Briefings – 21 December 2010

In this issue:

• YNZ News
• High Performance & International
• Local Sailing
• Youth Sailing
• Admin, Safety & Training 
• Of Interest
• What's on
• Contact the Briefings Editor 

The Christmas Break

Consider this while you’re away cruising...

As many of us are about to pack up the boat and leave the dock for the Christmas break, Andrew Clouston, YNZ National Programmes Manager, gives us a timely update on changes to aquaculture legsilation which have the potential to significantly impact on our recreational cruising grounds.

The Aquaculture Legislation Amendment Bill (No 3) was introduced to Parliament on 9th November 2010. The purpose of the Bill is to provide an efficient legislative and regulatory framework that enables the sustainable development of aquaculture within the coastal marine area. The Bill is part of a wider programme of reform that includes non-regulatory measures to provide for a more active role for government in the development and management of aquaculture.
 
The amendment bill as it stands is very pro-aquaculture and poses some threats to the access and availability of the waters we spend so much time in. It will require clubs and regions to be much more proactive in letting their regional councils know what beaches, bays and stretches of water should remain free from aquaculture development, because the councils will be responsible for carrying out tests on all new applications around the recreational use of the area before they go for public submission.

Concerns:

1. the current system of only being able to apply for consents to develop new marine farms in designated aquaculture zones (AMA’s) is being removed and replaced by a system where the entire coast is available for application for new farms and the applications will be handled directly through the RMA process and the regional coastal plan. 
2. allowing the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture the right to change regional coastal plans (effectively giving the minister the right to overrule regional councils)
3. making sure that all applications for marine farms are publicly notified
4. that adequate tests are in place to assess the value of the space being applied for by marine farmers in terms of recreational value to boaties

There are summary sheets available on the Ministry of Fisheries website that detail the changes and their intention.

Everyone should take time to read the sheets and encourage their club and/or regional council to submit any concerns they have to the government. The submission deadline is the 11th of Feb 2011. 

YNZ will also be preparing a submission on behalf of all our members, however it is important clubs get involved as they can speak from a local perspective.

We also invite Clubs and individuals, who have not already done so, to send your concerns to us at Yachting New Zealand so that we may include them in our submission.  Email Andrew at andrew@yachtingnz.org.nz

Regional Support in association with NZCT

Another week, another podium for Burling and Tuke

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke had to settle for silver in the 49er skiff class when a medal race duel went the way of Austrians Nico Delle Karth and Nikolaus Resch at 

A win in Sydney for NZL 49er sailors

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, NZL Sailing Team’s 49er sailors, took a convincing victory over former World Champs in the class Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen at

Team Jolly Update

World Championship silver medallists Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie update us the past few months for Team Jolly...  Just a little note to let you all know what we have been up to for the past few months!

After some time off, and a quick trip for me to Korea to compete in the Busan Cup (Women's Match Racing event) where I crewed as part of the Koru Match team (where we punched well above our weight and finished 3rd overall), while Polly stayed at home and crewed for Sam Osbourne in the NZ Match Racing Nationals.. we got back into the 470 and completed a rather rushed build up for our trip over the ditch...

We spent most of November and the beginning of December in Perth, competing in the Perth International Regatta (Basically a test event for next year's ISAF World Championships to be sailed in Perth in December), and then competing in the Perth International Cup (PIC - A coach run event, for all the 470's that stayed on to train...).

So...  Starting with the official event!  It was a bit of a strange regatta, the Perth "Doctor" (afternoon wind) that everyone had been talking about, never came in... And we managed to get a total of four races, and a medal race during the five day regatta.  So needless to say, there was plenty of sitting around and waiting, and occasionally, a race...  We started off the regatta well, with two wins on the first day, and a 2nd place on the second day.  From then, there was just no racing until the final day, where we did not have such a good day, and only managed a 7th in the last fleet race, and then completely bombed in the medal race, as we were over the line early and had to go back.  The course was extra short, and there was just no time for catching up, so we had a rather spectacular failure, and dropped from 1st place, down to 4th...

We were a little annoyed after that, as it was not quite the good week of racing we had hoped for... So we had a few days off, and visited Rottnest Island (A small island a ferry ride away from Fremantle) which was rather nice.. Did some snorkling, swimming and biking around, so a nice change from the boat!

Solo sailors en route to Wellington

After a delayed departure from Capetown, the 

Team Camper

Just six months after Camper, the Spanish footwear brand, announced that it would take part in the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race, skipper Chris Nicholson last week confirmed the sailing team and key shore team members for the CAMPER campaign. The CAMPER team, which is being managed by Emirates Team New Zealand, brings a wealth of experience to the race. Team members have between them no less than three Olympic campaigns, 17 America's Cups, 22 Volvo/Whitbread races and numerous world championship titles.

40 boats to contest our country's toughest yacht race

Forty boats and eighty sailors will race around the North Island of New Zealand in the Short Handed Sailing Association’s Round North Island Two Handed Race starting on 19 February 2011.

The 1,244 nautical mile marathon starts in Auckland and circles the island in an anticlockwise direction, with 24 hour stopover in Mangonui and 48 hour stopovers in Wellington and Napier.

“This is the most demanding race there is to do,” says SSANZ Chairman, Cameron Thorpe, competing aboard Gale Force. “For racing sailors it’s comparable to climbing Mt Cook, or finishing an Ironman – just getting to the startline means years of work, preparation and seamiles.”

The fleet frontrunners include the new Cookson 50, Akatea, (Peter Geary, Rodney Keenan) and the Open 50 Andar (Evan Davies, Peter Davidson), which is designed for long distance short-handed sailing.
 
An all-female team will race the Warwick 53, Caro Vita (Jo Ivory and Steffi Waanders), and Craig Partridge will be hoping to prove the reworked Ross 45, M1 (Dr Dave Austin), has legs on the long haul race.

The Micros in the fleet – including Karma Police and Overload – will set their canting keels and massive sail areas against much bigger boats, looking to take advantage of downwind and reaching conditions where they can use their advanced technology to maximum advantage, as they did in the recent Coastal Classic.

The most competitive racing promises to be right in the middle of the fleet with the 2 Young 11’s (Fineline & Clear Vision) battling the two Elliott 1050’s (Gale Force and Second Nature) and one off designs, Valium (Vickers 10.5m) and Truxton (Tiller 10.5). Coppelia (Farr 11.6) and Danaide (Beale 11.6) won’t be far away either.

Twelve entrants have done the race previously and many completed the 310nm Around White Island Race in November as a qualifier.

The event is supported by NZL Yachting Trust. For event information and the current entry list see the SSANZ website.

Bay of Islands Sailing Week Update

Entries are rolling in for 2011 Bay of Islands Sailing Week, with over fifty entries logged already – check the regatta website to see who has entered and check out your competition.

Early-bird registrations with discounted entry fee are available until December 31st so get on-line now and enter.

Organisers have this to report in the latest issue of Regatta Ramblings...

• This year for the first time, we’re offering an A-Class Catamaran Division -  even more relevant now that the next Americas Cup will be in cats
• We’re looking forward to David Glen’s 50 foot 1898 Logan yacht Rainbow competing in Passage One Division. Classic yachts are stunning under sail
• The Thursday night party on Opua Wharf will be humming. Local music and free appetisers followed by tasty food at fair prices from Waikokopu Cafe Catering
• Previous Regatta Rambling Issues are accessible on the website

BMW Auckland Regatta

Entries are invited for the 2011 edition of BMW Auckland Regatta – now recognised as one of the premier sailing events on the New Zealand keelboat racing calendar.

Jointly run by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Bucklands Beach Yacht Club the regatta will run from 18th – 20th March next year. Next year a Boat of the Series prize offered by KPMG will be awarded for the first time.

Following feedback from competitors, the organizers have agreed to start and finish each day’s racing in the area of Northern Leading Light. This will reduce the morning and evening travel time for yachts coming out of the Auckland marinas and also from the Tamaki River marinas.

Divisions will be finalized closer to the event, once entries have been received. Organizers expect a similar, or even greater spread of classes and divisions than last year, which included a wide range of keelboats, multihulls, sportboats and trailer yachts. A cruising division and classic yachts will race on their own courses.

A new feature of this year’s regatta is a Beach Party at Motuihe on Saturday March 19. Racing on that day will wind up towards the end of the afternoon in the vicinity of Motuihe, after which the fleet will anchor up and party up. There will be a BBQ, bar and live band. Just add a fleet-full of Auckland yachties and a fun time is guaranteed.

Or keep watching the event website for information: www.bmwaucklandregatta.co.nz

Big turn out expected for the 30th annual National Keelboat Championship

On 31st March, New Zealand’s best keelboat crews from across all clubs and divisions, and a handful of brave overseas teams, will come together on the Waitemata Harbour to compete over three days for the title of the 2011 National Keelboat Champion.

This will be the 30th year an event of this type has been run by the Royal Akarana Yacht Club with previous winners reading like a ‘who’s who of world yacht racing’.  Among them Dean Barker, Russell Coutts and Chris Dickson.

If you think your crew has got what it takes or want see how you compare against the best crews in the country, and some of the world’s leading sailors entries are still open for the New Zealand 2010 National Keelboat champion.

Details and entry forms can be found at www.rayc.org.nz

Clarks Beach for New Year?

Clarks Beach Yacht Club is offering a fun regatta which might tempt those in Auckland over the holiday break with a chance to sail and camp somewhere new, and not too far from town.

The annual regatta is open to all sailing dinghies, multi-hulls and trailer sailers and will run from 1st – 3rd January.

“You are welcome to camp by our Clubhouse, or if you would like a bit of comfort the Clarks Beach Holiday Park is next door,” invites organizer Fiona Marlow, “the more the merrier!”

The Clarks Beach Yacht Club is a successful family fun club situated on the southern shores of the Manukau Harbour twenty minutes drive from the Papakura motorway exit.  Head for Karaka, Waiau Pa, and then on to Clarks Beach. 

The Clubhouse is at the end of Torkar Road. The Club has excellent club buildings situated on a large end of road reserve.  There are large areas for boat rigging and easy access to an all tide beach for launching.  The surrounding waters provide interesting sailing conditions (and scallops in season).

Some information is available on the Club website or you can contact Neil Robinson 09 232 1400, neil.robinson@ps.gen.nz or Peter Marlow 09 232 1750, marlowpf@hotmail.com

Blind Sailing news

Blind Sailing New Zealand has announced the team to represent New Zealand in Perth in March 2011 at a Blind Sailing Match Race Regatta.

Following recent trial in Auckland the team announced will be Russell Lowry at the helm, with Paulien Eitjes and Tom Donaghy as crew.

Particpation remains subject to funding being sourced by team members and Blind Sailing New Zealand.

“We would like to thank all those who expressed an interest in the trials, and especially those who made the effort to attend the trials, it is very much appreciated,” says Dick Lancaster of Blind Sailing New Zealand.

In other Blind Sailing news a tentative date has been set for the 2011 National Championships for the weekend of April 9th- 10th, to be held in Auckland.

“Boats have been provisionally secured for this event, being either the MRX or the Platu fleet at Royal Akarana Yacht Club. A Notice Of Race will be issued in January for this event,” reposrt Dick.

“This event will be sailed under the rules familiar to us, with possible slight modification depending on the boats to be used and the number of entries. As well as team entries, single entries will be encouraged so that individuals may be assisted by the selectors to form a team together with other individual entries.”

www.sailingblind.org.nz

2011 Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta

The Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta is one of the largest one day regattas in the world with the Waitemata buzzing with all sorts of watercraft, including competitors and spectators.

Organisers invite you to be part of the 2011 event and join in the fun on Monday January 31st next year. The official race book containing Sailing Instructions and Entry Forms are available at www.regatta.org.nz

“We are hoping to create a ‘sea of sails’ on the harbour prior to the race starts,” says Eric Mahoney, Chairman. “Everyone is welcome to participate, competitors and spectators.”

“We are looking at leaving the Viaduct at 0900hours heading up to Orakei Wharf, Devonport Wharf and back to the start at Princes Wharf.”
See www.regatta.org.nz for more information.

South Island Laser Champs

On December 11th – 12th December Nelson Yacht Club played host to the South Island Laser Championships. NZCT Regioanl Support Officer to the Upper South Island, Kate Spackman was in attendance.

“The races were held around two miles off the  harbour entrance,” explains Kate, “ Saturday was very light and shifty wind conditions, and Sunday gave us 13 – 15 knot steady northwesterlies.”

Alex Morris (pictured left) once again took line honours in the Laser full rig.  George Lane from Auckland won the Radial and Ben Whiteside beat Daniel Smith by one point to win the 4.7 fleet.

Ben was presented with a new trophy donated by the Mellor family from NYC for the 1st youth in the 4.7 class.

See the full results here.  

Paper Tiger Nationals  Preview

The 2011 New Zealand Paper Tiger Nationals are to be hosted by Evans Bay Yacht and Motor Boat Club from the 3rd to 8th of January.

The event will see over 45 boats from all over the country competing in spectacular fashion on Wellington Harbour with a short racing format expected to produce some very tight results.

The event will see the overall National Title as well as the B and C Grade titles contested meaning that every competitor throughout the fleet will be fighting for every position.

With a wide range of competitors participating other titles that will be decided during the week long competition include the New Zealand Women's Title, The Junior (Under 21 Years) Title, The Veteran's (50-59 years) Title, The Grand Masters (60-64 years) Title, and the Great Grand Masters (65+ years) Title.

Contenders for the overall National Title include the current National Champion Bob Preston who will be attempting to take his sixth National Title and be the first competitor to achieve a third consecutive title.

Another favourite will be local Wellington sailor John Thomson who will be aiming to take his eighth National Title in the Class.

The junior title will be battled out between Nathan Percy, Stuart Sutherland, Michael Hatch, the Syman Boys (Carl and Sean), as well as current International Junior Champion Jamie Hatch. While the Women's Title will see local sailors Lynley Manning and Jane Thomassen battle it out.

Report by Ryan (Rowdy) Leatham www.papertiger.org.nz

Kiwi wins New Cal Opti Nats

Patrick Haybittle from Christchurch’s Naval Point Club Lyttleton won the New Caledonia Optimist Sailing National Championships sailed between December 9th and 12th in Noumea.

Patrick was selected as part of the New Zealand Optimist Development Team and was one of eleven kiwis to compete at the regatta in New Caledonia, which attracted a total fleet of 30 sailors. He was the first kiwi to ever win this regatta, and did in style finishing up with a 13 point margin over his closest rival, local sailor Guillaume Esplaas.

Next best placed of the kiwi team was Daniel Cressey who finished in fourth place only narrowly missing a podium finish on count back.

Here is all the kiwi results...

1st – Patrick Haybittle
4th – Daniel Cressey
6th – George Gautrey
7th – Henry Gautrey
9th – Ava Mannering
11th – Hamish Clark
13th – Henry Haslett
14th – Brooke Wedgewood
15th – Sean Bowden
19th Carmen Haybittle
20th – Hazel Mannering

Napier set for  P & Starlings

For any up-and-coming junior sailor in New Zealand, the P and Starling National Championships are a highlight in the yachting calendar and in less than a month over 150 young sailors will descend on Napier.

Kicking off with the Tanner Cup on 1st January, the 2011 event is being hosted by Napier Sailing Club... all the details are available on the regatta website

Tanner Cup: 1st – 3rd January
Tauranga Cup: 4th – 8th January
Starling Match Racing: 1st – 3rd January
Starling Nationals: 4th – 8th January

2012 Venues Announced

Sir Peter Blake Regatta image gallery

Torbay’s record breaking Sir Peter Blake Regatta was captured on film by Wakatere Boating Club member, Roger Pearson.

You can view more of Roger’s terrific gallery of images from Torbay

Important information re Safety Inspections

Skippers seeking a Safety Inspection are advised that YNZ has published some amendments to the Yachting New Zealand Safety Regulations as well as a copy of the Safety Inspectors checklist which can be referred to as a compliance summary.

The recent amendments to New Zealand Safety Regulations include small changes to wording for clarification and also some changes to requirements. Category 3 is most affected, but there are some changes for other categories also, and an amendment sheet is now available for download from our website alongside the main Safety Regs download.

Items that feature in the amendments relate to... cooking stove requirements, propulsion engine requirements, fire extinguishers, lifelines, tools and spare parts, navigation systems and registration numbers.

Yacht Inspectors use a check-list when completing an on-board inspection and this is now available, for owners to refer to as a safety compliance summary, [marked for information purposes only] - download Safety Inspectors Checklist.

Skippers are obligated to be conversant with all aspects, and understand all the safety rules and a complete copy of the Yachting New Zealand Safety Regulations can be purchased in booklet form from our store, or can be downloaded in pdf from the Safety Regulations page.

Congratulations to our newly appointed Race Officials

Alisdair Daines, Nelson, Club Judge,
Andrew Knowles, Tauranga, National Judge,
John G. Colebrook, Kerikeri, Club Race Officer

May we take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the Race Officials that give so much of their time and energy toward the sport.

Gary Hill: A Winning Coach

Wakatere Boating Club Learn-to-Sail Coordinator, Gary Hill, was the big winner in this year’s Watties Volunteer Coach of the Year Award collecting the Regional Overall Winner and General Volunteer Coach Awards.

The annual awards are supported by SPARC with the aim of saying thanks to New Zealand’s most deserving volunteer coaches working in the regions. Gary, who was nominated by Yachting New Zealand, was presented his Award by Tony Mordaunt, Community Coaching Manager from Harbour Sport at the Wakatere Boating Club one-day regatta earlier this month.

In his volunteer role at Wakatere, Gary has been the driving force behind some innovative tools which help the Club to deliver a hugely successful Learn-to-Sail programme. The development of a comprehensive package of resources for Instructors and participants combined with a database system which tracks the progress of individual sailors has seen the Club’s Learn-to-Sail programme go from strength to strength.

Gary’s training charts, tracking database and other tools have impressed Yachting New Zealand’s Coach Development Manager, Rob Hielkema, and National Programme Manager, Andrew Clouston, who are working towards integrating them into the National Learn-to-Sail Programme.

This photo was taken by Club parent Roger Pearson who had this to say about Gary: “Gary has made us all feel like part of the club from day one - he is one in a million.”

MPYC to celebrates 75th Anniversary

Mount Pleasant Yacht Club in Christchurch invites you to join them in celebrating the Club’s 75th Anniversary with a range of events over the weekend of 26th – 27th February 2011. There should be something for everyone in the programme...

Friday evening: Beach Party and BBQ at the Club, social fun for the whole family
Saturday: 75th Anniversary Regatta starting at 12:25 and
Saturday evening: Anniversary Dinner at Ferrymead Golf Club Restaurant (reservations essential)
Sunday: Buxton Cup starting at 13:20

To register your interest for any or all of the above you can...
See the MPYC website
Email to 75@mpyc.org.nz
Phone Ngaire Jesson on (03) 382 0129 or,
Write to PO Box 19-519, Christchurch 8241