The Stack Winter Champs was a high quality regatta with a high quality fleet, summarises Murrays Bay Sailing Club Commodore David Gunn, of the event that is now seen as delineating the winter and summer seasons, for about 200 boats and 300 sailors. For a number of new Optimist sailors, it was their first ever regatta. For Olympians including Jo Aleh, Polly Powrie, Sarah Winther, and Laser Worlds medallists Andy Maloney and Scott Leith, it was business as usual, racing in territory they are very familiar with. 35 knots buffeted the course on Saturday and for the first time in 13 years, racing was cancelled. Both Friday and Sunday offered up better conditions, shifty and challenging but making for good racing.

You can win an opportunity to spend an afternoon sailing Steinlager 2 - details will be announced on www.coastalclassic.co.nz shortly. The winner will get to spend an afternoon on board Steinlager 2 for a sail around the Hauraki Gulf. Sailing starts at 4pm from the Auckland Viaduct, and involves a 2 ½ hour sail. This will take place in February 2013 (with the specific date to be confirmed directly with the NZ Sailing Trust).

The Mander Yachting Trust “Canterbury Yachtie of the Year” awards were held recently at Naval Point Club Lyttelton. This annual event gives Canterbury clubs and class associations the opportunity to recognise local sailors and volunteers in a number of categories, both on and off the water. As in previous years this fairly informal event proved to be a good pre-season opportunity for members of the Canterbury sailing community to get together and enjoy some light refreshments and catch up with old and new friends.

Chilly Christchurch weather didn't deter a group of enthusiastic children attending an Introduction to Sailing Course at Naval Point Club Lyttelton earlier this week. The course is one of five on during October being made possible by a combined fundraising initiative involving Yachting New Zealand’s Sailing… Have a Go! programme and CAMPER (with Emirates Team New Zealand) to benefit the yacht clubs of post-earthquake Christchurch with a view to re-vitalising activity and interest in sailing during a difficult time. Five different Christchurch yacht clubs are involved and offering introductory sailing courses.

On October 8th there was a record turn out for an Inclusive Coaching workshop at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club, attended by twenty two people from seven different yacht clubs. The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation and Yachting New Zealand delivered the workshop together as a coach orientated workshop that enhances current knowledge and promotes the inclusion of disabled sailors.

What’s new in the Hauraki Gulf? A free presentation at Panmure Yacht & Boating Club is being offered on Friday 12th October starting 7pm. Anne Rimmer, keen sailor and conservationist, offers an evening of stories, fantastic photos, and the latest conservation news from the Hauraki Gulf. Get a lively and fact‐filled update on the various restoration projects in the Gulf ‐ special sanctuaries like Tiritiri Matangi, Rangitoto, Motutapu and Motuihe Islands, and Shakespear Regional Park on the mainland.

Three crews will be representing New Zealand and the NZ Council for Sailing for the Blind and Vision Impaired to defend NZ's current World Championship title and uphold its tradition of excellent performances throughout the 20 year history at the World Blind Sailing Championships.

The New Zealand Team has wrapped up the 2012 Kiteboard Racing World Championships wrapped with two top ten placings in what was this nation’s opening bid at a key regatta in the new Olympic sport of kiteboard racing. David Robertson concluded the regatta in ninth position in a monster 135 strong men’s fleet, while Justina Sellers finished in tenth of 42 women. The order of the top ten was decided on the final day of racing staged overnight (NZT) in Cagliari, Italy.

The New Zealand team competing at the 2012 Kiteboard Racing World Championships in Cagliari, Italy have secured a spot in the medal race series in both the men’s and women’s fleets. Both Dave Robertson and Justina Sellers have made the top ten and will each sail two races tomorrow on the final day of competition where the 2012 World Champions will be decided. Robertson has qualified in eighth overall, Sellers is in tenth place improving after strong results on the third day of the regatta.

Maersk Line staff members enjoying Friday drinks and nibbles were treated to a visit from Olympic Gold Medallists Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie along with fellow NZL Sailing Team campaigners Jason Saunders and Andy Maloney.