Here is an overview of the essentials start you in the right direction for the beginning of your campaign in a Paralympic class boat.Why not get started today with more time on the water training and commit to some regattas?

Around 300 sailors will hit the water in the next three days for the Stack Winter Champs 2013 at Murrays Bay Yacht Club in Auckland’s North Shore, just as a high settles over the country. “The forecast is for light breezes, making for a challenging regatta for sailors and race management,” says the club’s Commodore, David Gunn, also owner of sponsor company Stack Interiors.

The Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club is looking for a Programme Co-ordinator to help develop a beginner to advanced sailing programme for the Summer 2012-2013 season (Sept to end April) as well as provide learn to sail instruction and race coaching.

Each year, with generous support and sponsorship from the Lions Clubs of New Zealand, spearheaded by the Karori Lions Club, Spirit of Adventure Trust is able to take 30 physically challenged young people to sea on a special 5-Day voyage. These 30 young people, aged between 16 and 20 years, come from all over New Zealand and are selected by referrals from schools and organisations.

A UK charity is offering New Zealanders a unique opportunity to sail on board its tall ship, Lord Nelson, when she arrives in Auckland this month. The ship, operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust, is one of only two in the world that is especially built to be accessible for disabled and able bodied sailors alike, and the first ever to sail around the world.

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and Rolex are proud to announce the Nominees for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2013.

After reviewing several applications, the NZ Access (Hansa) Class Association has set the locations for the Hansa Class National Championships for the next two years.

Do you live within the catchment of Wanganui Sailing Club? Do you have a disability, and are you keen to try sailing? We have an offer for you...

Please put Monday 27 January in your diary now as a sailing day! It's Ports of Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, and it's a great reason to stay in Auckland, enjoy the Anniversary Weekend celebrations, like The Laneway and Seafood Festivals, on Saturday and Sunday, and perhaps take some friends or family sailing with you on Monday.

As most of you know that are getting this email, making it to the startline of the PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic can be more challenging than making it to the finish. The time and money that goes into preparing a boat that will safely deliver your crew up the coast can be immense. In the last few weeks we've gotten to know some boat owners who are doing it for the first time. It's great to see new blood in the fleet and we welcome and encourage them in their fantastic endeavour.