Issue date
To host the World Masters Games in Auckland and not include sailing just wouldn't have been right.
Thankfully the organizing committee’s announcement to include sailing as one of the 28 sports will see both Laser and Weta fleets grace the Waitemata waters as part of the 2017 programme.
Yachting New Zealand Chief Executive David Abercrombie says the affiliated host club put forward two classes they would like to work with.
“We know there are plenty of Lasers around and from discussions with the host club we believe the Weta class will be able to have a big fleet too,” he says.
He says the idea is to make it as accessible as possible for people to compete, and both classes have something different to offer.
There is no fleet upper limit, so the format for racing will be decided further down the track once there is an idea of numbers.
“Yachting New Zealand is working with the affiliated club and organisers to showcase sailing in New Zealand, and at this stage we are just getting the word out there so anyone who is eligible can start thinking about it” he says.
The minimum age limit to compete in both the Laser and Weta fleets is 35.
“That’s the only criteria. The games are about celebrating sports and getting people involved. The more the merrier. The Masters Games is all about having fun and bringing together athletes and their families,” he says.
David says there is talk of more classes being included in the programme, but yet to be confirmed one way or another.
He says the inclusion of the Weta in particular is great news for the New Zealand class.
Not only does it raise the profile of the class and get more people involved, but it also lends a hand to multi-hull sailors.
“With the burst of interest in multi-hulls over the last few years, and the America’s Cup being sailed in multi-hulls, having the Weta trimaran gives those sailors who are keen on multi-hulls the added incentive to compete, and it also provides the opportunity for double or single handed competition” he says.
An estimated 25,000 athletes will compete at the 2017 World Masters Games from across over 100 countries.
David says the inclusion of sailing will raise the profile of the sport and promote New Zealand as a sailing destination.
“It’s got to be a good thing. To have the Games here in New Zealand, let alone Auckland, and not include sailing would have been a shame,” he says.
Yachting New Zealand will now work with the host club over the next three years to deliver a successful and memorable event.
Chief Executive of the World Masters Games 2017 Jennah Wootten says the sporting programme is a reflection of the culture and identity of New Zealand.“Sports such as netball and rugby are played by thousands of New Zealanders young and old.
“Bound by two harbours, Auckland is also one of the best places in the world to host water sports such as sailing, waka ama, swimming and surf life saving.” We are a nation known the world over for our majestic scenery. Athletes and sports fans are invited to travel to New Zealand in April 2017 to compete, travel, relax and enjoy our famous New Zealand hospitality,” she says.
The World Masters Games is guided by the ‘sport for all philosophy of the Olympics Charter which promotes lifelong competition, friendship and understanding between mature sportspeople irrespective of age, gender, race, religion and status.
