Thirteen Wetas turned up at Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club late Friday afternoon and quickly rigged and got out on the water for the rum race.

Prior to the Round White Island Race commencing, 19 boats had officially entered making it the biggest fleet to line up for some time. 17 of those boats made the start line and nine finished the 320 nautical mile challenge.

This Friday, 50 years on from the inception of the New Zealand Sailor of the Year Award, the Sir Bernard Fergusson Trophy will be presented to the winner of the 2013 House of Travel Sailor of the Year.

Did you know that there will be THREE world champion crews competing at Oceanbridge Sail Auckland 2014? The regatta runs from 1st – 4th February 2014 at Royal Akarana Yacht Club in Auckland.

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. Are you organising an event you would like to see included? Don’t miss out on some free promotion for your sailing events by adding them to the YNZ on-line calendar here.

On Monday the 25th November Sandspit Yacht Club (centreboard division) hosted the Mahurangi College forms 1-4 Regatta at Algies Bay.

Lake Wakatipu Yacht Club has been successful in preventing a ferry development on their doorstep which would have a significant impact on the safety of their sailors and access to the water.

Volvo National Sailing & Boating Day on Sunday 16th February 2014 is shaping up to be a fantastic day around the country with a wave of Clubs registering for the fun promotional day with Yachting New Zealand.

The 2013-14 Volvo Sailing… Have A Go! season is in full swing with Instructors Paul Moriarty in the Southern Region, Reuben Corbett the Northern Region and Jordan Stock our Central region all settling into their regions and life on the road.

Yachting New Zealand continues to protect New Zealand’s cruising hot spots and race routes with advocacy work for boaties, and the proof is in the pudding with the latest decision on aquaculture positioning in Northland.