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The PIC Coastal Classic, safety course changes, roles, and the Olympic Games were among the agenda items at this year's national race officers conference, held at Evans Bay Yacht and Motorboat Club last weekend.
Eighteen race officers from as far afield as Auckland and Bluff attended the one-day event, which aims to bring together race officers of all levels of experience. The conference serves as a platform to connect, share ideas, and explore innovative approaches to race management.
"This is the annual get-together for race officers before the season to discuss any issues, relevant changes, and generally to network and exchange ideas," said Raynor Haagh, Yachting New Zealand's National sport development director.
"A highlight of this year's conference was hearing from experienced international race officer Megan Kensington about her involvement in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."
Kensington was appointed to the Games' technical committee as an international race officer and was one of three Kiwi officials in Marseille. Alistair Deaves also served as an IRO, while Jamie Sutherland was one of 26 judges on the international jury.
Kensington and Shayne Priddle chaired the conference in their new roles as co-chairs of the race management education subcommittee.
Alistair Deaves, Jamie Sutherland and Megan Kensington at the Olympic rings in Marseille. Photo / Megan Kensington
The conference also discussed the importance and advantages of ensuring that officials' qualifications are kept up to date, and how this relates to clubs and the management of their regattas.
"Our clubs are always looking for more volunteers, race officers, or race officials, and there are several courses available on the Yachting New Zealand website," Haagh said.
"Some new courses, including those for assistant race officers, mark laying, and other key roles, will soon be added to the website."
Meanwhile, the annual Canterbury race officials forum is set to be hosted by Christchurch Yacht Club on September 18.
The forum will be run by the Canterbury Yachting Association's Ross May and is open to all officials in the CYA area.
New rulebooks, event templates, and other resources will be covered, making it a great opportunity to share insights and network toward the sharing of volunteers and resources to ensure another successful sailing season.
For more information, email May at may.madr@xtra.co.nz or Ian Gardner, Yachting New Zealand's regional development manager (South Island), at ian.gardner@yachtingnz.org.nz.
Click here to register for the forum.
