RNZYS launches third generation of Youth Training program yachts
by Richard Gladwell on 30 May 2010
Elliott 7 Launch - RNZYS 30 May 2010 Richard Gladwell
www.photosport.co.nz
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron launched the new fleet of 10 Elliott 7's on Sunday afternoon at a ceremony at Westhaven.
Built by Yachting Developments the funding for the building program came from a number of corporate sponsors, marine industry sponsors, the Lion Foundation, and contributions to RNZYS from Louis Vuitton for use of Squadron race management, volunteers and facilities in the Louis Vuitton Pacific and LV Trophy series.
The RNZYS Youth program was conceived 25 years ago after the 1986/87 America's Cup and the realistion that a training program was needed to produce the sailors necessary to fuel an America's Cup program. The three drivers of the program at that time were Richard Endean, Don Brooke and Harold Bennett. One of the first graduates of the scheme was Gavin Brady.
The inaugural fleet of Elliott 5.9's was launched in 1987, these were replaced in 2000 with a new fleet of Elliott 6 metres which were the base design for the new Olympic match racing yacht. In considering the replacement options, the RNZYS opted for a 7 metre yacht capable of taking four crew and providing more of a keelboat experience than the smaller boats.
The program has been highly successful, spawning at least four teams on the World Match Racing Tour including the current world champions, BlackMatch Racing.
The previous fleet of Elliott 6 metres have been sold to New Caledonia.
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