Issue date
Our four NZCT RDMs bring you the latest from their regions, including information about an outstanding opportunity for clubs in Northland, Auckland and Bay of Plenty to get closer to the SailGP action than ever before.
SailGP will be hosted in Auckland for the first time in January 2025. Photos / SailGP
SailGP, Yachting New Zealand calling clubs to take Next Gen Challenge
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix is back for another season, and our northern yacht clubs have a rare chance to join the competitive action.
Twelve teams will race on the Waitematā Harbour on January 18 and 19, 2025 as SailGP makes its Auckland debut, in front of an expected 10,000 fans. Also returning is the Impact League - SailGP’s “podium for the planet” initiative, which aims to deliver impactful projects for a healthier environment and a more inclusive world.
This year, the league is inviting clubs from Northland, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty to compete in two exciting challenges (details below). Teams with the highest-scoring projects will be rewarded with a behind-the-scenes tech tour, SailGP merchandise, and a chance to meet the teams.
Yachting New Zealand is again partnering with SailGP for the third season in Aotearoa and is encouraging clubs to sign up for the Next Gen Challenge.
"Many of our clubs have made great strides and been very innovative in taking positive environmental action through initiatives like our Clean Club programme," said Yachting New Zealand national sport development director Raynor Haagh.
"The Next Gen Challenge is an exciting opportunity to build on that progress and showcase this innovation when the eyes of the sailing world are on Auckland in just a few weeks."
Challenge #1: The Race to Zero Waste
Teams must design or build a model of a SailGP F50 catamaran using as much recycled material as possible.
Entries will be scored on the quality of the engineering in the model or design; the creativity and effectiveness in recycling waste into the model or design; and the explanation of how recycled materials were used and their importance for protecting the environment.
Challenge #2: Accelerating Inclusion
Use sport to create a project that celebrates diversity, builds trust, and fosters inclusion.
Entries will be scored on how effectively the project encouraged participants to reflect on the value of diversity and inclusion; and how well participants explained the biggest lessons they learned from the project.
Click here to enter. Projects must be submitted by December 20, with winners announced as soon as possible thereafter.
Sail GP will release resources later this week to help clubs with the Next Gen Challenge. Clubs interested in entering the competition and accessing these resources can contact Haagh at raynor@yachtingnz.org.nz.
Taipa Sailing Club's Aevril Hibbard with Awanui Primary School learners. Photo / Taipa Sailing Club
Far North kids in Kōkōkaha fun
Fun and learning took centre stage over the past fortnight for dozens of children from three Far North primary schools at the Taipa Sailing Club.
Many students from Awanui Primary School, Waihārara School, and Pompallier Catholic School experienced sailing for the first time through Kōkōkaha, a module in Yachting New Zealand's popular RŪNĀ schools programme.
The module focuses on designing sustainable energy solutions using science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It was delivered by the club's Aevril Hibbard and Andy Child on November 20 and 27.
Year 5 and 6 students learned to set up boats, tie knots, and more.
"The tamariki had loads of fun and faced a few challenges battling the elements, tipping over, and getting back into their boats. A big thank you to Aevril and Andy for leading our day and to our awesome whānau helpers," Awanui Primary School said in a social media post.
For more information about the RŪNĀ programme in your region, click here or email alisa@yachtingnz.org.nz.
Alan and Ailsa Wright next to a replica of Bean Rock that Alan crafted himself. Photo / Supplied
Tribute weekend done Wright
The 185th Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta will kick off the Moana Auckland festival in late January. Photo / Live Sail Die
Entries open for Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta
Auckland’s harbour waterfront is the place to be this summer as the second Moana Auckland festival launches for a six-week celebration of all things nautical, honouring one of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s most precious taonga.
Starting on January 27 with the 185th Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, and running through to March 9, Moana Auckland promises an action-packed programme of whānau-friendly on and off-water events making the most of the city’s world-class waterfront precinct, the beautiful Waitematā Harbour and Auckland’s surrounding coastal areas.
Entries are now open for the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta and there are big prizes to be won for those who enter before December 31 - including cash for podium positions, a Hawaiian holiday, and a $1,000 spot prize.
James Murray's Callisto. Photo / Cowes Week, Paul Wyeth
RNZYS to compete in 2025 Admiral’s Cup
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has announced its teams for the return of the storied Admiral’s Cup.
Representing RNZYS will be Callisto, a custom Botin IRC 42 owned by James Murray, and Caro, a Custom Botin IRC 52 owned by Max Klink.
The Admiral’s Cup, established in 1957, returns in 2025 with a two-boat team format, testing skill and teamwork through a mix of inshore and offshore races.
RNZYS Commodore Gillian Williams congratulated both teams.
“We are thrilled to send Callisto and Caro to the Admiral’s Cup under the RNZYS banner,” she said. "This event is a hallmark of international sailing, and we are confident that our teams' skill and determination will serve them well on the racetrack and make our members proud."
The event runs from 17 July to 1 August 2025 and promises fierce competition among the world’s best sailors.
Finn Auckland champs back at Wakatere
It's shaping to be a busy December at Wakatere Boating Club, with the North Harbour Starling match racing trials, and the Finn Auckland championships happening off Narrow Neck Beach over the next two weekends.
The trials will be held this Saturday (December 7) to select a representative sailor to compete in the Starling match racing national championships at Glendowie Boating Club in February.
The club will then host the Finn Auckland champs the following weekend (December 14 and 15), with an invitation also extended to the Zephyr class.
Click here for more information or to enter.
P Class trials at Murrays Bay
Murrays Bay Sailing Club will host the North Harbour P Class Tanner Cup selection trials early next week (December 9-10) with the event also doubling as the club's P Class championships.
Last year's trials were won by Hamish Brown with Nathan Soper and Arran Begic second and third. Greta Hutton was the first female, followed by Zara Scott and Tehya Harris.
Click here for more information about this year's events.
Spasmodic won the inaugural Burnsco Trailer Yacht Regatta hosted by Manukau Yacht and Motorboat Club. Photo / Supplied
Wild weather can't thwart new regatta
Manukau Yacht and Motorboat Club’s inaugural two-day Burnsco Trailer Yacht Regatta, held on November 16 and 17, provided an exciting weekend of racing despite challenging weather conditions. Strong south-westerlies on Saturday caused minor breakages but no injuries, while Sunday’s lighter breezes allowed for a full day of competition.
The Hartley 16 Bazar claimed line honours with three wins on Saturday, while the Noelex 22 Spasmodic won on handicap thanks to consistent performances. Junior sailors also joined the action, enjoying light breezes in club Optimists, adding to the regatta’s vibrant atmosphere.
Club commodore Ric Turner thanked participants, volunteers, and sponsor Burnsco Manukau for their generous support, which included prizes and vouchers for all.
Kiwi offshore star claims Sunburst crown
Round-the-world sailing veteran Daryl Wislang enjoyed a change of pace at the recent Flying Fifteen and Sunburst Regatta at Lake Taupo Yacht Club, claiming victory in the Sunburst fleet.
Representing Worser Bay Boating Club, Wislang showcased his skill in the two-day event, stepping into the smaller dinghy class with ease.
The regatta also saw strong competition across other fleets, with Wakatere Boating Club’s Andrew Bown narrowly winning the Zephyr class - and the title of 2024 North Island champion - on countback against Rod Dawson of Manly Sailing Club.
Local sailor Joe Dale claimed the Sports Boat division, while Marc Richardson from Sandspit Yacht Club triumphed in the Flying Fifteens.
With healthy fleet numbers across all classes, the regatta highlighted the depth of talent in North Island sailing.
Full results here.
Forty boats contested the ILCA 6 fleet. Photo / Jacob Fewtrell Media
Summer Regatta sees big turnout
A fleet of 156 boats took part in this year’s Napier Sailing Club Summer Regatta, which featured varied conditions, from sunny skies on Saturday (November 23) to rain on Sunday (November 24), with winds ranging from 7-14 knots and a choppy sea state.
The ILCA 6 class drew the largest fleet of 40 boats for their North Island championships, with Phil Wild from Murrays Bay Sailing Club claiming victory. The new Starling Super Series also attracted a strong turnout of 35 boats, won by Isaac Gaites, also from Murrays Bay.
Meanwhile, the Europe Dinghies held their nationals during the regatta, with Antje Muller securing the title.
Full results here.
Santa arrived at the club aboard Ray White. Photo / Waikawa Boating Club
Festive cheer at Waikawa
More than 80 children and their families started the festive season in style at Waikawa Boating Club's Santa’s Grotto.
The big man made a grand entrance aboard the club boat Ray White, greeted by an excited crowd and the event featured seasonal stalls, face painting for kids and adults, and plenty of holiday cheer. Vice Commodore Marty Cuthbert, Rear Commodore Susie Caley, and a team of volunteers were instrumental in creating the special day.
Organisers hailed the event as a fantastic start to Christmas, bringing the community together for a joyful celebration.
Miro Luxford was top of the ILCA 6 fleet. Photo / Supplied
Nelson turns it on for ILCA rehearsal
Nelson delivered perfect conditions for the Nelson Marlborough championships and the South Island ILCA championships at Nelson Yacht Club last weekend, with over 80 sailors competing in the sun and the region’s famous sea breeze. The event drew participants from Bluff to Tamaki and featured over 30 ILCA entries.
Miro Luxford of Charteris Bay Yacht Club claimed the ILCA 6 title and the youth prize, while Emily Overend (Queen Charlotte Yacht Club) was the top female sailor. Thanks to its strong youth programme, Queen Charlotte Yacht Club also dominated the Starling fleet - with Marino Collins, Laura Rolton and Bailey Robb getting on the podium.
Full results here.
Trailer yacht champs crowned in Lyttelton...
Naval Point Club Lyttelton hosted the Trailer Yacht Canterbury championships, the President's Cup and the Noelex 22 South Island championships last weekend.
Outnumbered helmed by Nick Coultas claimed first place, followed by Tekno (Amanda Norris) and Erotic (Garry Dixon).
In the President's Cup, Phil Folter's Fill Circle took top honours, with Spearhead Elliott 1050 (Reuben Miller) and Swallows and Amazons (David May) completing the podium.
The Nolex 22 South Island title went to About Now (Andrew May), ahead of Cannonball (Dan Meehan) and Red Pepper (Gwynn Gilmore).
Some of the ceramic penguins on display. Photo / Naval Point Club Lyttelton
...as penguin project comes to life
Naval Point Club Lyttelton also managed to secure their two-star certification as a Yachting New Zealand Clean Club last month, and hosted the Know Your Place Environment + Art action programme.
Not only did this programme teach locals about the environment through art, but it also brought the community together to celebrate where they live and what is available at the club. Throughout the event, the club hosted 12 speakers as part of its Guardians of Whakaraupō, who spoke about the history of the area, exploring science, conservation, art and mātauranga Māori.
A highlight was the unveiling of the Penguin Peninsula project - an installation of over 100 ceramic kororā, or white-flippered penguins, created by members of the community and placed along the area's rocky ocean wall.
For more information on Yachting New Zealand's Clean Club programme, click here.
Membership manager Sabrina Saunders (right) receives the club's two-star Clean Club certificate from Yachting New Zealand's education lead Alisa Torgersen.
