High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) has today announced that Australian Mike McGovern will take up the role of General Manager Performance and Strategic Investment.

Yachting New Zealand would like to ensure that we are maintaining the quality of our National events and that classes are aware of the requirements for a National event to be recognised by YNZ.

Yachting New Zealand has launched a new on-line shop where anyone where anyone can use a credit card to buy books like the Racing Rules of Sailing, Safety Regulations and Sailing Games.

Sam Meech has won Gold in the Laser class after a stunning final day performance in Medemblik at the 2014 Delta Lloyd Regatta. Making a return to Laser campaigning after a break Mike Bullot made it a double-podium for New Zealand winning the bronze medal.

2012 Paralympian Tim Dempsey and new sailing partner Gemma Fletcher are planning on competing at the IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championships in Halifax, Canada in August to qualify New Zealand for a place in the SKUD 18 at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. As part of their fundraising to get there they have organised a Quiz night and Auction on 12 June at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club .Tickets are only $30 which includes dinner. For full details and to book for the night go to http://rayc.co.nz/skud18quiz/ . Can’t make it but still want to support them? Visit their Facebook page "Kiwi SKUD 18 Team" ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/407446639289348/ ) to donate via Paypal or simply make a deposit directly into their bank account: ASB Bank, Kiwi SKUD 18 Team, 12 3038 0414448 00 (preferred method is direct deposit as this avoids any processing fees, also please let them know if you make a donation so they can thank you) Don’t forget to like them on Facebook

On the 8th of March, Sailability Auckland hosted an “Experience Accessible Sailing” talent search day for new disabled sailors in the Paralympic Class Boats of 2.4m, SKUD and Sonar. About a dozen potential new sailors attended, and while most were local, people came from as far afield as Te Awamutu – now that’s keen! At least one of these people has now gone on to be classified and has been going out sailing in both a Liberty and a Sonar. Sailability Auckland has also gained several new members. If you want to get into sailing, or know somebody who may be keen – have a look at the YNZ Website or Contact Helena at helena@yachtingnz.org.nz

Four Sailors from Auckland and three from Napier competed in Hansa Libertys at the Mighty River Power Regatta, held by the Lake Taupo Yacht Club on 8 and 9 March. While lake levels were low this year, making into boats awkward, it was good to see this event supported after the even lower lake levels last year prevented Hansa Class participation. Taupo is a central location for all North Island sailors, and the regatta has other classes competing on the same course. This year it was well timed as a warm up event for sailors competing at the Hansa Nationals which were to be held at the Waitara Boating Club in Taranaki. Auckland sailors Helena Horswell, John Buchanan and Max Stacey filled the podium

In early June, two kiwi 2.4s, one Skud, and one Sonar will be packed into a container to go to the 2014 IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championships, being held in Halifax between 16th – 25th August. SKUD 18 helm Tim Dempsey says this will be the first time New Zealand has been represented in all three Paralympic sailing disciplines at a World Championship event.

Yachting New Zealand is seeking to recruit a 49erFX Olympic class coach for its High Performance Program. Reporting to the High Performance Director the 49erFX Olympic Class Coach will join a dedicated team of professional coaches who are working together to lead sailors to win multiple medals at the 2016 Olympic Games. The role is primarily focused on leading the current World Championship 49er FX Olympic class to success at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Yachting New Zealand is delighted to announce Kate Stewart (Wakatere Boating Club) and Taylor Balogh (Naval Point Club Lyttleton) as the recipients of the 2014 St John’s Rotary Scholarship.