Enter the Zhik New Zealand eSailing Challenge

eSailing continues to grow in popularity as yachties around the world look to get their sailing fix online © Virtual Regatta

We might not be able to get on the water right now, but it doesn't mean we can't go sailing.

Yachting New Zealand have established the country's newest regatta, the Zhik New Zealand eSailing Challenge. Members of affiliated yacht clubs can sign up to race a series of events throughout May to find New Zealand's top club eSailor.

The winner of the national challenge will receive a $500 Zhik voucher as well as a $500 Zhik voucher for their club. On top of that, the top six sailors in the national final will then qualify to represent New Zealand in a trans-Tasman showdown with some of Australia's best.

Interest in eSailing has skyrocketed in recent weeks, and there are now more than two million players throughout the world. A number of clubs in New Zealand have also established races for their own members, and found it useful as a coaching tool.

Governed by the World Sailing Virtual Rules of Sailing, the Zhik New Zealand eSailing Challenge closely matches the real-world rules and formats that govern on-the-water racing. The in-game sailing school provides a clear explanation of the sport and a new and effective learning tool to familiarise players with the strategies, tactics and terminology of sailing.

Here’s how it will work:

Round 1: Club Championships Clubs around New Zealand will be invited to host their own Virtual Regatta club championships, with one club champion proceeding to the next stage of the challenge. Clubs who are unable to run a club championships or do not have sufficient entries may still forward a club champion to Yachting New Zealand.

Club champions must be decided by Monday, May 18. One club member will need to purchase a VIP pass for one month to run club championship regattas. Only one VIP pass is required to run custom races for your club.

Round 2: Regional Championships Each club champion will then represent their club at one of the four eSailing regional championships across the weekend of May 22-24. The top three finishers at each regional championship will proceed to the next stage.

Round 3: National Challenge On Sunday, May 31, the 12 regional representatives will compete in the inaugural Zhik New Zealand eSailing Challenge regatta. The regatta will be live streamed, ensuring clubs and regions can cheer on their representatives live.

Schedule Date Event May 18 Final date for clubs to submit their champions to Yachting New Zealand regional support officers May 22-24 eSailing regional championships May 31 Zhik New Zealand eSailing Challenge finals (live streamed)

Notice of Race and Guidance:

It is worth clubs familiarising yourself with World Sailing's racing rules of eSailing here.

Please find a guide to setting up sailing at your club and holding private 'custom' races here.

Please find the notice of race and sailing instructions here