A fresh take on sailing: Yachting New Zealand and Live Sail Die join forces
Yachting New Zealand is excited to announce a new content partnership with Live Sail Die, aimed at shining a brighter spotlight on the people, stories and moments that make sailing one of New Zealand's most vibrant sports.
As part of Yachting New Zealand’s refreshed communications strategy, the partnership will see a new video-first storytelling series travel the country, visiting clubs, classes, events and sailing communities to celebrate everyone from world champions to volunteers, race officials, coaches, boat builders and the countless people working behind the scenes who help make the sport what it is.
Founded by sailing enthusiast and content creator Suellen Hurling over 20 years ago, Live Sail Die has grown into one of New Zealand’s leading independent sailing media platforms, known for authentic, engaging coverage that connects with sailors of every level.
Yachting New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage said the partnership was a natural fit.
"Suellen is a mainstay of New Zealand sailing and has built something genuinely special with Live Sail Die," he said. "She has earned the trust and respect of sailors from every corner of our sport. She's deeply connected to the people and the stories that make sailing what it is, and she has built a loyal audience that shares that passion.
"As we continue to evolve how we support and serve the sailing community, we're also evolving how we communicate. We want to tell more stories, celebrate more people and do it in a way that resonates with more New Zealanders. Visibility matters, both for our sport and for the people who give so much to it. We're excited to partner with Suellen and Live Sail Die because we believe we're aligned in celebrating sailing and the people who make it such a special community."
Suellen Hurling is the founder of sailing website Live Sail Die and a lifelong enthusiast of the sport. Photo / Cameron Thorpe
Hurling said the partnership had been a long time coming.
“I’ve spent my entire adult life telling the stories of our sport because I genuinely believe sailing has some of the best people you’ll ever meet. This new partnership gives us the chance to reach further, tell bigger stories and celebrate the people who so often fly under the radar. If we can inspire someone to join a club, volunteer, race a boat or simply feel proud to be part of this community, then we’ve done our job.”
The first episode in the series will launch in August, with content co-published across Yachting New Zealand and Live Sail Die's respective websites and social media channels.
Banner photo / Chloe Turner
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