The Australian Hansa Class Nationals were held in Goolwa, South Australia between 18th and 21st April, with classes for 2.3s, 303s and libertys. The event was affected by both light and strong winds, so a full programme of racing was not able to be completed. An event report and final results can be found at http://www.foxsportspulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-10087-0-0-0&sID=303953&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=29272552
On 11 May 2014, four more sailors were classified by Yachting New Zealand’s Chief Classifier, Helen McKenzie. A special thanks is extended to Helen who volunteered her time on Mother’s day for this, and the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron who gave YNZ one of their highly sought after club rooms at short notice.
Being classified allows sailors to be certain that they fit the eligibility criteria for the type of boat they are sailing in Paralympic events.
Helen McKenzie will also be traveling to Halifax in August and Sail Melbourne later this year to assist with classification, after receiving a PM Scholarship for this earlier in the year
New Disabled Sailing Coordinator Helena Horswell has been appointed by Yachting New Zealand to replace Kristine Horne, who has moved into the role of Communications & Commercial Support.
Representing Auckland’s North Shore Clubs’ Murrays Bay Sailing Club and Takapuna Boating Club Patrick Haybittle is the second youngest member of the 2014 NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team.
Patrick was selected after performing well at the selection events including Oceanbridge Sail Auckland and the RS:X National Championships in what is his first season on the RS:X board after progressing from the Techno 293 class.
An almost complete programme of races was completed on the second day of the Delta Lloyd Regatta despite the best intentions of the fickle weather to disrupt proceedings. After Tuesday’s near perfect start to the regatta, Wednesday didn’t quite go to plan with light winds delaying racing by five hours.
Competitors at the 2014 Delta Lloyd Regatta are very happy that summer has arrived in Medemblik in time for the regatta, in contrast to last year's cold and wintry conditions. On Tuesday 20 May, the 350 sailors from 49 nations enjoyed some close, tactical racing in light to moderate winds and very warm temperatures.
A new record was set in New Zealand Teams Sailing with Kerikeri High School’s open team winning their fifth consecutive national title, which has never been done in the regatta’s 30 year history.
In the build up towards the Rio Games, Paralympics New Zealand’s Rio 2016 Chef de Mission Ben Lucas declared he is impressed by the progress made toward staging the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games after visiting the city for the first National Paralympic Committee Open Day in the history of the Paralympic Movement.
Lucas joined more than 40 delegates from 17 countries spanning the five continents and spent two days in Rio last week being updated on the project by the Rio 2016 Organising Committee and visiting competition sites across the city.
Ben Lucas said “I left assured that Rio is on track to deliver a great Games in 2016. I was particularly impressed with the Paralympic Village which will have its own distinct atmosphere and accessible facilities.” He continues, “Construction concerns have decreased as we saw evidence of progress across the sporting venues as well as transport infrastructure.”
PNZ and Ben Lucas will continue to monitor progress as we move towards the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games start date.
