Sail-World.com's New Zealand newsletter for 7 March 2011

Sail-World New Zealand: 7 March 2011

Welcome to Sail-World.com's New Zealand newsletter for 7 March 2011

The fourth and final leg of the two man Round North Island Race got underway off Napier this morning, after a delay of 24 hours. According to Predictwind.com the fleet should be sailing in a strong tailwind of 15-25knots, which will continue for a couple of days at least, moderating slightly, and then starting to ease on Wednesday.

We have the latest report in this edition of Sail-World from the Short Handed Sailing NZ site. The outstanding performer of Leg 3 was the 30ft Rob Shaw 30ft design Karma Police, which finished just 40 minutes astern of the very well sailed Cookson 12metre Akatea.

Our series of YouTube clips in The Freo Files series are attracting a lot of comment both from those who were part of the Fremantle America's Cup and from those who weren't around for that great series. In this edition we have another clip - this of the exit of Eagle Challenge out of Newport Harbor YC, skippered by now Team NZ coach and Olympic medalist, Rod Davis. There's a montage at the end of that clip showing more of the action from Fremantle outside the end of the Round Robin and start of the Semi's - including some shots of the young New Zealand sailors involved in the then New Zealand Challenge. How many can you recognise?

We also have reports from the Javelin Nationals sailed last weekend at Gisborne and the LIVESport Telecom Womens Matchracing Nationals sailed in Auckland - which saw a crew including NZL Sailing Team members Olivia Powrie and Jo Aleh come up against the two more established Womens crews, Koru Match and Silver Sails.

Hot off the press this morning is the news that Coastguard Education Services are now able to offer the ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft) - a qualification available previously only to UK citizens or residents. Hopefully the pressure will come on members of the sailing and powerboat fraternity to obtain this internationally recognised qualification, and that the insurance companies will require it as a prerequisite to obtaining insurance, particularly for launches and powerboats greater than say 20ft long and capable of more than 15knots.

Sadly we have to report the passing of longtime Finn and OK Dinghy sailor, Wayne Watkin, who passed away early last week after a six year battle with cancer. Wayne was one of the gentlemen and enthusiasts of dinghy sailing, and physically blessed with a tall rangy frame that works so well in many classes. He represented New Zealand in both the Finn and OK Dinghys at World Championship level - one of a small group to do so. His service was on Friday and attended by many who had sailed with him in those classes. Fair winds.

Thanks to our contributors for their help and input, we're here to help sailing, and help those who wish to help themselves. A special thanks to those who have contributed to this edition.

And once again our thoughts go out to the people of Christchurch. We have a story in the edition as to the effect on rowers and clubs based on the Avon, which were affected by the September earthquake, but the quake on 22 February has had a dramatic impact. Any fundraising you or your club can do will be appreciated.

ENDS

© Scoop Media