Splash Nationals Bay of Islands- Age limit change for Splash Class

by Neil Deverell on 13 Mar 2012
If your teenage son or daughter has left home and you find your Splash sailing dinghy is still sitting in the garage maybe it’s your turn to give it a go

The Splash class has opened the age limit to older sailors in the hope of building numbers in National and international events

If you are in the 45-80 kg range the splash is a delight to sail. They plane easily down wind and are comfortable to sail up wind. The boats are very evenly matched on the race course and it is the ability of the sailor rather than the boat that gains good results.

There are boats out there in the second hand market at very reasonable prices or new boats are available

You may be able to charter a boat for the Nationals and charter boats will be available for the worlds to be held in Belgem 21st to 28th July this year

We have had a great record in world championship with a New Zealander winning the last 4 events, Taylor Burn is current World champion and Chris Steele, Declan Burn, and Ben Lutze previous champions

Splash sailors need to start training for this year’s world championships so we continue this great history
The splash is also a great training boat for other international classes with former sailors like Andy Maloney, Michael Cate, Spencer Loxton are doing well in the laser class and former world splash champion Blair Tuke is top world class performer in the Olympic 49er

Those showing interest in this year’s event include Antje Muller who is 2012 Global Veteran Cup holder in the Europe class and Neil Deverell who in the past few years has challenged the Northland youth sailors in local events. Neil’s son Nathaniel an NZ Optimist worlds’ rep is also sailing in the event

Current National champion and Splash class assn committee member O'shea Butler is very keen to see the class grow and develop and would appreciate support on the new committee to be elected at the AGM that is to be held on the Saturday night of the Nationals at Bay of Islands Yacht Club

The Nationals will be a great event to attend in the warm Bay of islands climate and great hospitality with The Bay of Islands Yacht club

Bar will be open on the Friday night along with the regular Friday night meal

Bay of Islands Yacht Club welcomes you to a great weekend of sailing

More info at www.boiyachtclub.co.nz

The club is also holding a regatta for youth sailors in the Starling and Optimist class during the same weekend