Issue date
Representing Auckland’s North Shore Clubs’ Murrays Bay Sailing Club and Takapuna Boating Club Patrick Haybittle is the second youngest member of the 2014 NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team.
Patrick was selected after performing well at the selection events including Oceanbridge Sail Auckland and the RS:X National Championships in what is his first season on the RS:X board after progressing from the Techno 293 class.
“Patrick raced in Weymouth at the RYA Youth Nationals with us recently where he learned a huge amount and improved his overall performance winning three races during the series,” says Ian Neely, Talent Development Manager. “He’s a young guy with a lot of promise and a great work ethic.”
Q&A with Patrick Haybittle
Q: How did you get into sailing?
A: I went to a “Have a go sailing an Optimist day” at Lake Rua, Christchurch. Loved it so signed up for lessons. I progressed through Opti, P Class and Starling. i took up Windsurfing. between the P Class and Starling.
Q: Favourite thing to eat after a long day on the water?
A: Hot Pasta or a muffin
Q: Favourite place to sail?
A: Murrays Bay in a 20 Knot Easterly
Q:Which New Zealand sailors do you admire most?
A: Bruce Kendall, JP Tobin, Grant Beck
Q: What is the best thing about sailing your youth class?
A: Speed. The feeling of complete freedom. Feeling and reacting to every tiny change in wind and waves. Doing freestyle tricks which improve balance and technique. Sailing with my Mates.
Q: How will you prepare for the Youth Worlds and which regattas will you be attending in the lead-up?
A: I have just come home from the last major event so will be working hard on fitness and spending as much time on the water as I can training.
Q: What was the most proud moment of your sailing to date, and tell us how you felt?
A: Winning Race 1 of the RYA Youth Nationals in Weymouth in super light conditions. I felt like my confidence had gone through the roof. I was elated and ready to keep going and going.
