KINGS TAKES KEELBOAT CHAMPS
The Kings College team of Hamish McLaren, Oscar Little, Sam Scott and Walter Coop stormed home on the final day of the 2020 HARKEN National Secondary Schools Keelboat Championship in March to win in dominant fashion.
Kings won three of the four gold fleet final races and finished second in the other to easily claim the national title.
Skipper Hamish McLaren was understandably thrilled: “We were nice and relaxed out there today, full credit to the boys who worked really hard, we just stayed super-calm and sailed really well as a team. It feels cool to be national champions, we couldn’t be happier. A massive thank you to everyone at Kings who helped us get here, to HARKEN, and to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for putting on such an awesome event.”
As an extra bonus for winning, McLaren and his team now gain automatic entry into the Yachting Developments New Zealand Match Racing Championship later this year at the RNZYS.
Finishing behind them in second place was the Westlake Boys High School Team 2 which finished 10 points adrift on 14 points, followed closely by Auckland Grammar School with 16 points.
St Kentigern College was fourth (17), followed by Glendowie College (17), Rosmini College (24), the all-girls team from Baradene College (24), and Rongotai College (27).
LONG SWIM TO FREEDOM
A loggerhead turtle released from the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, South Africa a little over two years ago has made the most of her freedom, clocking up 37,000km since her release.
Yoshi the turtle was fitted with a tracker when she was released, and recently turned up off Australia’s west coast. Her journey is a record – one of the longest migrations ever documented.
She lived at the Cape Town aquarium for 20 years before being released back into the ocean. She was initially brought to the aquarium in 1997 following an injury to her shell – and she subsequently inspired the establishment of the facility’s intensive turtle rehabilitation programme. It treats and releases hundreds of sea turtles every year.
Yoshi’s swim to Australia is possibly a return to the land of her birth. It’s believed she’s heading towards Point Samson in Western Australia’s Pilbara region – a popular breeding ground for her species. She could be heading there to lay eggs, or perhaps just to snack on the delicious treats on the area’s reefs.
Her tracker’s battery has lasted much longer than anticipated and conservation officials in Australia have agreed to meet up with her if she decides to nest, to replace the battery and continue documenting her extraordinary journey.
YOUTH AC RAMPS UP
RNZYS HAS RECEIVED SIGNIFICANT INTEREST FROM YACHT CLUBS ALL OVER THE WORLD FOR THE REVAMPED 2021 YOUTH AMERICA’S CUP.
By close of play for the initial entry period (29 February), 10 teams had officially entered – and the event is shaping up to be a melting pot of global youth sailing talent. Confirmed entries have been received from New Zealand, China, Australia, Italy, Hong Kong, Switzerland (2), Russia, Argentina and the Netherlands.
While entries remain open past the initial period, those entering between 1 March and 30 September 2020 will incur a late entry fee. More than 40 high quality expressions of interest have been received since the event was announced.
The event will be contested on the new AC9F foiling mono-hulls. These boats have been developed by Yachting Developments with some input from the Emirates Team New Zealand design team. Yachting Developments owner and RNZYS Commodore Ian Cook is thrilled with the progress so far.
“It’s been a big project and taken a lot of work to get the first boat ready, but we are nearly there with the first yacht heading into the paint shop. There is no doubt that these boats are going to be thrilling to watch, and the young sailors who will be racing them are guaranteed to have a lot of fun. But they will also be testing themselves and pushing their sailing ability to the maximum.”
The multi-leg event begins with a fleet racing seeding event in China in November 2020 and then a match racing event in Auckland from February 18-23, 2021, with the finals held between March 8-12, 2021 in the shadow of Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge.
In line with the original America’s Cup Deed of Gift, it is designed to be a ‘friendly competition between yacht clubs of all nations’. Unlike previous editions, multiple entries from various countries will be allowed.
Crews must be between 18-24 years of age. To encourage diversity teams will consist of a mixed crew of four sailors on each boat, including two females and two male sailors with a maximum crew weight of 311kg.
JUS’ CHILLIN’
THIS SHOT OF CRAB-EATER SEALS SWIMMING UNDERNEATH AN ICEBERG IN THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA TOOK THE TOP AWARD AT THE 2020 UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION IN LONDON EARLIER THIS YEAR.
The winning photographer is Frenchman Greg Lecoeur – a former National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year winner.
“The balletic rhythm of these crab-eater seals and the ethereal landscape of the pitted iceberg creates a composition that draws you into a corner of the world that few people have witnessed,” commented one judge.
“A deserved and unanimous winner which combines photographic beauty, composition, exquisite light and delicate colours. Perfect poses from the seals make this a celebration of natural life and a most enduring image,” added another.
The photo – titled Frozen Mobile Home – also won the top award in the Best Wide-Angle category.
To shoot the picture Lecouer travelled to Antarctica on a small yacht, documenting the wildlife on icebergs as they drifted at the whim of polar currents. “Massive and mysterious habitats,” he says. “Little is known about how wildlife thrives around these mobile homes. Icebergs fertilise the oceans by carrying nutrients from land that spark blooms of marine life and also provide homes for larger animals, like these crabeater seals.”
Lecoeur lives in Nice, France but works full time as a photographer, travelling the world documenting life in the oceans.
This year’s competition attracted a record 5,500 entries from 500 photographers representing 70 countries.
SHE LOVES SPEED
Norway’s Marit Strømøy became the first female powerboat racer to be named Driver of the Year at the 11th Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) Awards, held in Lausanne in March.
One of just two women to make the seven-driver shortlist, the 43-yearold from Sandefjord made sporting history by lifting the coveted Best Driver trophy, having obtained the highest score in a social media poll and a vote by the UIM Council.
She is also first and only woman to have won a Formula 1 race (in Sharjah, UAE in 2015) and finished on the final podium of the 2019 UIM F1H2O World Championship.
“It was a big surprise but I’m incredibly proud,” said Strømøy. “This means so much to me, my team, my sponsors and my family. Of course, it’s an honour to be considered a role model for female drivers in our sport – I’ve been racing for 30 years now and this will give the team a huge boost as we prepare for the new season.”
Around 200 VIP guests, featuring powerboating world champions as well as attendees from the worlds of sport, commerce, the boating industry and media, gathered for the first UIM Annual Awards to be held outside of its base in Monaco.
Free digital magazine for house-bound fishers
NZ Fishing Media Ltd, publishers of NZ Fishing News, are offering a free digital copy of the April magazine to New Zealand's 700,000-plus recreational anglers to provide some relief from potential lockdown boredom.
The recreational fishing community has been doing its part to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus by staying off or away from the water as they observe the four-week lockdown period, meaning Kiwi anglers cannot get their ‘fishing fix’ until the end of April at the earliest.
“Recreational anglers are missing their regular trips to the coast, our lakes and out on the briny,” says Grant Dixon, Managing Editor. “With a free digital issue of NZ Fishing News, at least people can read about it and be entertained,” he adds.
Readers can download the NZ Fishing News app from the App Store and Google Play, or access the free magazine via a web browser at www.nzfishingnews.co.nz.
The digital edition contains additional bonus photos and videos to help while away the hours in self-isolation.
“There is a wealth of information and entertainment in the 148-page April edition – including a debate on whether dusk or dawn fishing is best, a guide to setting up a kayak, battle tactics for kingfish and everything you need to know about choosing topwater lures. There is something there for everyone, regardless of age, gender or favourite fishing pursuits,” says Dixon.
The free online version offers extra video footage and photo galleries not included in the print edition, as well as links to associated relevant material.
The crew at NZ Fishing Media welcome New Zealanders to take up the free offer and enjoy a little light relief from the situation the country finds itself in.
To access your free April issue complete with extras, visit www.nzfishingnews.co.nz
Lockdown deliveries
A uniquely customised Sealegs 9.0m Hydrasol RIB, put into service to deliver groceries to selected beachfront communities and anchored boats in the Coromandel Peninsula during the summer tourist season, has come into its own during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The Waka Kai is not your standard Sealegs craft, and New World Whitianga owner-operator Kerry Stanley worked with Sealegs and his skipper to customise the craft to suit his application and the demands of commercial operations.
The initiative was planned to originally run until February 2020, but due to significant demand, has continued throughout March 2020 and beyond. It was in significant demand during the COVID-19 lockdown period where delivery of groceries to homeowners in isolation was an essential service.
Waka Kai delivers to Whangapoua, Matarangi, Opito Bay, Cooks Beach, Hahei, Pauanui, Tairua, Great Mercury Island and Slipper Island.
Coastguard appeal
Coastguard New Zealand is asking people not to go out on the water during the lockdown period to avoid putting themselves or Coastguard volunteers in harm’s way.
“Last year Coastguard volunteers responded to more than 3,700 calls for help, proving that regardless of planning and preparation, people can’t always rely on their own steam to get home,” said Coastguard New Zealand CEO, Callum Gillespie.
“As individuals we need to recognise that our actions can have an effect on others,” he added.
“We have had a lot of calls and messages from the public asking if they’re able to go out on the water during the lockdown period. The answer is no. Should you get into difficulty, you will quickly want help from Coastguard volunteers and staff, requiring them to leave self-isolation and come together to help you.”
“Please don’t put yourself or others at risk, stay off the water and out of harm’s way as we unite against Covid-19.”
Superyacht Cup Palma cancelled
Organisers of the Superyacht Cup Palma have cancelled the 2020 regatta scheduled for 17-20 June due to the ongoing global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and in line with recommendations from the Spanish and Balearic Governments.
“This ongoing global crisis has made planning for the event impossible and so we have taken the difficult but necessary decision to cancel this year’s event. We urge everyone to stay safe and we look forward to welcoming the superyacht fleet back to Palma in 2021 for what will be the 25th anniversary of Europe’s longest-running superyacht regatta,” said event director, Kate Branagh.
The provisional dates for the 25th anniversary edition are 23-26 June 2021.
Virtual Olympic class regattas
World Sailing, the International Federation for the sport, and Virtual Regatta, the world-leading digital sailing platform, are launching several iconic Olympic class regattas in the eSailing world.
Regattas around the globe have been cancelled or postponed due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but eSailors will now be able to compete at some of the world's best-known sailing events online.
These events include: Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar; Hempel World Cup Series, Genoa and Kiel Week, with more expected to be announced in the near future.
eSailors can compete at Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar on Virtual Regatta from today (Monday 30 March until 3rd April), at the Hempel World Cup Series, Genoa from 11th – 18th April, and at Kiel Week from 20th – 28th June, while other events will be launched at a later date.
Both World Sailing and Virtual Regatta have worked closely with each regatta to recreate each one as a virtual racecourse, available for eSailors all over the world to take part in.
In the current climate, it's more important than ever for us to feel connected with the rest of the sailing community. Making these world-famous Olympic class events accessible to everyone online gives us the chance to engage sailors of all ages and backgrounds, allowing all involved to continue to share their passion for the sport.
Recently there has been a huge increase in active daily users on Virtual Regatta Inshore, rising from 5,000 at the start of the year to around 18,000-20,000 and peaking at 25,000 this week – it's clear that sailors around the world are getting their fix with eSailing!
At each regatta, the 49er and the Nacra 17 will be available for players to race at virtual replications of these real-life sailing venues.
The first few days of each event launch will consist of challenges. Ranked Medal Races will take place over the final two days, open to all players – no qualification for these races is necessary, but results will count towards World and National rankings for eSailors!
Additionally, Hempel World Cup Series Genoa will qualify as a 'blue challenge,' meaning the opening challenges will also count towards the official eSailing World Championship ranking.
These Medal Races for these challenges will also provide an opportunity for two eSailors (one from the 49er and one from the Nacra) to qualify for the eSailing World Championship Playoffs.This will give eSailors a chance at qualifying to the Live Final, where the 2020 eSailing World Champion will be crowned.
Existing eSailors and new players are invited to compete in these classic regattas for free from today!
The first challenge is available now and can be played on Virtual Regatta Inshore on Desktop – iOS – Android.
AC MATCH CONDITIONS CONFIRMED
Following a successful mediation, the America’s Cup Defender and Challenger of Record have come to an agreement on the Match Conditions for the 2021 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada.
The two sides came to a consensus after engaging in an official mediation process run by the America’s Cup Arbitration panel chairman David Tillett (AUS).
As part of the agreement, the wind range for racing in the America’s Cup Match will be 6.5 to 23 knots.
The agreed racing schedule for the America’s Cup Match has two races per day planned for March 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Additional reserve days have been scheduled but the intention is to complete the event on the weekend of March 13–14, weather permitting. Racing is planned from 4pm onwards each race day. The winner of the America’s Cup Match will be the first team to score seven points.
The parties also agreed on certain conditions in respect of the Prada Cup due to be issued by June 30 2020. The racing will consist of four Round Robin sessions over January 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24, followed by a repêchage round over January 29, 30, 31, and February 2, with the first-to-seven-points Prada Cup Final taking place over February 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22.
The following wind range for racing has been agreed:
Round Robins and Repêchage: 6.5 to 21 knots
Prada Cup Final: 6.5 to 23 knots
In addition the parties also confirmed Course Location Guidelines for the Race Director when selecting the Auckland racecourse locations for all the Auckland events including the Match for the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada. The first competitive action of the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada will be in Cagliari, Sardinia from April 23–26 at the first of three ACWS regattas taking place during 2020. Further ACWS events will be held in Portsmouth, England on June 4–7, and in Auckland, New Zealand in December 17–20.
HAPPY 21ST
NEW ZEALAND DESIGNER GREG ELLIOTT IS CELEBRATING THE 21ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAUNCH OF HIS FIRST TOURER PILOTHOUSE CRUISING YACHT.
The first Tourer was an Elliott 1550 – Kotick – built by Darren Schofield (Silverdale’s Custom Yachts) and launched mid-1998.
Since then scores have been built – and today Elliott Marine’s Tourer range is the only New Zealand-designed fibreglass production cruising yacht being built in the country. Ranging from 12.5m to 20m, the Tourers are performance-focused pilothouse offshore cruising yachts. They’re built in yards all over the world – with options geared to customer location, budget and selected design. The yachts are particularly favoured by live-aboard cruisers.
A key advantage of a Tourer is the ability for owners to make their mark on the base design, with plenty of options for customising the interior layout and the styling. Current new builds include a 1350 Tourer at Hutcheson's Boat Builders in Tauranga, and a 1550 Tourer being built in China.
“The original Tourer concept was a blend of performance, comfort and seaworthiness and although we have redefined the models over the years, it’s that blend that’s made them so successful,” says Elliott. Improved materials and styling changes have all been incorporated into the designs, but the core style remains true to its origins.
Though they’re designed for simple, short-handed operation and easily-handled sail plans, the real point of difference of the Tourers is their exceptional performance, and many have proven themselves on the race circuit.
Although there are no current plans to expand the range, the option is there. “All our designs are customer-led and market-driven, so if there’s demand we absolutely could take the range bigger,” adds Elliott.
