On the 8th of March, Sailability Auckland hosted an “Experience Accessible Sailing” talent search day for new disabled sailors in the Paralympic Class Boats of 2.4m, SKUD and Sonar. About a dozen potential new sailors attended, and while most were local, people came from as far afield as Te Awamutu – now that’s keen! At least one of these people has now gone on to be classified and has been going out sailing in both a Liberty and a Sonar. Sailability Auckland has also gained several new members.
If you want to get into sailing, or know somebody who may be keen – have a look at the YNZ Website or Contact Helena at helena@yachtingnz.org.nz
Four Sailors from Auckland and three from Napier competed in Hansa Libertys at the Mighty River Power Regatta, held by the Lake Taupo Yacht Club on 8 and 9 March. While lake levels were low this year, making into boats awkward, it was good to see this event supported after the even lower lake levels last year prevented Hansa Class participation.
Taupo is a central location for all North Island sailors, and the regatta has other classes competing on the same course. This year it was well timed as a warm up event for sailors competing at the Hansa Nationals which were to be held at the Waitara Boating Club in Taranaki. Auckland sailors Helena Horswell, John Buchanan and Max Stacey filled the podium
In early June, two kiwi 2.4s, one Skud, and one Sonar will be packed into a container to go to the 2014 IFDS Disabled Sailing World Championships, being held in Halifax between 16th – 25th August. SKUD 18 helm Tim Dempsey says this will be the first time New Zealand has been represented in all three Paralympic sailing disciplines at a World Championship event.
Yachting New Zealand is seeking to recruit a 49erFX Olympic class coach for its High Performance Program. Reporting to the High Performance Director the 49erFX Olympic Class Coach will join a dedicated team of professional coaches who are working together to lead sailors to win multiple medals at the 2016 Olympic Games. The role is primarily focused on leading the current World Championship 49er FX Olympic class to success at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Yachting New Zealand is delighted to announce Kate Stewart (Wakatere Boating Club) and Taylor Balogh (Naval Point Club Lyttleton) as the recipients of the 2014 St John’s Rotary Scholarship.
18 year old windsurfer, Xanthe Bowater is one of two Cantabrians to represent New Zealand in the 2014 NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team.
She was selected after winning the girl’s youth division at both 2014 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland and the 2014 RS:X National Championships.
Glamour weather and tricky winds dominated the third day of racing at the Delta Lloyd Regatta. The day looked perfect for sailing, but the word from the sailors coming shore was of shifty, gusty winds that kept everyone on their toes through the day.
Autumn is the season that most clubs to hold their Prize Giving ceremonies and it is great to see some familiar names in the disabled sailing community being recognised with awards.
On the 10th of May, The Napier Sailing Club awarded Mark and Katy Kenah the Sainsbury Logan and Williams Salver for Club Yachting Personality of the Year. Possibly the youngest people to achieve this award in the 123 years of club history!
On the same night in Auckland, the Royal Akarana Yacht Club named Helena Horswell their Yacht Person of the year
