Update from Yachting New Zealand chief executive Steve Armitage: Shaping our strategy for 2026

It's hard to believe we are already well into February and that the sailing season is firmly underway. 

While the weather has been mixed at times, it has done little to slow the enthusiasm and commitment of sailors, coaches, race officials and volunteers right across the country. 

That collective effort remains one of the defining strengths of sailing in New Zealand. It is what allows us to continue performing so strongly on the world stage, consistently punching above our weight and earning respect internationally. 

A great deal has happened since my last update. Most notably, our NZL Sailing Foundation Youth Team delivered an outstanding performance at the Youth World Championships in Portugal in December. Three medals - one silver and two bronze - marked our strongest medal haul at this event in seven years. It was a result that reflects not only the quality of our youth programme, but also the extraordinary commitment of the sailors themselves and the people around them.

The time, financial investment and personal sacrifice required to compete at this level cannot be overstated. I would like to congratulate all 13 members of the youth team for their relentless work, and to thank their parents and support crews who are so often alongside them - sometimes literally chest-deep in the water or following in RIBs - every step of the way. I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the NZL Sailing Foundation, whose backing is critical to our ability to support young sailors, regardless of whether medals are the outcome.

There have also been several standout events closer to home. 

The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race again showcased Kiwi talent, while Bay of Islands Sailing Week and the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta were successfully delivered despite some of the most challenging conditions organisers have faced in recent years.

These events have coincided with the announcement of details of The Ocean Race's long-awaited return to Auckland in 2027, and the ITM New Zealand SailGP event taking place next weekend - both of which promise to generate real excitement for our sport and biggest city.

On a personal note, one of the highlights of recent weeks was Oceanbridge Sail Auckland. Over four days, more than 160 sailors from 14 nations competed in close, high-quality racing, including many of the world’s leading athletes. Seeing international competitors racing against our best, on our own waters, is not something we take for granted. Hosting events of this calibre is a key strategic focus for Yachting New Zealand, and I would like to acknowledge the work of our team - particularly our Youth and Events Coordinator, Clara Geiling - in delivering such a successful regatta.

Away from the water, we have also been spending time refining our strategic priorities for 2026 and beyond. Our focus is not on reinventing the wheel, but on sharpening our attention on what is most important and most urgent, and ensuring our time and resources are directed towards what the sailing community values most.

At last year’s Annual General Meeting, the Board and I committed to revisiting our affiliation model, with a particular focus on the value clubs receive and how that aligns with changing membership profiles, including the growth of social memberships. We are working towards establishing a working group, which will include representatives from clubs around the country, to review the model and explore opportunities for improvement. While it is important that we maintain the funding required to deliver our programmes and services, we also recognise the need to be more responsive to the evolving circumstances and needs of clubs.

Alongside this work, we are exploring the establishment of a pilot Parent Advisory Group. Parents remain the single biggest contributors to our sport, and this group will provide a direct line to me, enabling more open and constructive input into how we operate. While the group will not initially be a decision-making body, it will play an important role in providing insight into programmes and day-to-day matters.

I am proud of the work delivered by our small but highly committed team at Yachting New Zealand, though we are realistic enough to know that issues will arise from time to time. When they do, we are committed to responding appropriately and transparently. To that end, we have recently finalised a revised Complaints Policy and process, designed to make it easier to raise concerns and to better explain how they will be handled. Details of the Yachting New Zealand Complaints Policy can be viewed here.

Thank you for the continued effort, energy, and care you put into sailing in New Zealand. I hope you enjoy SailGP, and I look forward to seeing many of you at regattas as the season continues.

Kind regards,

Steve