Two New Zealanders were recently recognised by sailing’s international body with ISAF Long Service Medals - Ralph Roberts was awarded an ISAF Gold Medal, and Jack Lloyd was awarded an ISAF Silver Medal.

This application from Westpac Mussel Distributors Ltd is for a large (125ha) mussel farm on the Western side of Stephenson Island (Whangaroa). YNZ’s concerns are its effect on navigation and anchorage, both for recreation and refuge. Consent has been granted for the farm. The hearing commissioners said there were some minor, or possibly more than minor, adverse effects requiring mitigation and that could only be achieved by modifying Westpac Mussel’s proposal.

Kiwi Ability was the first event of its kind in New Zealand, being a regatta for sailors with Intellectual disabilities, Acquired Brain Injury, and on the Autism Spectrum. Twelve sailors in two person crews entered to compete across the two divisions (supported and fully ID/ABI/AS) in Access 303 dinghies. The organizers were thrilled to welcome entries from 2 Australian Special Olympic teams – Alister and Alyse, Mary and Melissa.

Plan Change 4 to the Regional Coastal Plan for Northland sets out the new way aquaculture will be managed in Northland. It includes policies and rules for: • managing existing aquaculture, • directing how and where new aquaculture is located

The Elliott 5.9 Association give us their most recent updates on happenings in the class including updates on the upcoming National Championships and AGM, Boats for Sale, the 2013 Travellers series, association hats, stickers and much more

This week there was some fantastic news presented to a talented group of young New Zealanders, regarding a sailing opportunity to participate at a world stage event. The Red Bull Youth America’s Cup (RBYAC), which is the under 25 restricted age group preliminary to the big show (THE America’s Cup 2013 in San Francisco this coming Northern Summer), is something most young sailors around the world have been dreaming of attending. A pathway towards being a part of that exciting event has opened up for 36 Below Racing. 36 Below Racing is a new team of young sailors formed to pursue success on the World Match Racing circuit and other sailing competitions.

Nelson Yacht Club recently played host to fourteen Flying Fifteens racing for the 2013 Flying Fifteen National title. Aaron Goodmanson and Alistar Rowlands sailing FFortune secured 9th National Championship. The Championship was decided after seven races were sailed – competition at the top was tight and just one point separated first and second place.

There are hundreds of sailing events on the annual calendar of yachting for Auckland, but only one is focused on three days of intensive racing, culminating in prestigious amateur titles for its victors. That is the Auckland Regatta, to take place from 22-24 March 2013. Now in its sixth year, the Auckland Regatta is hosting not only the Pacific Keelboat Challenge, but also four national championship events, and approximately 14 different divisions.

The Auckland boats are packed back in containers and due to be back on dry land this weekend, the 50th Anniversary Flying Fifteen National Championships have been sailed, the 50th Reunion has been celebrated and we are well planned and waiting to go to the next competition…..

And so another successful Bay Regatta was enjoyed by all in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Seventy boats registered and seventy crews just had too much fun........A big thank you to the competitors from the Committee, the Sponsors and the Volunteers. The racing was pretty darned good with two days of light to medium strength winds – then 20-25 knot winds on day three – yep – ‘gusting to 30’ as registered by one of the boats.