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More than a dozen Kiwis will be among the over 200 sailors and race officials descending on Australia's Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) in a few weeks for the Hansa world and international championships.
Competitors from Australia, Chile, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Turkey and the USA will join 16 New Zealanders for the event to be held from 23-30 March.
Among them is the newly crowned national champion in the Hansa 303 singles Graham Hook, who claimed the crown after a close-fought battle with Darrell Smith at Titahi Bay Boating Club last month.
Hook and Smith are two of nine Kiwis who will be competing in the Hansa 303 singles open fleet, alongside Xervier Doney, Michael Jones, Lucas Thompson, Rhonda Ritchie, Richard Chamberlain, Ashley Lintott and Paulien Chamberlain.
Xervier and dad Paul Doney, who finished runners-up to Angus and Richard Bates at the nationals, will also compete in the Hansa 303 doubles; while five Kiwis - Maqymseahe Ninces, John Buchanan, Paul Speight, Brian Trubovich and Tony Vaka - will feature in the Hansa Liberty class.
Paul Wager is the country's sole entry in the Skud 18 open fleet.
Meanwhile, Ponsonby Cruising Club will host a special event tonight (March 6) in support of the sailors.
The PCC and Sailability Auckland will be showcasing the Hansa 303, Liberty and Skud 18 yachts up close on the dock outside the club from 5 pm, followed by a presentation at 6.30 pm.
The evening will also feature inspiring stories from the sailors, many of whom use wheelchairs, sharing their journeys to the top of international competition. Sailability Auckland's Tim Dempsey and Brendan Tourelle from the NZ Hansa class association will provide insights into the programme, the athletes, and their road to the world championships.
Attendees can also support Sailability Auckland by entering a raffle to win a framed and signed Emirates Team NZ or Luna Rossa shirt, along with other prizes.
Read more about the 2025 Hansa world and international championships by clicking here.
