There are two things in the deep South that will, this time of year, inevitably herald a strong sou-westerly weather change and bring with it a smattering of snow and a good chill factor. They are a good lambing season and the Opening day of the Summer Sailing.

After three years at Weta Miranda Powrie has moved on to fry bigger fish so we are on the hunt for a new marketing coordinator luminary.

With the Yachting New Zealand 2014 Annual General Meeting just a few days away we welcome the start of the ‘sailing season’ and it is great to see plenty of Clubs celebrating this with Opening Days.

The Police Sailing Association will be holding the Emergency Services Regatta in Auckland on Friday 21st November 2014 starting at 1400hrs from the Richmond Yacht Club.

The 2014-15 season is about to get underway for the Volvo Sailing… Have a Go! programme with the Northern region trailer at Bucklands Beach for Monday 13th October heralding the start of the new season.

One lucky Club will receive a Black NZL Sailing shell jacket (size large) - all clubs registered for 2015 Volvo National Sailing and Boating Day by 1 December 2015 will go in the draw to win.

It has been a busy week at Murrays Bay Sailing Club at the 2014 Stack Winter Champs. The main event was preceded by the popular coaching clinic on Tuesday and Wednesday, for over 120 boats and over 130 sailors featuring two wonderful days on the water with the 20 coaches.

The AYBA ( Auckland Yachting and Boating Association) is offering their Auckland affiliated clubs FREE Club Safety Boat Operator courses.

Long-standing Safety and Technical Officer for Yachting New Zealand, Michael Churchouse is handing over the reins after close to nine years in the role.

New Zealand had a convincing victory at the College Teams Inter-Dominions hosted by the Sandspit Yacht Club (Algies Bay) over the first three days of the October school holiday break.