Dinghy Central at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show

by Miranda Powrie on 13 May 2012
Sailing dinghies are returning to New Zealand’s largest boat show after an absence of several years. Classes from the children’s Optimist to the thrilling 18 foot skiff will be represented in a comprehensive showcase of dinghy sailing called Dinghy Central at the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show.

As a celebration of dinghy sailing in New Zealand Dinghy Central is located inside outside of hall 6, the stand alone pavilion at the ASB showgrounds, adjacent to Greenlane West. The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show is on at the ASB showgrounds, Greenlane from 17-20 May.

Dinghy central is co-ordinated by the team at Weta Marine, the North Shore company that designs and markets the popular Weta Trimaran. The exhibition will feature 26 different sailing dinghies, presented by their various class associations. The numerous yachts are expected to make an impressive site, fully rigged, with some tilted so that their masts can fit into the 8m high pavilion.

All of the various dinghy classes will be accompanied by detailed information for the prospective sailor as well as representatives from the class, keen to impart their first hand knowledge of owning and sailing the dinghies on display. If you have ever thought you might like to get into sailing or get back into sailing this is the place to start!

Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show general manager Dave Gibbs says he is very enthusiastic about the sailing dinghies making such a triumphal return to the event. 'It is fantastic to have so many of New Zealand’s top dinghy classes back.' He says. 'Dinghy Central will be a superb addition to the show.'

Gibbs points out that almost all of New Zealand’s best sailors learned to sail in one or more of the classes that will be on display. 'We are sure that dinghy central will help enthuse the top sailors of tomorrow and give them all the information that they need to get out there and get sailing, as well as those not so young sailors who would like to get into the sport and have a go.'

He says those interested will be able to talk with current sailors and representatives from the various class associations and clubs. 'They will be able to discover the sailing dinghy that’s best for them, find out how much it will cost to go sailing and even arrange a time to ‘have a go’ so they can experience the thrill first hand.'

As well as the Weta, Optimist and 12ft and 18ft skiffs there will also be a wide representation of other classes on display. These include the P Class, Javelin, Paper Tiger, 420, Laser, Starling, Zephyr classes as well at the 3.7, Elliott, Mistral, Jollyboat, Phase 2, RSX, Europe and Splash classes. There will also be two dinghy classes especially for disabled sailors: the SKUD and the Liberty.

'Dinghy Central really will have something for everyone' says Gibbs. 'And, with those experts to offer free advice, there will never be a better time to get back sailing or get out sailing for the first time.'