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Although it seems like years ago that Auckland was out of lockdown, the 420 class was buzzing at the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club recently when several new teams took to the water to have a go at the double-handed dinghy.
The class is seeing a revival thanks to the work from sailors, parents and coaches and clubs like Bucklands Beach have been instrumental in providing access to boats.
They hosted the have a go day on August 15 in flat water and wind ranging from 5-20 knots, when sailors aged 13-17 jumped in a 420. The ease of entry from junior classes made it an enjoyable experience but there's also enough technical gear on the boats to keep things interesting.
Bucklands Beach bought six ex-charter 420s following the 2016 Youth Sailing World Championships in Auckland and club members can charter them for a session or a season rather than purchasing a boat outright.
“Tim and Ben have been sailing the class over the winter and recently joined in with the YNZ Aon national youth clinics, and we realised what an opportunity we have at our club.” said Ryan Mcculloch, Tim’s father. “We have 12 420s in total that are owned by the club and, while other clubs must store their boats at homes or with masts down, we can leave the boats fully rigged. The boys come down after school and can get on the water right away.”
“The boats here represent a huge opportunity for people to step into a youth class, and I know the boys are really looking forward to the season ahead. Since the have a go day, several teams are very interested, and we’re excited to more racing soon on the Tamaki in the 420s this season.”
Contact Sarah Jane Fairley at coach@bbyc.org.nz for more information on the 420 programme at the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, or Yachting New Zealand 420 head coach Peter Soosalu at peters@yachtingnz.org.nz for more on the 420 class.
