The Yachting New Zealand Youth Performance Awards recognise exceptional sailing performances achieved over the past twelve months.

Entries for the 70th edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race officially closed on the evening of Friday 31 October. The resulting line-up of 119 yachts – set to be the event’s largest in a decade – is befitting of such a historic occasion. The presence of five 100 foot Maxis will steal the news headlines, but the impressive nature of the fleet stretches far beyond the fastest boats. Adding lustre to the occasion are a host of yachts that have won the race before, ten international entrants, and an array of Australian crews spearheaded by sailors with over 40 editions of the race to their name.

Remember to enter into New Zealand's best weekend of sailing! It is not very far away. Go to blakeregatta.co.nz

With summer on our doorstep Coastguard is excited to announce the launch of its latest boating safety initiative. The ‘Old4New Lifejacket Upgrade’ campaign sees a van laden with brand new lifejackets visiting boat ramps around the greater Auckland region. Anyone who owns a lifejacket will be able upgrade their current one for a brand new fit for purpose lifejacket with a competitive trade in discount.

Ten sailors or teams have been selected to receive a Yachting New Zealand Performance Award in 2014 recognising an outstanding performance and/or exceptional performances in the sport of yachting over the past twelve months.

Familiar faces and new challengers take the podium on the 49er and 49erFX South American Championship in Rio.

More than 500 delegates are at the 2014 ISAF Annual Conference in Palma de Mallorca, Spain to discuss, debate and make decisions that will take the sport forward into 2015.

This morning (NZ time) ISAF announced the 2014 winners of the ISAF Rolex World Sailor Awards. Named as finalists after an amazing year New Zealand’s own Peter Burling and Blair Tuke have missed out on the title which went to Oracle USA helmsman Jimmy Spithill of Australia. Before leaving for the Awards ceremony in Palma de Mallorca, Spain Burling and Tuke spoke about what the nomination meant to them…

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.

ISAF and Rolex are delighted to announce that the winners of the 2014 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards are: Male: James Spithill (AUS) Female: Martine Grael & Kahena Kunze (BRA)