Issue date
Recent crew changes havent stopped the steam train that is the NZ Blind Sailing Worlds Team, deep in preparation with just one training camp left before the 2013 IFDS Blind Fleet Racing World and International Championships next month.
The updated team includes:
- Team B1: Helm: Russel Lowry, Mainsheet: Dick Lancaster
Sighted Crew: Paul Moriarty & Philip Paterson
- Team B2: Helm: Dave Allerton, Mainsheet: David Parker
Sighted Crew: Terry Valder & Michael Cox
- Team B3: Helm: Tony Holmes, Mainsheet: Ben Geddes
Sighted Crew: Graeme Sutherland & Paige Cook
Defending World Champions Paulien Eitjes and Tom Donaghy have both withdrawn from the team, allowing Dick Lancaster to step in as the Mainsheet man on the B1 Team, and Dave Allerton to helm the B2 team. These changes have allowed relative new comer Ben Geddes of Tauranga to have his first stab at the Blind Sailing World Championships.
Despite the loss of two excellent team members, the NZ Council for Sailing for the Blind and Vision Impaired was armed with experienced reserve crew, and plan to defend their current World Championship title and uphold its tradition of excellent performances throught the past 20 years.
Graeme Sutherland, Paige Cook, Michael Cox and Philip Paterson are all new sighted crew members, and their presence is much appreciated by the original team members. Both Graeme and Michael have helped previously and are familiar with the Blind Sailing philosophy, while Paige and Philip have adapted quickly to the sport.
The last training weekend was held on the 6th and 7th April at Bucklands Beach Yacht in their fleet of J24's and was a great success. On the Saturday, the team was honoured to have Rick Dodson and David Barnes join in the training, in order to gain an insight into Blind Sailing, and more importantly, to impart their extensive knowledge of sailing to the team. Blind Sailing NZ wished Rick and David all the best for their Rio 2016 program. On the Sunday, the full team took part in training exercises, and completed the weekend with a series of windward leeward races, simulating the racing that will happen in Japan.
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.
Entries have been recieved from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Massachusetts, New Zealand and Texas.
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