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A pledge Ross Pratt made eight years ago when he started the company Railblaza Limited to support youth sailing has resulted in a new partnership with Yachting New Zealand that will also benefit yachties and boaties.
Ross started Railblaza, who produce easy-to-use mounting systems for anything from paddleboards and boats to kayaks and vehicles. It's a New Zealand company whose merchandise is made in this country and their products are sold in 48 countries.
Railblaza are offering a 20 percent discount on their range of products to Yachting New Zealand member card holders or users of the Yachting New Zealand app and will also help fund youth programmes.
"I've been a yachtie for 40 years and I didn't have have the opportunity to get the training in the early days that the guys get now," Ross said. "When I started this company, I wanted to give some money back into yachting for youth development.
"Our partnership with Yachting New Zealand is also a really good fit for us. There are a lot of parents who are supporting their kids who have boats of their own, whether they're into fishing or cruising. We have an extensive range of products from fishing rod holders to ipad and drink holders."
Ross grew up sailing dinghies and went to school with the likes of Chris Dickson, Hamish Willcox and Don Cowie. Ross built a Pied Piper when he left school and raced that before later moving into the multihull racing scene. He still has a major affinity with the water but is now more into surfing and cruising.
Yachting New Zealand chief executive David Abercrombie welcomed the partnership with Ralblaza.
"It's a very generous contribution to Yachting New Zealand," he said. "The product not only helps the organisation but also offers something of real value to our sailing and boating members."
Yachting New Zealand member card holders can redeem their 20 percent discount on Railblaza products at Fosters Harken by showing their member card or member details on the Yachting New Zealand app. For the full range of products, see www.railblaza.com.
For more on the member benefits offer, see here.
