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Volunteers needed for Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Regatta

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Get close to the action by offering to help out at February's Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Regatta at the Wakatere Boating Club.

The annual event is this country's premier Olympic and youth classes regularly and more than 200 sailors are expected to compete. 

Not only will it be one of first major centreboard regattas in this country after what has been a very disruptive period due to Covid-19 but it will also be the first in a new Olympic cycle.

On top of that it will act as the youth trials for the New Zealand team chosen for next year's youth sailing world championships and will also run alongside the 2022 New Zealand Windfoiling National Championships.

Yachting New Zealand would love to hear from you if you've got some time to help out at Wakatere from February 17-20, whether it's for one day or the entire regatta.

We're looking for people to help out on one of the three race courses - from mark layers and start and finish boat helpers to safety boat operators and timekeepers.

We're particularly interested in hearing from you if you have a vessel that could be suitable to use as a start or finish boat. Please contact Yachting New Zealand youth and events manager Sam Mackay if you can help out.

We'll also need assistance onshore as well, with things like registration and measurement to traffic management.

All volunteers will have lunch provided and will also be given a regatta T-shirt.

"This is a really good opportunity to be part of a top regatta in this country," Mackay said. "We couldn't run these sorts of events without the help of volunteers and it can be a really rewarding experience.

"It's going to be a busy period, with lots of traffic on the water, so any help would be greatly appreciated."

The Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Regatta will be run as an event in accordance with the Covid-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system) where My Vaccine Pass will be checked, meaning all competitors, coaches, volunteers, event staff, supporters and race officials will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and provide proof on entry.

Mackay also pointed out that, as has been done at previous youth trials to keep it in line with the approach at the youth sailing world championships, there will be no contact between support boats and youth sailors so volunteering could be a great way to watch the on-water action.

Volunteer registration can be found here and all the information for competitors, including the notice of race and entry form, can be found here.