Issue date
Our four NZCT regional development managers bring you the latest news from their regions including an update that will affect how many yacht clubs operate.
The Sport Integrity Commission was launched on July 1.
New integrity commission 'to help future-proof yacht clubs'
The Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui launched last week with the new independent Crown entity's purpose to ensure sport and recreation in the country are safe and fair.
Key changes to how integrity, safety and fairness issues are dealt with in New Zealand include:
- The former Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service (SRCMS) is now part of the Commission.
- Anti-doping services, including testing and education and all the functions previously handled by Drug Free Sport NZ, are now part of the Commission.
- Integrity guidance and education previously provided by Sport NZ via its Integrity Portal can now be found on the new commission's website.
According to Yachting New Zealand chief executive David Abercrombie, the commission is there to help clubs improve their awareness and understanding of integrity. It can also assist in the management and response to integrity issues.
"The new integrity code, which is seen as being best practice, will help protect participants from discrimination, harm, and other threats to integrity. It will have extensive responsibilities and powers," Abercrombie said.
"Implementing the Integrity Code will be an opportunity for organisations to help protect participants from harm and reduce the risk of serious integrity issues occurring. Adoption of the Integrity Code by an NSO is voluntary - but if the NSO adopts the Integrity Code, its provisions become binding not only on the NSO but also on all its members."
The Yachting New Zealand board will consult with clubs on the adoption of the code.
"We are here to support you every step of the way. Embracing these changes is not just about compliance; it's about futureproofing our yacht clubs to thrive in a dynamic legal and social environment."
You can visit the Commission’s new website at sportintegrity.nz or call 0800 378 437 for more information and resources.
Sailwave webinar back by popular demand
Following last year's successful webinar, Sailwave and Yachting New Zealand will again be offering several online opportunities for clubs to maximise the use of the popular scoring software in 2024.
Sailwave is one of the world’s leading results programmes and is free for yacht clubs to use for their events.
The first of these opportunities will be in the form of the Sailwave 101 (entry-level) webinar on August 22.
Sailwave's Jon Eskdale will be hosting the webinar free on Zoom for club members with a basic understanding of the programme, who wish to develop their knowledge of it.
The webinar will start at 7pm and topics covered will include an overview of Sailwave and using the software; improving the appearance of event and sponsor logos; setting up a race series, collecting data, and uploading entries; use of Alias in scoring; differences between fleets, divisions and classes and where to use them; entering scoring penalties; entering results and calculating; storing results; and sending race results as Microsoft Excel or CSV files.
To register and forward any questions for the webinar please click here.
For more information please contact Ian Gardiner at iangardiner@yachtingnz.org.nz.
Clubs have found many innovative ways to become more sustainable through the Yachting New Zealand Clean Club programme.
The perfect time to join Clean Club
As yacht clubs around the country welcome new members to their committees, now is the perfect time to start - or continue - on your club's sustainability journey through Yachting New Zealand's Clean Club programme.
According to Yachting New Zealand education lead Alisa Torgersen, the first easy step to becoming a certified Clean Club is to register online and follow the Best Practice list.
"It is easier than you think - you might even find that your club is already running some of the outlined practices," Torgersen said.
"Please remember that if your efforts do not fall under the outlined best practices, just describe what efforts you are undertaking in your Clean Club report and we will consider it. Every little bit counts!"
RŪNĀ clubs delivering sailing experiences to local schools, would have signed an MOU stating that they would become a Clean Club.
"If you are not sure if your club has registered or not you can check out if your club image is on our website," Torgersen said.
"If you have been appointed the role of environmental and sustainability representative on your committee, please feel free to get in touch with me at alisa@yachtingnz.org.nz."
Sell or swap at RNZYS Car Boot Sale!
Do you have sailing gear you no longer need, unused boat bits, or are you on the hunt for that perfect vintage winch? Then head down to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's Car Boot Sale on Sunday, July 21 to sell or trade with others.
It's free to attend and will start at 8am.
Stands are free to RNZYS members and $10 for non-members.
Spaces are limited, so book now through reception@rnzys.org.nz.
Next stop Murrays Bay for Winter Sprints
Murrays Bay Sailing Club is set to host the next leg of the 2024 edition of the Auckland Junior Winter Sprint Series.
The series has already featured three regattas with the fourth set for July 27 before it also stops at Wakatere Boating Club (August 10), Kohimarama Yacht Club (August 31) and back at Murrays Bay for the finale on September 21.
For the full series results, click here.
You can now register for the 2024 RS winter championships. Photo / Tasman Rowntree
Maraetai to host RS winter champs
Registrations are now open for the RS winter championships, hosted by Maraetai Sailing Club.
The regatta will take place on August 17 and 18 and is open to RS: Fevas, RS: Aeros, and RS: Quests.
For more details, the notice of race and to enter, click here.
Meanwhile, the schedule for the popular RS: Feva Traveller series is taking shape:
- September 28-29: TBC
- October 26-27: TBC
- November 2-3: Waiuku Yacht Club
- November 23-24: Royal Akarana Yacht Club
- December 14-15: Maraetai Sailing Club
- February 1-2: Bucklands Beach Yacht Club
- March 22-23: Northcote Birkenhead Yacht Club
The Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Squadron turns 50. Photo / Supplied
BOPTYS set for milestone
In October, the Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Squadron, based in Okawa Bay, Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua, will celebrate its 50th birthday.
The club is looking for expressions of interest from past and present club members who feel they would like to attend. The date has been set for October 5 and will include an afternoon tea and celebration dinner.
For more information, email 50years@boptys.org.nz.
Wairoa Yacht Club has been hit by another flood. Photo / Wairoa Yacht Club
'Shouldn't happen': Flood-hit Wairoa Yacht Club cleaning up again
Wairoa Yacht Club is counting the cost of another devastating flood.
The club, which was one of the worst affected by Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023, is in the midst of yet another massive cleanup after severe weather hit the Hawke's Bay region late last month.
Speaking to Radio New Zealand's Midday Report, Commodore Adrian Mayhead said while it wasn't new for the club's basement, where it stores boats, to flood - this was the first time the water had risen above the club's floor level, which was 2.5m above the storage floor.
"It was 100 millimetres over the floor, so we've been inundated with silt right through the upper part of the club room," Mayhead said.
"This is our eighth event since Gabrielle. Now that shouldn't happen with the amount of rainfall that we get, even this latest one."
Grants of up to $500 are on offer to support women sailors attending the 2024 Evolution Sails Waikawa Women’s Regatta in September. Photo / Supplied
Grants offered for Women's Regatta entries
The Waikawa Boating Club is offering grants of up to $500 to support women sailors attending the 2024 Evolution Sails Waikawa Women’s Regatta in September. These grants aim to help cover transport, accommodation, or entry fees. The application deadline is July 26, 2024, with successful applicants notified by August 5, 2024.
Applications and nominations are confidential and require receipts for expenses. Interested individuals can apply online with a summary of why they, their team, or their nominee would benefit from the grant. If nominating someone else, include their permission.
The grants are part of the club's effort to increase women's participation in sailing. For more details and to apply, click here.
Jim Park (left) and Ross May. Photos / Supplied
Big honour for sailing stalwarts
Two of Canterbury's sailing stalwarts have been honoured with life membership of the regional yachting association.
In November last year, the Canterbury Yachting Association (CYA) recognised Ross May and Jim Park for their nearly 50 years of membership and service to the association and the broader sailing community.
According to CYA chair Alastair Burgess, May and Park have both served on the youth development programme committee for several years, and have played an important part in promoting the development of judges, race officers, and rescue boat operators.
"Add to this their involvement in running regional, national and international events, which simply demonstrates their unwavering contribution to our sport at many levels," Burgess added.
Park is a life member of the Christchurch Yacht Club, while May is a past Commodore of both the Canterbury Yacht and Motorboat Club and Naval Point Club Lyttelton, as well as a past president of CYA.
