's College's Amiya Kattera 15th and Puketapu School's Georgia Barker 23rd.
Belmont Intermediate also walked away with the schools' crown, buoyed by Holland's strong showing and Zephyr Lane's fourth-place overall finish.
Full results here.
Para sailing star recognised for stellar year
Sailability Wellington's Xervier Doney has been named Disabled Sportsperson of the Year at the Wellington Regional Sports Awards after a remarkable year that saw him train to sail solo, win the NZ Ability Cup at the Hansa national championships, and claim two titles at the Hansa Class world championships at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Pittwater in Australia in April.
Click here to read more about Doney's remarkable sailing journey.
Big turnout for national youth clinic
Yachting New Zealand's national youth clinic at Manly Sailing Club late last month drew over 70 sailors.
The weekend also featured an informative session from Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallists Micah Wilkinson and Erica Dawson and extensive on-water sessions.
Click here for more information about the national youth programme.
Cruisers who prefer not to race can now join from various starting points along the route. Photo / PIC Coastal Classic
New format, sponsor for Coastal Classic Rally
The Coastal Classic Rally is introducing a flexible new format in 2025, allowing participants to join either a one-day or two-day cruise from Auckland to Russell, with overnight stops at Marsden Cove for those taking the extended option.
Charlie Bravo Boat Co. has also joined as a sponsor, supporting the expanded programme and helping more sailors take part while maintaining category 3 safety standards.
The event, organised by the New Zealand Multihull Yacht Club, continues to celebrate New Zealand sailing's tradition and camaraderie, offering multiple ways for cruisers to enjoy the journey.
For more information and to enter, click here.
Sandspit Yacht Club is looking for a centreboard coach. Photo / Sandspit Yacht Club
Wanted: Centreboard coach for Sandspit Yacht Club
Sandspit Yacht Club is seeking an experienced centreboard sailing coach for the summer season in Kawau Bay, teaching Learn to Sail levels 1 to 3 in Optimists and O'pen Skiffs, with optional 420 and ILCA coaching for older sailors.
The role runs in two eight-week blocks from 6 October 2025 and 2 February 2026, pays $35/hr, and offers flexible hours as an independent contractor.
Apply by emailing manager@sandspityachtclub.nz.
The club received two new OnePlus Opti training boats. Photo / Sail One NZ
Optis boost Heretaunga junior fleet
Heretaunga Boating Club has received two new OnePlus Opti training boats with the help of Sail One NZ, boosting its growing junior fleet ahead of the new season.
The club is also calling for volunteers with powerboat experience to help run events, with training and flexible commitments available - anyone interested in signing up can click here.
Keelboat fun at RNZYS this school holiday
Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is running a four-day school holiday keelboat programme for sailors aged 12-15 from 23 to 26 September 2025.
Participants will gain hands-on experience sailing Elliott 7s, improve rules and tactics, and be introduced to match racing under the guidance of experienced RNZYS head coach Zak Merton.
Spaces are limited, offering a chance to build skills, confidence, and teamwork in a fun, supportive environment.
Click here to register.
Sir Peter Blake Regatta: Mark your calendars!
The Notice of Race for Torbay Sailing Club's annual 2025 Sir Peter Blake Regatta has been released, with entries opening 1 October for the two-day event on 6 and 7 December.
The regatta attracts youth sailors from across New Zealand and overseas, with classes including Optimist, O'pen Skiff, P Class, Starling, ILCA, RS Feva, 29er, 420 and iQFOiL.
Racing will take place on three offshore courses, supported by a large beach village, central marquee, and facilities for RIBs and boat trailers.
Click here for the NOR.
Marama is back in action after a two-year refit. Photo / Kohimarama Yacht Club
New-look 'Marama' to be unveiled
Kohimarama Yacht Club is celebrating the relaunch of its iconic committee boat thanks to strong community support.
Marama has recently returned after a two-year refit, and is now fully electric and solar-powered - believed to be a world first for a yacht club committee boat.
The refreshed vessel will be on display at the Outboard Boating Club, Tamaki Drive, on 18 September, allowing visitors to see the results of the restoration firsthand.
KYC and OBC members, friends and families are all welcome.
Wakatere Boating Club has unveiled a new F50 foiling flagpole, courtesy of Emirates Team New Zealand. Photo / Wakatere Boating Club
Centenary celebrated with foiling flagpole
Wakatere Boating Club has unveiled a new F50 "foiling flagpole", formerly used by Emirates Team New Zealand in the 2017 America's Cup in Bermuda, where they defeated Oracle Team USA 7-1 in the Cup match.
Made possible by Emirates Team New Zealand and the Salthouse family, the flagpole arrives ahead of the club's 2026 centenary, celebrating its heritage and ambitious future.
Rebranded Akarana 350 returns
Royal Akarana Yact Club's Akarana 350 has been rebranded as the Akarana Cavalli, offering both fully crewed and shorthanded divisions. Sailors can choose a long course of 275 nautical miles or a shorter 125nm route.
The long course will continue to serve as a qualifier for the SSANZ Round North Island series.
The long course starts and finishes at Orakei, rounding Motuharakeke, Te Anaputa, Te Anaputaiti, and Channel Islands. The short course also starts and finishes at Orakei, with marks at Sail Rock and Channel Island.
Click here for more information.
