Issue date
Three crews will be representing New Zealand and the NZ Council for Sailing for the Blind and Vision Impaired to defend its current World Championship title and uphold its tradition of excellent performances throughout the 20 year history at the World Blind Sailing Championships.
Following a rigorous selection process, the following sailors will be attending the 2013 IFDS World Blind Sailing Championships next May in Japan:
- Russell Lowry, B1 Helmsperson, Palmerston North, Blind Sailing NZ
- Dave Allerton, B1 Trimmer, Urenui, Waitara Yacht Club
- Paulien Eitjes, B2 Helmsperson, Tauranga, Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club
- Tom Donaghy, B2 Trimmer, Ngatea, Thames Yacht Club
- Tony Holmes, B3 helm, Kerikeri, Kerikeri Cruising Club
- Ben Geddes, B3 Trimmer, Tauranga, Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club
- Dave Parker, Reserve, Waitakere, Auckland Blind Sailing Club
Because this event will be sailed in the J/24 yachts, these three teams with their sighted crew and the coaching support of Brian Trubovich and Terry Valder have made a training base at Auckland's Bucklands Beach Yacht Club which has a fleet of the boats.
The 2013 IFDS Blind Fleet Race World & International Championships will be sailed from 24 May -1 June at the Seabornia Yacht Club at Miuara City Japan. Five days of racing will be held over the following week with the Awards Dinner scheduled for Saturday the 1st June 2013. A total of 15 races are scheduled in B1, B2 and B3 teams. All boats will be supplied by the Organizing Authority and will be fitted with new sails.
