News

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.

The New Zealand team competing at the 2012 Kiteboard Racing World Championships in Cagliari, Italy have secured a spot in the medal race series in both the men’s and women’s fleets. Both Dave Robertson and Justina Sellers have made the top ten and will each sail two races tomorrow on the final day of competition where the 2012 World Champions will be decided. Robertson has qualified in eighth overall, Sellers is in tenth place improving after strong results on the third day of the regatta.

Maersk Line staff members enjoying Friday drinks and nibbles were treated to a visit from Olympic Gold Medallists Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie along with fellow NZL Sailing Team campaigners Jason Saunders and Andy Maloney.

The two NZL Sailing Team crews that achieved podium place finishes in the 2012 ISAF Sailing World Cup were last night presented their trophies in front of a packed staff room at Maersk Line New Zealand’s head office in the Britomart Transport Centre.

Two weeks prior to the Coastal Classic, the fleet is in very good shape, and organisers have extended the earlybird period for late entrants. This morning, over 160 entries had been received on the new Coastal Classic website, making it a fleet that is already well up on last year's. These included Laura Dekker, who is the youngest person to ever circumnavigate the globe solo in a sail boat, teamed up for a two handed effort with 16 year old Edwin Delaat on Edwin's Farr 727 Crac-a-Jac. Jim Farmer's TP52, Georgia, has returned to New Zealand and is handicapper's co-favourite in Division 1. Past winner V5 is the other. It's the first Coastal Classic for two Northland boats: Ray Haslar's new Reichel Pugh 42, Rikki, and Chris Hornell's Kia Kaha. Sad news is that with important work to complete, Steinlager II won't make this year's race, but the stalwart Lion New Zealand will.

Seven teams competed for the title of national champion at the 2012 New Zealand Youth Match Racing Championship. Racing took place over three days with Chris Steele and team from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron taking out the Warren "Wolfie" Williams trophy to become the 2012 New Zealand youth match racing champions.

French Bay Yacht Club in Titirangi has got four one-day sailing courses for adults this summer season, and is now accepting bookings. They are a great way to learn (or re-learn) the basics that you need to start sailing regularly with the club. They are run by Elements Watersports sailing school so you get instructors who know what they are doing and who can help you get up to speed quickly.