Issue date
The Nelson Yacht Club will host a rescheduled Starling national championships on December 5-7.
The new date was chosen for several reasons, primarily recognising South Island sailing conditions, avoiding NCEA exams and leaving time for families to prepare for the busy Christmas period.
New Starling class association president Jono Gravit said they realised these dates clash with the Sir Peter Blake Regatta but that the Torbay Sailing Club would still be offering Starling open and development divisions for those unable to travel to Nelson.
There will be a few changes around a shorter regatta and measuring procedures due to Covid-19, but the Nelson Yacht Club and class association are it will still be a great event.
It will mean the 2020-21 Travellers Series will look a bit different next season. If your club will be including Starlings in your regatta, please apply to be included as part of the Travellers Series and a programme will be finalised at the start of the season.
Clubs are encouraged to offer a development division where appropriate and include appendix P5 (allowing kinetics) in their sailing instructions. Contact Richard Brown if you need help with some standard clauses.
The Starling class AGM was held virtually last month, when Richard Brown stepped down as president after a number of years in the position. He remains on the committee and will still be involved with the nationals and match racing.
Gravit, from the Pt Chevalier Sailing Club in Auckland, thanked Brown for his efforts and guidance over the years.
Gravit said Starlings would be included in the Auckland Junior Winter Sprints series, due to commence whenever the current situation permits.
For more information see starling.org.nz
