News

To all fellow sailors, friends, business owners and good hearted people in the community: Come on-board, share the spirit of Kiwi windsurfers Finn, Coral, Patrick and Xanthe.

Auckland sailors finished off their summer season with the 2 day Sail Akarana Regatta on March 29th and 30th. The four Skuds and six Libertys sailed day 1 in very light conditions, and did not get enough wind on day 2 to get in any more racing. Final Skud results saw the pairing of Brendan Tourell and Mark Winters take first place, with Paul Webber and Jan Apel in second, only one point behind, with Tim Dempsey and Gemma Fletcher in third, also only 1 point behind second. In The Libertys, Helena Horswell was first on countback, with John Buchanan second but equal on points, and Mark Sherer in third only 3 points behind.

Yachting New Zealand is delighted to announce that three young New Zealand sailors have been selected by the New Zealand Olympic Committee to attend the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games on from 16 – 28 August at Lake Jinniu, Nanjing in China.

High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) has today announced that Australian Mike McGovern will take up the role of General Manager Performance and Strategic Investment.

Yachting New Zealand would like to ensure that we are maintaining the quality of our National events and that classes are aware of the requirements for a National event to be recognised by YNZ.

18 year old windsurfer, Xanthe Bowater is one of two Cantabrians to represent New Zealand in the 2014 NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team. She was selected after winning the girl’s youth division at both 2014 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland and the 2014 RS:X National Championships.

2012 Paralympian Tim Dempsey and new sailing partner Gemma Fletcher are planning on competing at the IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championships in Halifax, Canada in August to qualify New Zealand for a place in the SKUD 18 at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. As part of their fundraising to get there they have organised a Quiz night and Auction on 12 June at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club .Tickets are only $30 which includes dinner. For full details and to book for the night go to http://rayc.co.nz/skud18quiz/ . Can’t make it but still want to support them? Visit their Facebook page "Kiwi SKUD 18 Team" ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/407446639289348/ ) to donate via Paypal or simply make a deposit directly into their bank account: ASB Bank, Kiwi SKUD 18 Team, 12 3038 0414448 00 (preferred method is direct deposit as this avoids any processing fees, also please let them know if you make a donation so they can thank you) Don’t forget to like them on Facebook

On the 8th of March, Sailability Auckland hosted an “Experience Accessible Sailing” talent search day for new disabled sailors in the Paralympic Class Boats of 2.4m, SKUD and Sonar. About a dozen potential new sailors attended, and while most were local, people came from as far afield as Te Awamutu – now that’s keen! At least one of these people has now gone on to be classified and has been going out sailing in both a Liberty and a Sonar. Sailability Auckland has also gained several new members. If you want to get into sailing, or know somebody who may be keen – have a look at the YNZ Website or Contact Helena at helena@yachtingnz.org.nz

Four Sailors from Auckland and three from Napier competed in Hansa Libertys at the Mighty River Power Regatta, held by the Lake Taupo Yacht Club on 8 and 9 March. While lake levels were low this year, making into boats awkward, it was good to see this event supported after the even lower lake levels last year prevented Hansa Class participation. Taupo is a central location for all North Island sailors, and the regatta has other classes competing on the same course. This year it was well timed as a warm up event for sailors competing at the Hansa Nationals which were to be held at the Waitara Boating Club in Taranaki. Auckland sailors Helena Horswell, John Buchanan and Max Stacey filled the podium