News

Long delays, abandoned races and even a harbour shutdown was the order of the day as the youth sailing world championships passed the midway point in The Hague overnight (NZ time).

Located just outside the Devonport Yacht Club is a large anchor and a plaque commemorating former club stalwart and patron Sir Peter Blake but a new addition will soon join them and take pride of place in the club.

John Lidgard's obituary shares a simple message that aptly sums up his life: "I'd rather be sailing."

The Hague is renowned for its wind and waves but, as so often happens at big regattas, the a-typical becomes the typical.

The Youth Sailing World Championships is not the usual time and place for a double-handed combination to have their first race together but that's the reality for New Zealand sailors Helena Sanderson and Cam McGlashan.

If trends were anything to go by, all the signs pointed to Micah Wilkinson and Erica Dawson picking up their first medal as a combination at an international regatta this week - and the pair delivered.

There's usually a sense of excitement when the New Zealand team gather for the youth sailing world championships but that was heightened this week for a number of reasons.

There's always a little nervousness each year when we ask for club's to submit their affiliation data because it's the best way to gauge the health of the sport. And I'm really thrilled to report membership numbers nationally look very similar to last year.

The Yachting New Zealand regional development managers take a look at what has been happening in their areas and also encourage clubs to round up some younger sailors to complete their coaching qualifications.