yachting nz briefings

crew will be giving their all in Terengganu, Malaysia for the 2011 WMRT decider, the . Going in to the final event of the 2011 Tour the kiwi team, currently at the top of the ISAF rankings will attempt to defend their title after last year becoming the youngest on record to win one of the world’s most prestigious yachting crowns.

The New Zealanders have to topple current Tour leader Mathieu Richard of France who has a fifteen point lead over .

It’s not a simple two horse race however, as Minoprio has Finn legend Ben Ainslie hot on his tail just two points behind.

Read more on the

is lying 17th in the fleet of 42 Class 40 yachts competing in the 2010 Route de Rhum.

Colman, the only kiwi in the race, is regularly up-dating his blog from on board his yacht 40 Degrees – read the latest from him, and watch how the race unfolds, here. The  (English version) has a tracker and the latest news from competitors also.

Over the last day or two the kiwi has concluded that, “sail repairs at sea are a decidedly challenging affair.”

“Firstly, one needs to clean and dry the cloth, no small task in and of itself inside a boat. Then carefully “stitch” the edges to align the tear in preparation for the repair tape to come later. This is a delicate task, as the tortured tendrils need to be meshed together so as to have each side under equal load when the sail is flying again,” he explains in his blog.

“To do this, I ended up spread eagled over the engine box (while the engine is running, to provide heat to help the adhesive), using my chin to pin down one edge of the seam, while using two hands to tension and align the rip, while using two more hands to tape down the stitch! Rolling down the repair tape is equally elegant.”

“So far I have repaired the structural zones in the tack and clew, the rip along the foot, now all the remains is to rebuild the entire luff area. Should have it up in a jiffy!”

will come alive with record numbers of sailors expected at this year’s Sir Peter Blake Regatta.

The regatta is Torbay Sailing Club’s and New Zealand’s premiere centreboard yachting event, held annually at Waiake Beach, Torbay. The regatta is traditionally held over the first weekend in December, close to the anniversary of Sir Peter Blake’s death, with this year’s dates being 4th / 5th December.  The regatta is in its ninth year and as the largest two day Centreboard class sailing regatta in the Southern Hemisphere it attracts competitors from all over New Zealand, as well as a number of overseas entrants.

The event promotes the values and characteristics of Sir Peter Blake; enjoyment of the sport of sailing, team-mateship and care for the environment. While the regatta maintains a youth focus, it caters for all ages and abilities, attracting a good mix of adult sailors. The 2009 event drew more than 400 sailors competing in 17 different classes for two days of intense racing. This year with the Laser North Island Champs regatta being combined with the Sir Peter Blake Regatta over 500 sailors are anticipated, easily making it one of the largest centreboard sailing events in the world.

The regatta has magnificent support from long term principal sponsors Toyota New Zealand, Albany Toyota and North Shore City (now Auckland Supercity) and Pub Charity. Further, in 2010 the event will enjoy new course sponsorship from Air New Zealand Holidays, Burnsco Marine and Leisure, and Toyota. And the event would not be what it is without the significant support and input from Yachting NZ, Murrays Bay SC, Wakatere SC, Takapuna BC and a wide range of volunteers.

In its nine years the regatta has grown in size, standing and professionalism, creating what is now widely regarded as a world class event on the beaches of Auckland’s North Shore. The vision is simple: to deliver an event that is not only the focal point of centreboard sailing in the Southern Hemisphere but also a fantastic social event and a celebration of Sir Peter’s life and the sailing legacy we enjoy today. The focal point of the regatta is the awarding of the prestigious Sir Peter Blake Memorial Trophy – going to the most outstanding sailor at the event, with past recipients having progressed to achieve success in international events.

Basing its principles on those of Sir Peter, the  encourages sailors to develop a lifetime respect and value for the sea, as well as a love of sailing through competition and friendship.

‘Our first choice is racing in warm 12-15 knots breezes and sunny skies,’ say the organisers of Bay of Island’s Sailing Week, ‘but if it blows – the race goes on – 99% of the time. It’s always the skipper’s decision to race or not to race.’

Whatever the weather, if you want to be part of the action at Bay of Islands Sailing Week on from 18th – 21st January, you need to enter by the end of December to get the Early Bird Special.

Registration is on the 18th followed by three days of exciting racing. If you want to know more visit

The Feeder Race from Auckland to Opua is all go, and a fun way to deliver your boat to the Bay of Islands – even short-handed. Entries for the Feeder Race should go to RNZYS by January 12th 2011. 

 reports pencilled entries from some high calibre skippers for the 2010 Women’s Keelboat National Championships on early next month, and invites you to get in touch to enter now.

Jo Aleh, Jess Smyth and Danielle Bowater have advised the RAYC they are preparing a crew and they Club is keen to hear from others as soon as possible.

With racing on the 11th and 12th December in the fleet of Platus, the entry fee includes a practice day on Friday the 10th. The NOR and more information is available on the

1 Bill Hewitt - Maraetai SC
2 Steve Tennent - Maraetai SC
3 Mark Winters - Maraetai SC

1 Mark and Brianna Orams - Torbay SC
2 Matt and Hamish Hall-Smith - French Bay YC
3 Paddy and Samuel Charles - French Bay YC

1 Rene van der Voort - French Bay YC
2 John Campbell - Maraetai SC
3 Graham Fleury -  Torbay SC

1 Maraetai SC
2 French Bay YC

and

On Friday the 3rd of December the Richmond Yacht Club in Westhaven, Auckland will be hosting the NZ Police Regatta. This is a Keelboat race open to any class of keelboat, the only condition of entry is that you have one member of any service on board (Police, Army, Navy, Air Force or any Emergency Service).

The course is an 11 mile inner harbour course, with the warning signal at 1255 (one start for everyone). This regatta is a lot of fun, with a prize giving and festivities at the club afterwards. There are also a lot of great prizes to be given away.

The entry fee for the regatta is $25.

To register or for more information contact Ian Clouston at or 0274 947 531.

Yachting New Zealand has published  to compete at the Championships on in Zadar, Croatia from 7 – 16 July next year.

The Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship is the world's premier event for youth sailors and has been held every year since the inaugural event in 1971.

Over the years many of the worlds sailing greats have been initially identified by their success at this event. This list includes names such as Ben Ainslie (GBR), Robert Schiedt (BRA), and New Zealand's own stars like Russell Coutts (NZL),Dean Barker (NZL) & Stewart Bannatyne (NZL). The NZL Yachting Trust Youth Team is now widely recognised as New Zealand's representative team for this event and is considered to be the pinnacle representative team in Youth Sailing.

Dates have changed for Yachting New Zealand’s National Youth Clinic in December.

Previously scheduled for the 11th and 12th December the National Youth Clinic will now be on the 7th and 8th December. This clinic is on at Wakatere Boating Club and the change is in order to better fit in with other major events both here and across the Tasman.

For more information on YNZ’s National Youth Clinics please visit the

 invites New Zealand’s junior and youth sailors to a four day live in yachting camp. The Optisail and Youth Training Camp will take place from 20th – 23rd January 2011.

The camp promises...

• Exciting, park-like venue in central Hamilton
• Still number one for food
• Learn to judge unpredictable wind changes
• Safe, yet challenging conditions
• Suitable for those finishing learn to sail, right through to experienced sailors

Cost: $270
Enrolments close: 10th December 2010
Application forms and more information are on the Enquiries to Dave Smith – phone (07) 838 0564 or 021 02 402 496

National Youth Training Week. This year the NEW fleet of 10 Elliott 7m training boats (pictured here) will be used.

, six Clubs have registered and four spots remain available so act now to ensure you don’t miss out. 

Yacht Clubs from around New Zealand are invited to send a four person youth crew to share in the intensive sailing experience synonymous with the world-renowned RNZYS Lion Foundation Youth Training Programme. This week of training gives young sailors the opportunity to receive intensive theoretical and practical instruction in the various aspects of competitive keelboat racing in a disciplined environment. 

The has more information, contact details, a brochure and the expression of interest form for download.

 is offering Let Go – a motivational workshop presented by Barbara Kendall for youth aged 12 to 17 years.

When: 7 – 9pm, Friday 19th November
Where: Manly Sailing Club, Ladies Mile, Manly
What: A two hour workshop (workbook provided) which can be applied to any sport. Participants are led through a series of techniques that Barbara has used over 20 years to become one of the most successful Olympic athletes of all time.

Tickets are just $12, they must be pre-paid (no door sales) and numbers are limited so register now if you’re keen. Contact Karen Browne at

With the new seasons’ round of National Events looming here is a reminder for Organizing Authorities and Class Associations about the time line for required paperwork.

If you are a competing sailor do politely ask your event organizer if the YNZ paperwork is taken care of to ensure that the event and the winners will be officially recognized.

Notice of Race (draft) should be received by YNZ for approval 6 months prior to the event.
Approved final Notice of Race should be published 3 months prior to the event.
Sailing Instructions (draft) should be received by YNZ for approval 3 months prior to the event.
Event Report is required by YNZ within 2 weeks of the event concluding.

Applications for dispensation from YNZ Regulation 4.5.4 must be lodged in writing to the Chief Executive Officer of Yachting New Zealand. Your request may be sent via email to the CEO via 

is also required if you tick Yes to either of the below:
If the Organizing Authority intending to apply for a dispensation to deny the right of appeal? (Refer to RRS 70.5)         
Is the Organizing Authority seeking approval for on the water judging of Rule 42? (Refer to Appendix P)                    

Please see for further information.

YNZ would like to congratulate the following people on their appointment as YNZ Race Management Officials. As always the time and effort put back into the sport by our Volunteers is truly appreciated!

John Davidson, Muritai Yacht Club
Barrie Pratt, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
Bryan Taylor, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron


Gary Smith, Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club

Vince Newbold, Torbay Sailing Club

Paddy Simms, Taipa Sailing Club

The ISAF’s annual Conference is underway in Athens, Greece with international representatives from the sailing world gathering together to debate, discuss and make decisions on some key issues which determine the sport’s future. Olympic yachting is a hot topic this year and the outcome of this ISAF Conference is eagerly anticipated by all. 

New Zealand’s representatives in Athens for the ISAF Conference include –

Jan Dawson - Member of the ISAF Events Committee and Chair of the ISAF Audit Committee
Ralph Roberts – Group L Representative on ISAF Council and member of the ISAF Review Board
Shane Borrell – Match Racing Committee and International Umpires Sub-Committee
John Parrish – Race Officials Committee, Race Management Sub-Committee and Racing Rules Committee
Jack Lloyd – International Judges Sub-Committee and Racing Rules Committee
Graham McKenzie – Constitution Committee

For more information see

Here’s a line up of yachting on around the country over the coming two weeks. Visit our online calendar to see what’s on, and don’t miss out on some free promotion for your next event...submit your event to our online calendar here.

, 11th - 14th November
Lake Taupo
 
, 12th - 13th November
Takapuna Boating Club
 
2010, 13th - 14th November
Thames Sailing Club
  
, 13th - 14th November
Wairoa Yacht Club
   
, 14th November
Pupuke Boating Club
  
, 16th - 21st November
RNZYS
 
, 20th - 21st November
Ngaroto Sailing Club
   
, 20th - 21st November
Hamilton Yacht Club
 
 
20th - 22nd November
Wanaka Yacht & Powerboat Club
 
 
20th - 21st November
Otago Yacht Club
 

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