Last night was the shortest night of the year...& with that milestone met, summer is officially coming. Diarise 26-29 January for the 2016 Bay of Islands Sailing Week. We look forward to seeing you there.

Over the years building up to the 2012 Olympics I spent many months training and competing in Weymouth. It is fair to say not much has changed since then, it was all very familiar! The moments of de-ja-vu occurred in almost any and everything. From shopping for the ‘2 for $5’ deals at the local Asda supermarket, to grinding it out in the typical breezy conditions out in the bay. From sitting through the extremely long (30minute!) advertisements at the local cinema, to re-living the brutal tows to and from the race course each day. The pro’s and con’s of life in Weymouth still remain!

Pleasant Point Yacht Club in Canterbury is pleased to report on the progress being made towards the construction of a new ramp for the Club.

Contractor for the project, Fulton Hogan is due to start on excavation for the new ramp on the 1st of July.

The Canterbury region recently acknowledged and celebrated the year’s achievements at the 2015 Canterbury Yachting Awards dinner held at the Cashmere Club on Friday 5 June. 

More than 30 were recognised at the presentation ceremony including category winners and all recent Canterbury Class Champions. Almost 100 people attended the evening, representing all of the clubs in the Canterbury region.

Whether you’re interested in coaching, helping to run races or both, Yachting New Zealand has a range of Coaching Courses and Race Official Seminars on around the country over the quieter winter months.

Better still, the race Management Seminars are currently being offered free of charge to members of a Yachting New Zealand affiliated club. 

Attendance was good at the recent South Island planning meeting with more than 26 individuals gathering together at Naval Point Club Lyttelton on Saturday 6 June. 

Yachting New Zealand is seeking expressions of Interest from Club members who are interested in learning more about what it takes to become a qualified umpire.

Race Officials make a huge contribution to Yacht Clubs around New Zealand. Whether it’s helping out with local club racing or running an International regatta, neither would be possible without dedicated Race Officials.

Please remember to update Yachting New Zealand with changes to Committees and Contacts at your club or class association so we can continue to get important information to the right people.

The 3.7 Class Association have an unprecedented demand for second hand boats and they’ve asked for our help to spread the word. Their goal is to get as many 3.7s out on the water and racing as possible, and maybe you can help?