Historic two-handed trophy sailed in Auckland.

by Event Media on 12 Apr 2006 In 2006, the 82nd running of the 'Sanders Memorial Cup' and the 'Javelin National Championships' will be held in Auckland. The Sanders Cup is the longest running senior inter-provincial yachting trophy in New Zealand, with the first competition held in 1921.

Javelin Class Skiffs will be competing in both events, with yachts and crews traveling to Auckland from around New Zealand.

The Javelin is a high performance, very fast, light weight 70kg, two man racing skiff. The Javelin carries a large sail area for its 14ft length and is capable of speeds in excess of 25kts. This provides exciting racing, and has great spectator appeal, and high visual impact.

These events will be held immediately proceeding, and over the Easter period 2006.

• Sanders Memorial Cup - Wed 12th March – Thu 13th April
• '2002 Javelin Nationals – Fri 14th March – Mon 17th April.

The Competition is to be hosted by the Auckland Sailing Club adjacent to Ian Fergusson’s 'Fergs' Kayak centre in Okahu Bay. Racing will take place in the high profile waters off Tamaki Drive, between Devonport, Mission Bay and Kohimarama.

The Sanders Memorial Cup competition is a two day Inter-provincial competition. Entry is restricted to a single boat from each province which must win its regional selection trials to compete.

The Sanders Memorial Cup is Yachting’s equivalent of the 'Ranfurly Shield', with each boat competing to win the trophy for their home province.

The Javelin Nationals runs for the next four days, and is open to all registered New Zealand Javelins. There are 9 races in this series to decide on the National Champion.

The Sanders Cup has been competed for since 1921, and is New Zealand’s oldest Yachting Trophy still sailed for today under its original inception.

The Javelin Skiff was designed by New Zealander John Spencer in 1965, and is now raced by fleets throughout New Zealand, and Australia, with boats also in the United States and Canada.

Formerly sailed in the X-class, the Sanders Cup, and Javelin National Championships have been won by some of New Zealand’s best sailors, with names like Murray Ross, Peter Mander, Jock Bilger plus Wellington's Hugh Poole in the X-class days. The Javelin class has also attracted notable designers, such as John Spencer and Murray Ross and Americas Cup designers Bruce Farr, Iain Murray and Ben Lexen.

Currently sailing the boat are a number of ex world champions, National Youth Champions (P Class and Starling) and sailors involved with the Americas Cup as crew, composite specialists or sailmakers..

It is expected that eight provinces will compete in the 2006 Sanders Cup.

The Javelin is New Zealand’s most popular senior racing class, the Nationals usually attract 20 boats from all regions throughout New Zealand.