Yachting NZ receives $400k boost for 2016 Olympics to $12.4million

by Sail-World.com on 11 Dec 2014 High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) has announced that Yachting New Zealand’s High Performance Programme will receive a financial boost in the two years leading into the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The announcement comes as part of a wider public release of HPSNZ investment in sports for 2015 and 2016 intended to lift New Zealand’s chances of success in Rio, at the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2018, and also getting in behind those with potential at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

HPSNZ Chief Executive Alex Baumann described how he views Yachting New Zealand’s current position, 'A highly successful programme, they achieved excellent results at Rio test events and are on track to win multiple medals for New Zealand in Rio.'

Yachting New Zealand works in partnership with HPSNZ and today’s announcement, which will see our High Performance Programme receive additional financial support in 2015 and 2016, follows a recent mid-cycle review and discussion process.

David Abercrombie, Chief Executive of Yachting New Zealand is pleased with the additional investment from HPSNZ and says it reflects that we’re on track and that our goals remain closely aligned.

'Yachting New Zealand’s High Performance Programme has three key goals – to win multiple medals at Olympic Games, to fast track identified talent to the NZL Sailing Team and to develop future Olympic Campaigners,' says Abercrombie.

'Today’s announcement from HPSNZ demonstrates that they believe in what we’re doing, and they believe that we’re doing a good job.'

'We value all the support we get from HPSNZ which goes over and above just the financial investment. This is a partnership between the athletes and their coaches, Yachting New Zealand and HPSNZ, and we all have the same goals.'

The financial investment announced today by HPSNZ will see Yachting New Zealand’s High Performance Programme, including the NZL Sailing Team and recently launched Aon Fast Track squad, receive an extra $200,000 in both 2015 and 2016. The total investment from HPSNZ over the four year period from 2013 to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games will amount to NZ$12.4 million and Yachting remains one of three HPSNZ Tier 1 sports, and follows Rowing and Cycling in the investment schedule.

HPSNZ’s investment in Yachting goes towards coaching, shipping logistics and regatta support required to keep New Zealand’s Olympic sailing campaigners performing to the best of their abilities. With future sustainability in mind both HPSNZ and Yachting New Zealand are also increasing our support provided to 2020 medal prospects.