News

Despite it being a chilly and wet evening, five hardy sailors were keen to give sailing a go at the Bluff Yacht Club in Access dinghies. It’s new club members Chris and Hudson’s enthusiasm that prompted the club to encourage more sailors with a disability to give sailing a go.

It’s shaping up to be medal mania at this Friday’s Sailing Celebration afternoon, when sailing’s 2012 Olympic medallists will be joined by medallists from previous Olympic Games at a public ‘Heroes and Legends’ poster signing and autograph opportunity on in Auckland.

Wellington yacht club members are in for a treat with Olympic golden girls Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie heading to the capital this weekend to show off their medals, and meet and chat with local sailors. It will be a hectic few days for Jo and Polly who are among the star attractions at the Heroes and Legends autograph opportunity in Auckland on Friday afternoon, followed by the annual 2012 Yachting Excellence Awards during the evening.

Sailability Northland's Ron Miller reports on their season 'opening day' on November 18th, which saw them sailing their new Access 303's in 35+kn winds! Here's some insight to what they've got planned...

Both coaching and officiating in the sport of yachting requires dedication, commitment and a thorough attention to detail. These finalists have all demonstrated all this, and more, in their individual roles, each enhancing New Zealand’s reputation as a global heavyweight in the sport of yachting along the way. Like the sailors that they work alongside, their status and success help to inspire a new generation to become involved in the fields of coaching, race management, performance and technical expertise. On Friday, 23 November the winner of the 2012 Singapore Airlines Coach/Official of the Year will be announced at the 2012 Yachting Excellence Awards Dinner.

Here's a no-hassle, quick and simple way for your club or association to get your stories told to the NZ sailing public. We’d like to see more interesting ‘grass roots’ stories for YNZ newsletters, so why not submit online today?

We’re back! Planning for the 2013 Auckland Regatta has begun. It’s time to mark the date and book the crew! The Auckland Regatta (formerly the BMW Auckland Regatta), New Zealand’s premier keelboat regatta is jointly run by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Bucklands Beach Yacht Club. Entries are invited from all keelboat clubs throughout New Zealand. This prestigeous regatta is now in its sixth year.

Every year, the Inspiration Voyage on the Spirit of New Zealand gives the incredible opportunity for 30 young people with physical disabilities from all around the country to embark on a special 5-day voyage. F

A series of IFDS meetings were held in Ireland recently as part of the ISAF Annual Conference, and the SKUD was confirmed for 2016 & 2020. Here's the scoop, and an opportunity to buy one of your own!