In a dramatic last day in the Toyota New Zealand Optimist National Championships, overnight leader Sam Bacon of Worser Bay got off to a shaky start with a 10th and a 9th place in the day’s first two races, then stormed back to score a first and a second. His hard work was just enough to hold on to his overall lead by two points.

Yachting New Zealand recently made a submission to the Otago Regional Council opposing an application to establish three marine farms in the Otago Harbour.

I first met Tony probably a little over a year ago.

With the support of Chains Ropes and Anchors, SSANZ has initiated another event to tackle the growing need for more long distance shorthanded yacht racing. The ANZAC 200 race follows on from the successful 2014 Round North Island 2 handed Yacht race (RNI) and bridges the gap between the RNI and the popular SSANZ Safety at Sea Triple 2 handed series.

The NZL Sailing Team has secured two gold medals at 2015 Princess Sofia Regatta with victory, and successful title defences, for Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie in the Women’s 470, and in the 49er for Peter Burling and Blair Tuke.

Winners of the Women’s 470 event at the recent Princess Sofia Regatta in Palma de Mallorca, Spain our own Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie were awarded the overall trophy too! In this short interview they reflect on the close-fought medal race which secured them the gold medal and look ahead to the key regattas on in 2015…

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke (NZL), 49ers winners in the 46 Trofeo Princesa Sofia IBEROSTAR, are racing in many events throughout the year in order to keep their level at the top. “It is a good way to see the strong points of the other teams and what we have to fix. It is a great motivation to keep working and try to be better.” explains Burling.

Here’s a look at the up-coming sailing related events around the country for the next couple of weeks. See the YNZ on-line calendar for full details of these events and those on beyond that. Are you organising an event but don’t see it listed here? Don’t miss out on some free promotion for your sailing events by adding them to the YNZ on-line calendar here.

Ten teams competed in Picton Harbour from 26-28 March for the Top of the South Regional Regatta. Hosted by Queen Charlotte Yacht Club the teams sailing was in 420s. Three teams from Marlborough (Marlborough Boys’, Marlborough Girls’ and Queen Charlotte College) were joined by five teams from Nelson, as well as Wanaka’s Mt Aspiring College and a team from Christchurch Boys’ High.

The team at Doyle Sails New Zealand are firm believers in supporting up and coming talent across the local sailing scene. On-going initiatives include the sponsorship and support of a wide range of local regattas, mentorships and the formation of a Junior Scholarships programme.