From now until 21 April 2014, you have the opportunity to tell Auckland Council about your experience of the Hauraki Gulf, by participating in the Hauraki Gulf Use and Values Survey.

For the past 4 years the 49er class has been exploring format possibilities. Since the 2012 Olympics, we got more serious about one concept, Theatre Style Racing, and formally approved it as a class at our Worlds in 2013. We are reaching out for support from the broader sailing community with our aim being to use this format for the Rio Olympics. Please see our latest press release which includes our most famous sailors like Nathan Outteridge and Peter Burling showing support for the concept.

The 3.7 National Champion for 2014 is Derek Snow (Wakatere BC) in a very close contest won on countback. Second-placed Phil Ash (Manly SC) was on the same points. Both were Veterans. Mark O'Brien (Hamilton YC) in 3rd place was very close.

Here’s a look at the up-coming sailing related events around the country for the next few weeks. See the YNZ on-line calendar for full details of these events and those on beyond that.

Just 10 weeks remain until the 30th Delta Lloyd Regatta. In this newsletter we want to inform you about the format being sailed, the committees responsible for race management, the internationally formed jury, our PRO and the 2014 facilities you may expect.

Royal Akarana Yacht Club together with ANZ and Port Denarau Marina, officially launched the 2014 ANZ Sail Fiji race which starts on Saturday 7th June at 1pm.

Sunshine and light breezes at Westhaven greeted 16 new sailors for a Have a Go and Talent ID Paralympic sailing day on Saturday March 8th.

Javelin skiff teams from Wellington, East Coast, Manawatu, Bay of Plenty, North Harbour and Northland competed this weekend for the prestigious Sanders Cup. The Lake Taupo Yacht Club generously added a third racing day to their Mighty River Power Regatta for the Javelins to be able to hold their traditional Interprovincial Challenge.

The 23rd Hebtro Trophy Fundraising Day will be held at Worser Bay Boating Club on Sunday 6th April 2014.

In teams racing starting is one of the most important parts of the race. A team with a strong advantage at the start can quickly turn this into a stable combination, effectually winning the race off the start line.