Issue date
Dear members
As the season changes I want to congratulate you all for the success and enjoyment you’ve brought to the boating community through the 2012-2013 summer season be in Club Racing, National Championships, recreational yachting or on the world stage. It’s been a busy time for everyone!
Here’s an update of what’s at the ‘top of the pile’ on my desk right now, and matters of interest to the whole yachting and boating community…
- Strategically speaking… Yachting New Zealand’s draft strategic plan reflecting feedback from clubs around the country and from the Yachting New Zealand Board of Directors and staff is progressing and will go to the April Board meeting for further discussion. This is an important document as it will articulate Yachting New Zealand’s direction over the next four years and beyond, and I want it to be something members believe in. Andrew Clouston and I will visit the regions over the winter to share and discuss the plan with you.
- 2013 Yacht Club Survey… The on-line survey is now open and with member clubs for completion by the deadline of Friday 3rd May to be in the draw for some great prizes. We require just one completed Survey from each club, and your local Regional Support Officer can help out if you get stuck or have any questions. A big thanks in advance for your cooperation on this one.
- April Board Meeting in Kerikeri… Yachting New Zealand’s April Board meeting on Friday 12th will take place in Kerikeri, Northland providing our Directors the opportunity to visit the Northland region and meet with local Commodores.
- National Ocean Water Sports Centre (NOWSC)… for those keeping up with the play on this hot topic, here is the current state of play:
It appears that the decision on whether the NOWSC will get approval will be made at a community Board meeting in May. It has been a long two plus years waiting to see if a home can be found for a Yachting New Zealand High Performance Centre and a decision is now eagerly awaited.
Support from within the community and local clubs has been fantastic and the recent three medal result for NZL Sailing at the ISAF Sailing World Cup Palma demonstrates the talent pool of youngsters in New Zealand sailing right now is top notch. I believe that a High Performance Centre will see our talent development and high performance programs grow in capability and strength.
We remain enthusiastic about being a part of the redevelopment of this community space, but we understand that the final decision is with the Takapuna Devonport Community Board who have completed a thorough evaluation and submission process under the guidance of Mr Greg Hill the independent commissioner. - NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team… Congratulations to all nine sailors selected to represent New Zealand at the ISAF Youth World Champs in Cyprus this year. Selection is hard earned, you all deserve it and we know you will do us proud in July.
- On a final note… It has been great to have had a couple of Commodores and Club members pop into Yachting New Zealand just to say hi, discuss what is going on and make themselves known. Anyone who is in Auckland is welcome to come in, have a cuppa and catch up, always nice to have a discussion face to face rather than by email or over the phone.
Kind regards
David Abercrombie
