News

This week there was some fantastic news presented to a talented group of young New Zealanders, regarding a sailing opportunity to participate at a world stage event. The Red Bull Youth America’s Cup (RBYAC), which is the under 25 restricted age group preliminary to the big show (THE America’s Cup 2013 in San Francisco this coming Northern Summer), is something most young sailors around the world have been dreaming of attending. A pathway towards being a part of that exciting event has opened up for 36 Below Racing. 36 Below Racing is a new team of young sailors formed to pursue success on the World Match Racing circuit and other sailing competitions.

Kiwi Ability was the first event of its kind in New Zealand, being a regatta for sailors with Intellectual disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury, and on the Autism Spectrum. Twelve sailors in two person crews entered to compete across the two divisions (supported and fully ID/ABI/AS) in Access 303 dinghies. The organizers were thrilled to welcome entries from 2 Australian Special Olympic teams – Alister and Alyse, Mary and Melissa.

This application from Westpac Mussel Distributors Ltd is for a large (125ha) mussel farm on the Western side of Stephenson Island (Whangaroa). YNZ’s concerns are its effect on navigation and anchorage, both for recreation and refuge. Consent has been granted for the farm. The hearing commissioners said there were some minor, or possibly more than minor, adverse effects requiring mitigation and that could only be achieved by modifying Westpac Mussel’s proposal.

Plan Change 4 to the Regional Coastal Plan for Northland sets out the new way aquaculture will be managed in Northland. It includes policies and rules for: • managing existing aquaculture, • directing how and where new aquaculture is located

The RORC Rating Office is offering New Zealand boat owners an end of season discount on 2012 IRC certificates to the tune of 50% off for new applications and revalidations. The expiry of all 2012 IRC certificates in New Zealand is 31 May which means this end of season discount would suit boat owners wishing to race IRC at Auckland Regatta on from 22 -25 March 2013.

Two-time Olympic medallist Bruce Kendall has been officially recognised with a place in the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. The announcement and presentation was made at the 2013 Halberg Sports Awards held at the Vector Arena in Auckland, where Kendall was named, alongside Jeff Wilson (former New Zealand cricketer and All Black) as the latest to join the illustrious Hall of Fame.

Two New Zealand crews were across the ditch recently for the NACRA Infusion World Championships and the Australian F18 National Championships for 2013, Both were mixed crews - Brett Sellers sailing with Vicky Francis who were top performing mixed crew in both regattas, and Miranda Powrie with Tomer Simhony who also raced two strong regattas.

The Elliott 5.9 Association give us their most recent updates on happenings in the class including updates on the upcoming National Championships and AGM, Boats for Sale, the 2013 Travellers series, association hats, stickers and much more

Emirates Team New Zealand took its second AC72 catamaran sailing for the first time today. It was a much-anticipated day, another step on the way to the 34th America’s Cup competition at San Francisco.