Regional roundup: Onboarding new club committee members

There's been plenty happening across our regions over the past month and, as always in Briefings, our NZCT regional development managers bring you updates from around the country. This month includes a look at a valuable new resource to help clubs welcome and support new committee members as they step into their governance roles.

New resource to support incoming club committee members

With AGM season well underway, many clubs will soon welcome new faces onto their committees. While some may have years of club experience behind them, stepping into a governance role brings new responsibilities and expectations.

To help clubs support their incoming committee members, Yachting New Zealand has developed a handy Club Committee Member Induction Guide to provide a practical introduction to the role of a club officer under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

The guide covers key governance responsibilities and can be used as-is or tailored to suit your club's specific needs. It's a useful resource to help new committee members get up to speed quickly and start the season with confidence.

For any governance questions as your club heads into the new season, contact Yachting New Zealand’s Regional Development, Governance and Advocacy Manager, Ingrid Harder, at ingrid@yachtingnz.org.nz.

Have your say on the future of Clean Club

Yachting New Zealand is reviewing the Clean Club programme and is inviting clubs and the wider boating community to help shape its next chapter.

The programme has supported clubs around New Zealand to improve their environmental practices for many years, and feedback is now being sought on what works well, what challenges clubs face, and what resources or support would make participation easier.

The review aims to ensure Clean Club remains practical, relevant and engaging for clubs of all sizes.

Share your thoughts with Yachting New Zealand'S Regional Development and Sustainability Manager, Hayley Dawe at hayleyd@yachtingnz.org.nz.

The Combined Race Officials Conference is set for later this month.

Taupō course highlights value of race officer training

Yachting New Zealand’s National Race Officer course in Taupō has received strong feedback, with participants praising the quality of tutoring and the benefits of face-to-face learning.

The course, presented by John and Linda Parish, is part of Yachting New Zealand’s race officials pathway, which includes at least two National Race Officer courses each year alongside online Club Race Officer training and regional development opportunities.

Upcoming training includes the Combined Race Officials Conference at Pleasant Point Yacht Club in Christchurch on 29 August, the National Judge Course at Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club (5-6 September), and a Club Umpire Course and National Umpire (Match Racing) Seminar at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (15 and 17-18 October).

Click here for the full course calendar.

Tauranga celebrates 25 years of Women on Water

Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club will celebrate a quarter-century of its Women on Water event on 15 August, marking 25 years of encouraging female participation in sailing.

The anniversary event will feature racing across two divisions, with entries open to all-female crews, boats with a woman at the helm for the full race, and mixed crews with women as part of the team. The day will finish with a three-course dinner, prizegiving and live music.

Sailors interested in racing, joining a crew or attending as spectators can register here. 

SSANZ Triple Series reaches final stretch

The Lewmar Triple Series, hosted by the Short Handed Sailing Association of New Zealand (SSANZ), is heading towards a thrilling finish after a challenging second race in strong winds and testing conditions.

With one race remaining, the leaderboard is tightening across several divisions, with plenty still to play for. 

The latest standings are available here.

Bark EUROPA is expected to arrive in Auckland in early October. Photo / Supplied

Historic tall ship heading to Auckland

The 1911 three-masted Bark EUROPA will arrive in Auckland between 8 and 12 October as part of its Pacific voyage, offering sailors the chance to experience traditional square-rig sailing and offshore passagemaking.

The vessel currently has opportunities available for two upcoming passages: a Cook Islands–Tonga–Auckland voyage and a Cape Horn expedition from Auckland to Ushuaia, Argentina. Guests sail alongside the professional crew, taking part in watchkeeping, helming, sail handling and navigation.

Click here for more information.

Eight boats competed in the Whitianga leg of the Traveller Series. Photo / Supplied 

Reggae Shark claims Whitianga win

Reggae Shark has taken victory at Round Three of the Burnsco Elliott 5.9 Traveller Series at Whitianga, overturning a two-point overnight deficit to beat series leader Revelry by five points.

Eight boats competed at Mercury Bay Boating Club across 10 races, with Reggae Shark dominating the final four races to secure the win. Revelry remains at the top of the overall series standings, with two rounds remaining at Russell and Sandspit.

Click here for the latest results and standings.

Taikata Sailing Club will host the first Backwater Championships this weekend. Photo / Taikata Sailing Club

Taikata launches inaugural Backwater Champs

Taikata Sailing Club will host its first Backwater Champs on Saturday, 8 August, bringing together J14s, Frostbites, Idles, IAs and other classes for an afternoon of short-course racing.

More than 20 boats are expected to compete, with up to four races scheduled from a 1.30pm first warning signal. Entries open from 11am to 1pm on the day, with prizes on offer for competitors.

Howick hosts Auckland Junior Winter Sprint Series

Howick Sailing Club will host the next round of the Auckland Junior Winter Sprint Series this Sunday (9 August), with junior sailors set to compete in a day of fast-paced racing on the water. 

The briefing is scheduled for 10.15am, with the first race starting at 11am. Entries are open now, with sailors encouraged to register here.

RNZYS teams deliver strong results at Governor’s Cup

Three Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron teams have returned from the 59th Governor’s Cup in Newport Beach with impressive results against some of the world's best match racers. 

Josh Hyde, Oliver Lloyd and Vassilis Katsaitis claimed third overall, while Sam Scott, Finn Balchin, Alissa Marshall and Hugo McMullen finished sixth. Ethan Fong, Harry McMullen and Lucas Day rounded out the regatta in 10th.

Waikawa Boating Club's first Men's Health Night was a big success. Photo / Supplied

Men's health night delivers frank talk on wellness

Waikawa Boating Club members came together for an important conversation about men’s health, with the club’s inaugural Men’s Health Night proving a huge success.

The well-attended evening provided an opportunity for members to enjoy an open and practical discussion about the health challenges facing men, led by Dr Andrew Wilson.

Over a relaxed beer and sausage roll, Dr Wilson explored trends in life expectancy, the impact of modern medical advances, and the steps men can take to improve their long-term wellbeing. He also highlighted key warning signs, preventative health checks and the importance of being proactive about health at every stage of life.

The evening was praised by attendees as an engaging, down-to-earth and valuable opportunity to learn more about looking after themselves and supporting those around them.

Young yachties invited to RNZYS ball

Young sailors and sportspeople from across the country are invited to trade the boat shoes for formalwear, with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron hosting a special ball for 18 to 23-year-olds.

Organised by the Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme team, the event is aimed at bringing together young people from across the sailing community for an evening of off-water socialising, with everyone in the age group welcome to attend.

The formal event will take place on Saturday, 19 September, from 7pm until midnight and will feature a welcome drink, food throughout the evening, a live DJ and photobooth.

Tickets are $110 for RNZYS members and $120 for non-members, with the event open to young sailors, sportspeople and their friends.

Attendees must be aged 18-23, with valid photo ID required on arrival.

Tickets are available at this link.