News

Researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute announced today the results of a pilot study demonstrating use of a virtual therapeutic sailing simulator as an important part of rehabilitation following a spinal cord injury (SCI). Auckland's Spinal Rehabilitation Unit based sailing simulator programme led by Sailability Auckland's Brendan Toruelle played a key role in gathering data, conducting the same measures and sharing data with the research team.

Yachting New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of a new NZ National Classifier for sailing – Helen McKenzie. After attending the IFDS Classification Seminar in August 2013, Helen was awarded this designation which enables her to give a national classification to sailors with physical disabilities sailing in Paralympic class boats.

On 9- 10 November 2013 a keen group of first time sailors descended on Mount Pleasant Yacht Club for two days of sailing. Supported by the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation and Yachting New Zealand, 15 physically disabled people took their turn using an adaptive Hansa 2.3 dinghy on loan from Otago Yacht Club. In Otago, this boat enables an inclusive sailing programme also organized

After solid wind through the opening half of the 2013 Laser World Championships in Oman, day four provided sailors a new challenge with light and very shifty conditions at Mussanah Beach.

Seven individuals have been honoured with Yachting New Zealand Life Membership in 2013. The recognition will be celebrated at the 2013 Yachting Excellence Awards gala dinner on Friday November 29th at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

This year seven Youth Performance Awards will be presented at the 2013 Volvo Yachting Excellence Awards recognising sailing achievements since September 1st 2012. Sailors in this category must be under the age of 21 years on December 31 this year.

The 2013 Laser World Championships is proving to be an almighty battle as day three concludes and the six day regatta reaches the half way point in Muscat, Oman.

Just one race counted on day two of the 2013 Laser World Championships on now in Muscat, Oman where a handful of New Zealand’s best Olympic class sailors are competing for the world title.

The final day of the Optimist North Islands got underway in the continued light conditions of 4-6knots so it was a true day for good clear thinking and strategic sailing and it was Kiwi, Scott McKenzie from Kohimarama Yacht Club in the Gold Fleet who led the way with a great display of skill in reading the shifts and good boat speed in the conditions, taking two firsts to pull away from Australian Otto Henry to take the title by three points.