News

You can win an opportunity to spend an afternoon sailing Steinlager 2 - details will be announced on www.coastalclassic.co.nz shortly. The winner will get to spend an afternoon on board Steinlager 2 for a sail around the Hauraki Gulf. Sailing starts at 4pm from the Auckland Viaduct, and involves a 2 ½ hour sail. This will take place in February 2013 (with the specific date to be confirmed directly with the NZ Sailing Trust).

On October 8th there was a record turn out for an Inclusive Coaching workshop at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club, attended by twenty two people from seven different yacht clubs. The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation and Yachting New Zealand delivered the workshop together as a coach orientated workshop that enhances current knowledge and promotes the inclusion of disabled sailors.

The Mander Yachting Trust “Canterbury Yachtie of the Year” awards were held recently at Naval Point Club Lyttelton. This annual event gives Canterbury clubs and class associations the opportunity to recognise local sailors and volunteers in a number of categories, both on and off the water. As in previous years this fairly informal event proved to be a good pre-season opportunity for members of the Canterbury sailing community to get together and enjoy some light refreshments and catch up with old and new friends.

Chilly Christchurch weather didn't deter a group of enthusiastic children attending an Introduction to Sailing Course at Naval Point Club Lyttelton earlier this week. The course is one of five on during October being made possible by a combined fundraising initiative involving Yachting New Zealand’s Sailing… Have a Go! programme and CAMPER (with Emirates Team New Zealand) to benefit the yacht clubs of post-earthquake Christchurch with a view to re-vitalising activity and interest in sailing during a difficult time. Five different Christchurch yacht clubs are involved and offering introductory sailing courses.

What’s new in the Hauraki Gulf? A free presentation at Panmure Yacht & Boating Club is being offered on Friday 12th October starting 7pm. Anne Rimmer, keen sailor and conservationist, offers an evening of stories, fantastic photos, and the latest conservation news from the Hauraki Gulf. Get a lively and fact‐filled update on the various restoration projects in the Gulf ‐ special sanctuaries like Tiritiri Matangi, Rangitoto, Motutapu and Motuihe Islands, and Shakespear Regional Park on the mainland.

The Yachting New Zealand AGM is scheduled for this coming Saturday, 13th October at 11:30am at the RPNYC in Wellington. Morning tea will be available during registration from 11am. Members are asked to confirm their attendance by Friday. Email Beth to let her know you are coming.

Three crews will be representing New Zealand and the NZ Council for Sailing for the Blind and Vision Impaired to defend NZ's current World Championship title and uphold its tradition of excellent performances throughout the 20 year history at the World Blind Sailing Championships.

It's that time of year again, time to renew your membership of the New Zealand Access Class Association! Membership is an eligibility requirement for entry to compete in the Nationals, but is also open to those who have an interest in Access Class and want to support the future development of the Access Class in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Team has wrapped up the 2012 Kiteboard Racing World Championships wrapped with two top ten placings in what was this nation’s opening bid at a key regatta in the new Olympic sport of kiteboard racing. David Robertson concluded the regatta in ninth position in a monster 135 strong men’s fleet, while Justina Sellers finished in tenth of 42 women. The order of the top ten was decided on the final day of racing staged overnight (NZT) in Cagliari, Italy.