Issue date
The Yachting New Zealand regional development managers take a look at what has been happening in their areas and also suggest now is the perfect time for membership renewals.
With the summer season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to contact members to renew their membership.
It would also be a good opportunity to update the membership data your club currently holds.
Each club operates differently but membership renewal time is an opportunity to update or gather new information from your members.
Each year as part of the affiliation process and for the YNZ member card, we ask clubs for: name, age, gender, ethnicity and an email address (it would be helpful if this matches an email address used to register for Yachting New Zealand courses). Yachting New Zealand use specific ethnicity groupings, which we'd be happy to share with you to ensure there is alignment.
If your club has any concerns around privacy, Yachting New Zealand has a privacy statement clubs can use which has been approved by lawyers.
Your local regional development manager can also answer any questions you might have.
Christchurch Yacht Club
A mammoth effort from a handful of club members has seen the Christchurch Yacht Club take possession of 10 plastic Optimists for their learn to sail programme.
The Optis were previously owned by the Glendowie Boating Club but were surplus to requirements. The issue was how to transport them the 1000km south.
A big thanks to Vaughan B and Amanda who towed them down, and to commodore Sean who drove the truck and trailer up to Auckland. Sean also provided the vehicle.
The club plan to outfit the boats with their brilliant orange training sails from Mitre 10 Mega Ferrymead ready for their October learn to sail courses.
SSANZ Triple Series - 100nm
The second and longest race in the PIC Insurance Brokers Triple Series was described by team Nixon as "an epic day of everything" and that’s exactly what the fleet of more than 100 boats who took part encountered.
Auckland turned on the weather for the start of the 100nm race with a gentle 8-10 knot breeze and warm sunshine. However, some 8 hours later, when the last of the boats sailed down the coast from Kawau to the finish, the fleet was hit by rain squalls and a solid increase in wind.
Many dried themselves off in time to join the party at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for their 150th celebration.
The Triple Series is made up of a 60-mile race on July 2, 100 miler on July 30 and the 50 mile race on August 27. Entries are still open for the final race of the series and more information can be found here, including the notice of race and results.
Steve’s Ride For Sailors With Disabilities
Sailability groups across New Zealand will benefit from Steve’s Ride For Sailors With Disabilities, which started on Monday from Cape Egmont and will finish at East Cape.
Steve Trevurza, who is a well known sailmaker based in Auckland, rode from Cape Reinga to Bluff last year and this year has decided to use his ride as a fundraiser for Sailability, who offer sailing experiences for people with disabilities.
Trevurza rode 49km on his first day on Monday, battling strong winds and rain.
"Bit of a damp, cold, windy ride," he reported. "It doesn’t hurt to step outside the comfort zone, now and again. But the less the better."
Trevurza expects to have a givealittle page up soon where donations can be made but you can follow his progress here.
Gulf Harbour Yacht Club
Ruby Amkreutz, a year 11 student from the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, had an epic opportunity to join the Hine Moana Sailing Journey during the last school holidays, a female-specific youth development five-day programme that allows young females to build their confidence in the outdoors.
"I have had the most eye-opening, amazing experience this past holiday on the boat," Ruby said. "I met some awesome girls and... learned so many skills along this journey. Thank you so much Gulf Harbour Yacht Club for giving me this opportunity. I had the best time."
The programme is run by the New Zealand Sailing Trust and is for 15-17 year old females in low-mid decile schools. It combines both sailing and kayaking and, where possible, is run by female instructors.
See here for more.
Auckland Junior Winter Sprints Series
A beautiful sea breeze ensured some terrific racing for the second round of the Auckland Junior Winter Sprint Series at the Murrays Bay Sailing Club recently.
The next event is on Saturday afternoon at the Wakatere Boating Club and the series is a fantastic way for young sailors to keep up their skills over winter.
Entries can be made on the day or you can do it here.
Torbay Sailing Club
The Sir Peter Blake Regatta is one of the highlights of the dinghy racing calendar but has been absent from the scene last year due to Covid-19.
This year's event will be on December 3-4 at the Torbay Sailing club and is open to the following classes: Optimist, P Class, O’Pen Skiff, Starling, ILCA 6, ILCA 4, RS Feva, 29er, 420, Nacra 15, iQFOiL, and wingfoil.
You can find the notice of race here, which includes details on how to enter.
Yachting New Zealand Courses
Just a reminder that now is the perfect time to complete a Yachting New Zealand coach or race officers course, especially with the new summer season just around the corner.
There are a number of courses being held at various places around the country in the next few weeks and clubs should be encouraging members to get formal qualifications.
You can check out the upcoming courses here to see if there's one in your area.
