Issue date
Competing for New Zealand in the 29er skiff class at the 2014 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships are Isaac McHardie and Markus Somerville.
Both sailors represent the Wakatere Boating Club, Isaac originating starting his sailing career with the Hamilton Yacht Club and now a representative of both Clubs.
Both Isaac and Markus came away from the 2013 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships in Cyprus with a medal for New Zealand – although they weren’t in the same boat last year. Isaac was one half of the gold medal winning SL16 multihull crew in 2013 (sailing with Micah Wilkinson), while Markus won bronze in the 29er skiff sailing with Jack Simpson in 2013.
Combining forces this year the pair won the battle for the coveted 29er spot in this year’s NZL Yachting Trust Team after winning January’s 29er National Championships at Murrays Bay Sailing Club and placing 2nd at 2014 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland (on equal points to the winners).
In 2012 Isaac was named YNZ’s Emerging Talent Award winner at the Yachting Excellence Awards and was the Tanner Cup Champion for two consecutive years running in 2011 and 2012.
Q&A with Isaac McHardie
Q: How did you get into sailing?
A: My Mum and my Pa were sailors and they got me into it.
Q: Favourite thing to eat after a long day on the water?
A: Pasta
Q: Favourite place to sail?
A: Auckland harbour
Q: Which New Zealand sailors do you admire most?
A: Peter Burling and Blair Tuke
Q: What is the best thing about sailing your youth class boat?
A: The speed
Q: How will you prepare for the Youth Worlds and which regattas will you be attending in the lead-up?
A: Train as much and as hard as we can, be fit and strong. We did the RYA Youth Nationals in Great Britain
Q: What was the most proud moment of your sailing to date, and tell us how you felt?
A: Standing on top of the podium at the 2013 ISAF Youth World Championships with the kiwi national anthem playing. I felt very proud to be from New Zealand.
