The America’s Cup at the top of the Crown Range on the snow at 10pm
Photo captured by Suellen Hurling • Live Sail Die • 2024
New Zealand Yacht Squadron
The new perfect balance for a true cruising sailboat
49 Okiato Road, Russell
7 6 2
Floor: 646 sq m Land: 17,553 sq m (more or less)
This remarkable property occupies the Okiato Point headland, elevated above the Veronica Channel with panoramic views to Pipiroa Bay, Paihia, English Bay, and Opua. The main residence commands 270-degree water views. Extensive renovations in 2023 have resulted in a timeless, beautifully presented classic home. The grand entrance opens into a lobby with a stunning curved staircase. The ground floor includes a lounge with a fireplace, TV room, open-plan dining, sun lounge, and a spacious kitchen. There are four double bedrooms with bathrooms, a double garage, and a gym.
Upstairs, two double bedrooms with en-suites accompany the master suite with a large en-suite, kitchen, and sitting room opening onto a wide balcony. Outside, the north-facing deck is perfect for entertaining. Steps lead to a private beach and sheltered cove with a boatshed, private jetty, and moorings. A two bedroom cottage with a spa sits on the edge of native forest.
Secure this unique luxury retreat just minutes from Russell.
GREATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE SUPPORT OF MAJOR PARTNERS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS TRUST PARTNERS
Cover: The America’s Cup at the top of the Crown Range on the snow at 10pm.
Photo by Suellen Hurling, Live Sail Die.
Advertising enquiries advertising@rnzys.org.nz
Editorial and other enquiries breeze@rnzys.org.nz
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are purely those of the authors and are not necessarily the official view of the RNZYS, nor of the publishers.
PERMISSION
Reproduction rights in part or in full of the contents of this publication must be applied for from the Editor.
DEADLINES
for 37th Americas Cup Special Edition
Now 4 seasonal issues per year
Editorial: 14 October
Advertising booking: 14 October
Advertising material due: 20 October
Magazine posted: 27 October
Layout and Typesetting by Camille Hay, Live Sail Die
Printed by Soar Communications Group
Registered as a magazine at the GPO, Wellington. ISSN 0113-7360
MANAGEMENT TEAM
General Manager & Sponsorship
Enquires
Sarah Wiblin 027 7051502
Membership & On-Water Enquiries
Georgia Witt 029 02020 457 Events & Venue Hire
Gillian Holmes 0272790602
Communications & Major Projects
Ella Sagnol 027 288 3157
On & Off-Water Operations
Cooper Hopman 021 180703
FLAG OFFICERS
Commodore
Gillian Williams 021 540 896
Vice Commodore
David Blakey 029 200 3626
Rear Commodore
Matt Cole 0211253096
RNZYS Office reception@rnzys.org.nz
09 360 6800
Members’ Bar Reservations 09 360 6814
FROM THE COMMODORE
Gillian Williams
Welcome to the summer of 2024-25. As I write this, Opening Day is complete, all of the summer Notices of Race are up on the website and club sailing is about to get underway. In our first week, we have MRX Sprints, Elliott 7 Sprints, Barfoot & Thompson Women’s Series, Havana Club Rum Racing and a Gold Cup Series race. Let’s Go! We also have the Toyota Kiwi Cup Regatta taking place 30 September
– 4 October, bringing youth yachting from across the country together at RNZYS for a week of training, racing and fun. Please make the visiting youth feel welcome and soak up the energy.
Meanwhile, over in Barcelona, Ineos Britannia representing the Royal Yacht Squadron and
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team representing Circolo della Vela Sicilia are dualling it out to be the Challenger for the 37 th America’s Cup. You don’t have to be going to Barcelona to enjoy the thrill of the America’s Cup though. We have a full programme of events in Auckland, including match viewing and replays. Ahead of the first race we have our Big Day of Sailing and the Big Sleep In. I cannot wait to see what the first race of the 37 th America’s Cup holds.
I have just arrived in Barcelona with my family and can confirm that the atmosphere is well and truly buzzing. The Spanish sun is shining and the RNZYS logo is shining bright everywhere. In the initial planning phase for our club’s involvement in this event, we set our sights on creating events, spaces and opportunities for members to connect while they travel. And with that, we hope that our travelling members will bring back
new friendships within the club, built on shared experiences. We have approximately 600 members travelling to Barcelona for the America’s Cup. That’s huge! We will be hosting a members’ only cocktail drinks followed by a spectacular New Zealand supporters’ Gala Dinner. A cultural group from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will perform along with Spanish entertainers. I cannot wait. We will also be visiting our sister club, the Real Club Nautico de Barcelona.
Over this very exciting period, I do encourage you to watch your inbox for the Mainsheet that comes out each week. That will keep you up to date with what’s happening – when and where. It is an exciting time to be a member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
Vice Commodore David Blakey and I look forward to catching up with those who are travelling to Barcelona. Meanwhile, Rear Commodore Matt Cole will be your master host in Auckland.
Have a great October.
Gillian Williams Commodore
FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Sarah Wiblin
Spring is in the air, and we’re thrilled to bring you this special digital edition of Breeze ahead of our full Spring Edition, coming late October!
As we prepare to launch a new season with the official opening and the traditional firing of the cannon, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible volunteers who make our club so special. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their dedication.
A standout example is the Toyota Kiwi Cup tour, which took place in September. Covering over 5,500 KM with 68 stops, we captured more than 3,200 photos and connected with over 20,000 people through the America’s Cup. This tour was an astounding success, thanks largely to our 30+ volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to make it happen. A heartfelt
congratulations to everyone involved! Another remarkable effort is the Oceanbridge Te Kouma Project, led by Volunteer Boat Captain Tony Whiting and Boat Maintenance Technician Geoff Dawson. Thanks to a generous bequest from Barrie Pratt and his family, we’ve completed an extensive refit of the vessel this winter. The countless hours of work put in by Tony, Geoff, and others ensure the boat will serve the club for another decade. We are truly grateful for their commitment and hard work.
This season is shaping up to be quite unique, with over 600 of our members, along with family and friends, heading to Barcelona to support Emirates Team New Zealand as they compete in the 37th America’s Cup. We’re ecstatic to have so many members making the trip, and we’ll be cheering them on both from Barcelona and our Auckland clubhouse.
Back home, we’re also gearing up for the return of some of our most beloved events, including the PIC Insurance Brokers Wednesday Night Series, Havana Club Rum Racing Spring Series, Elliott and MRX Sprint Series, Cruising Series, and the Barfoot and Thompson Women’s Series, among many others. We can’t wait to see our members back out on the water, vying for this season’s titles. After racing, we encourage everyone to come back to the club, enjoy some camaraderie, and take advantage of the fantastic offerings we have available.
With Christmas just around the corner, we’re now taking bookings for holiday
functions, corporate events, and family gatherings. We’ve got a range of options to suit all budgets. In these challenging economic times, supporting the club by hosting your events here helps us continue delivering the programs and experiences our members cherish.
The Lighthouse Café continues to thrive, offering indoor seating, a popular weekend brunch menu, and exciting new ice cream and beer options for the warmer months. Whether you’re a member or part of the local community, we encourage you to enjoy everything the café has to offer this summer.
As you plan your Christmas cruise or private events, don’t forget about the RNZYS Bottle Store. We’re happy to deliver large orders to boats, homes, or businesses (delivery fees apply), and for larger functions, we offer offsite catering and a “consume or return” drinks package exclusively for members.
I’m looking forward to connecting with many of you in the coming weeks, and I can’t wait to see both the Emirates Team New Zealand Women’s Team and Emirates Team New Zealand make us proud in the days ahead.
Sarah Wiblin General Manager
LIGHTHOUSE CAFE
Emirates Team New Zealand in Barcelona
Story by Suzanne McFadden
As the temperatures start to cool down in Barcelona, business is hotting up at the Emirates Team New Zealand base on the city’s waterfront.
“The seasons have definitely changed,” says Emirates Team New Zealand COO, Kevin Shoebridge. “And the intensity here has really lifted. After a pretty frantic start up here, we’re into the rhythm of it now.
“After managing to win the preliminary event and the [Louis Vuitton Cup] round robin, we’re in a really good spot.”
Having the defender sailing in the challengers’ round robin – a first in America’s Cup history – was “incredibly valuable” to the team. “We got around 24 races in the last couple of months, which was invaluable. We’d like to do more but we can’t,” Shoebridge says.
This is Shoebridge’s 10th America’s Cup campaign, and of course, every event is different. But this version of the Cup stands out with Emirates Team New Zealand the defenders but in a foreign land.
“There’s no question that when you a defender, the number of things you have to be involved in and worry about are a lot more than when you’re a challenger. Add to that you move to a different country, as
opposed to your home country, and that’s another whole level again. “The last three years have been particularly challenging, but they’ve also been great. We’re not running out of gas – it’s still a really exciting thing to be part of.
“When you go out on the water, you can see behind you all the massive branding for the America’s Cup in Barcelona, and you see our women’s and youth boats training down on the other course, and you see the hydrogen chase boats, you realise a lot of really cool things have happened a short period of time.”
As the defenders prepare their stunning and quick AC75, Taihoro, for the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup match starting on October 12, Kiwi fans – many of them Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron members –are flooding into the America’s Cup village.
Emirates Team New Zealand have set up ‘Kiwi Corner’ area outside their base, where fans can watch the racing under shade and in the lee of the 2021 America’s Cup champion, Te Rehutai.
“It’s hard to explain the scale of what’s happening here,” Shoebridge says. “The village is spectacular. The whole promenade that lines the foreshore of Barcelona is taken up by the America’s Cup with village, with a series of huge screens.”
The Commodore of the RNZYS, Gillian Williams, says one of the “great aims” in Barcelona is to get people connecting with each other “so they have a shared experience that they bring back to the club,” she says.
“We are doing a lot to get members connected with each other in Barcelona. Two key things will be access to our partner club, Real Club Nautico de Barcelona, and the Kiwi Bar. And a gala dinner with both Māori and Spanish performances, which will be remarkable,” she says.
Shoebridge says no matter where in the world Emirates Team New Zealand are, it feels like home.
“We work so closely together every day we’re here, it feels like a little New Zealand in Barcelona. And the amount of work we’re getting through up here and the efficiency of it would be very hard to replicate in a home environment. Which is one very good positive about working away from home.”
That was no more evident than the frightening moment Taihoro was accidentally dropped onto its cradle during the Louis Vuitton Cup round robin racing.
“It’s a distant memory now, but we were really fortunate – it could have been so much worse,” says Shoebridge. “My initial thought was that we’d be lucky to race again in the round robin.
“There were so many lucky things about where the boat fell and where the hull puncture was between frames and anything else could have been much worse.
“The repairs really showed the depth and commitment of this team. Everyone who could be involved was in involved, and it happened quickly, efficiently and without fuss. And within 48 hours it was painted and racing again, and we only missed one race.”
While the team have worked on further developments for the boat, the sailing crew have been out on the water each day, sailing in the middle of the challengers’ racecourse before racing begins, so they are learning more and more about the conditions.
“I think you’ve seen regardless of what your boat’s strength is, races are won and lost mostly by how well you start, and how well you sail on the course. And it’s difficult to get around the boats, so that’s why we’ve seen the mix up of race wins. You have to be fully in tune with the course and the conditions,” Shoebridge says.
“There’s no question they’re all good boats here this time. But it’s really about having the ability to be able to be good in all the conditions, and know how to change gears and keep your development going.
“I don’t know if the boats are changing much – it’s just probably techniques and everyone knowing how to sail their boats better.
A lot of the semi races were incredibly close, there wasn’t a lot in it.”
During the Louis Vuitton Cup, teams were treated to a full range of conditions, including thunderstorms and lightning, and days of not a lot of wind, but a big sea state.
“A lot of the sea state gets driven by big Mistrals that happen to the north. Although we don’t get the wind, we get a lot of sea conditions. And it can also often be then the sea state doesn’t line up with the wind direction, so you get a lot of cross-wave action on top of the sea swell,” Shoebridge says. “The sea was up to 1.5 meters, which is very difficult to sail in.”
Where sailing in Auckland provided Emirates Team New Zealand with flat water sailing, tucked in behind the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, Barcelona doesn’t offer the same protection.
“Here you’re very exposed, with no islands, so it’s quite a tricky place to sail,” Shoebridge says. “But getting to the course is very simple –a 10-minute tow from our base, and we’re on the racecourse sailing.”
The weather could likely play a major role in the America’s Cup match.
“With the season change happening now, it’s so different than it was when we got here in late July, early August, which was a very settled pattern. Now we’re in autumn, and in October, when the match starts, there’s a lot more ability to get a real mixed bag on conditions. Whether it be the sea state, whether it be light wind, or whether it be a lot of wind,” Shoebridge says.
“It would be a mistake to prepare your boat for one type of conditions because you could get anything. You’ve still got to race from sixand-a-half knots up to 22 – it’s a big range.”
As the Cup defender, sitting out a five-week period of no racing is hard on the team, but it also gives them the opportunity to “double down” on their development. “We’re trying to be quicker, trying to learn all our modes, and trying to sail the boat better, and that time can’t be underestimated as well,” Shoebridge says.
“But we’re happy with where we’re at and with what we’ve got coming along.”
Gillian Williams expects the America’s Cup match to be a “really close regatta”.
“From these second generation of boats, we’re expecting the challenger to be really strong,” she says. “And the things we might not have got right last time, you can count on our team to have got them right this time. I think we will see a lot more finesse.”
The Kiwi Cup BIG DAY OF SAILING & BIG SLEEP-IN
Celebrating the start of the 37th America’s Cup match
On Saturday 12 October from 11am, RNZYS is hosting our first ever Big Day of Sailing and Big Sleep In to get into the spirit of sailing ahead of a very important match race.
Part of the Kiwi Cup Regatta, this have-a-go day is open to anyone aged 14 and over and a great way for regular crews to get together for a fun day on the water at the start of the Summer Sailing Season.
Invite your friends to come along and experience the thrill of sailing on the Waitemata from 11am and around 3:30pm.
After racing, join us at the Dinghy Locker for prizegiving, food stations and live music. Stick around to catch all the action in the first races of the 37th America’s Cup starting at 1am showing live on the Ballroom Big Screen.
For those wanting to be placed on a boat for the day there is a $30 participation fee, and we’ll take care of connecting you with a boat and crew. For members, or those already part of a crew there is no cost! We need your help so new sailors can get involved and share the love of the sport. Please fill out the volunteer boat registration form on our website if you’re able to help out
Later in the evening, for kids aged 6-16 years we’re hosting a family-friendly Big Sleep In.
This is an opportunity to sleep over at the Squadron!
We will watch movies and have a Kiwiana feast of fish and chips, popcorn and other treats. There will be games and activities for children, teens and their parents to enjoy. After a few hours’ sleep, we’ll be up at 12:30am to watch the first races of the 37th America’s Cup.
The Big Sleep in is just $40 per person includes dinner and snacks.
Please note: A minimum of one adult is required to attend with all children and teens. Spaces are limited so be quick!
The Big Day of Sailing
The Big Sleep In
Launch - 14th Sepetmber
Auckland City Toyota - Mt Wellington
Murrays Bay Sailing Club
Westlake Boys High School
Pacific Toyota Tauranga
Tauranga Intermediate
Tauranga Yacht & Powerboat Club
Manawatu Toyota
Port Ahuriri
Plimmerton Boating Club
Napier Sailing Club
Hawkes Bay ToyotaNapier
Tony Richards Toyota
Thames Vehicle Operations
Plimmerton School
Toyota Head Office
Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club
Rutherford & Bond Toyota - Porirua
Rutherford & Bond ToyotaWellington
Bluebridge Ferry Wellington to Picton
Bowater Toyota
Lyttelton Volunteer Fire Brigade
GWD Toyota Alexandra
Governors Bay School
Miles Toyota Christchurch
ILAM Toyota Christchurch
Charteris Bay Yacht Club
Nelson Yacht Club
North Otago Toyota
South Canterbury Toyota
GWD Toyota - Queenstown
ITM Southern Lakes
Mt Aspiring College
Wanaka Yacht Club
Cooke Howlison Toyota Balclutha
And that’s a wrap!
The Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour wrapped up at Royal Akarana Yacht Club September 19th!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly over the past month to take the cup to the people of New Zealand.
Quick tour stats!
• 4500kms driven
• 19 days
• 68 stop overs around the country
• Over 20,000 people had their photo taken with the Auld Mug
• 3500 published photos and still going!
• $2 Million worth of media exposure
Picton School
Blenheim Toyota
Waikawa Boating Club
Lawsons Winery
GWD Toyota Invercargill
GWD Toyota Gore
Cooke Howlison Toyota Dunedin
Queen Charlotte Yacht Club
Bluebridge Ferry - Picton to Wellington
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
Northland Toyota
Kerikeri High School
Sandspit Yacht Club
Warkworth Primary School
Royal Akarana Yacht Club
Glendowie College
Auckland City Toyota Grey Lynn
Warkworth Toyota
Lighthouse Café
Pivoting for Potential at Lighthouse Café
For almost a year, Lighthouse café has sparked joy for Members, public, furry friends and run clubs alike. But, with the winter months bringing in those much-loved unpredictable weather patterns, it was time for the team to pivot. And, that we did, opening up a new indoor seating space. While the North Lawn is still in use, we now are also operating a nice cosy indoor space for those more ‘wild’ weather days, still with great views over Westhaven Marina.
Also adding to our North Lawn offering is a new outdoor bar space, which is set to be a welcome addition to the club as we welcome warmer days.
Lighthouse Cafe boasts the best waterfront views in Auckland and is open to the public 7 days a week. Serving barista made Zephyr coffee and Real Fruit Ice-Cream as well as a delicious selection of sweet and savoury cafe style food options including fresh sandwiches, pastries, salads, cakes and slices with new offerings daily.
If you haven’t been caught out by rain yet, we recommend popping in anyway. Our team would love to see you.
Unlocking Opportunity in Jeddah
World Sailing has selected the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host the upcoming 2024 Youth Match Racing World Championship and the 2024 Women’s Match Racing World Championship.
Located on the Red Sea coast, Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina has become a prominent venue in Saudi Arabia and recently hosted the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, the only venue outside of Spain to host an America’s Cup regatta during the 37th America’s Cup cycle. With the upcoming 2024 Youth Match Racing World Championship, from the 29 November to 2 December, and the 2024 Women’s Match Racing World Championship from 5 to 8 December, the Jeddah Yacht Club (JYC) and Saudi Sailing Federation (SSF) have another opportunity to showcase their venue and growing passion for sailing. The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is thrilled to be working with both the JYC and SSF to assist with the development of these world class events.
Both events will feature a maximum of 12 teams and use the FarEast 28 racing keelboat, a One Design model capable of reaching 20 knots. The FarEast 28 combines high performance with a lightweight frame, making it ideally suited to inshore racing for teams of up to five people. Competition takes place over five rounds: a round robin, a repechage, quarter finals, semi finals and the Grand Final, with a Petit Final to determine third and fourth place.
The RNZYS team staff, volunteers and sailors will be supporting JYC and the SSF. Our Race Management team will assist to deliver the regattas in Jeddah, while our sailors led by Megan Thomson, have been working with those sailors from Saudi Arabia shortlisted to helm boats in an intensive training programme ahead of the event here in Auckland. Sailors visited the RNZYS for an intensive training block across two weeks to hone their match racing skills working together with Megan Thomson, Zak Merton and members of the Mastercard Youth Training Programme. This partnership will provide our Mastercard Youth Training Programme opportunities to sail offshore while developing their experiences as part of the New Zealand based programme.
We will be entering an all Kiwi RNZYS team in both events, while also providing crew to support the JYC and SSF match racing teams who also have a host entry spot for each event. The World Sailing Youth Match Racing World Championship is open to competitors who will be under the age of 23 on 31 December 2024. Crews consist of four or five members, and include at least one female and one male sailor, with a total weight limit of 350kg. For the World Sailing Women’s Match Racing World Championship all sailors must be female with a total combined weight limit of 340kg.
RIGHT Photo by Adam Mustill.
Andresen
There’s still time to join the PIC Costal Classic in October
While excitement for the 37th Americas Cup in Barcelona is at an all-time high, so is anticipation of the PIC Coastal Classic, to depart Westhaven on 25th October. Don’t miss out on the best Kiwi sailing event in the calendar get ready now!
Getting ready for the PIC Coastal Classic is key to having a great race. As one of New Zealand’s most famous yachting events, it calls for some good planning and preparation, especially with so much on the calendar for Kiwi boaties and yachties this year.
Commodore of the NZ Multihull Yacht Club and organiser of the event, Adrian Percival, reminds us to be prepared. “Proper preparation not
only maximises performance but also enhances safety, teamwork, and the overall race experience – allowing crews to focus on sailing their best race and making the most of this event. We cannot stress enough the importance of planning ahead,” says Adrian.
“For those returning from the America’s Cup, you literally have only two days before jumping on your boat. We urge you to ensure other members of your crew attend the registration and briefing sessions, as these will cover crucial information on weather, tactics, and other essential details. And when we win—what better way to celebrate than by getting out on the water and diving into this exciting race!”
LEFT Logan
on Mence. Photo by Suellen Hurling, Live Sail Die.
ACHIEVEMENTS
ENTRIES CLOSE
LATE ENTRIES CLOSE
PREP/SAFETY/TACTICS CLINIC
SAFETY CLINIC
Friday 11 October – 5pm
Friday 18 October – 5pm
Tuesday 27 August 17th or 24th September (to be confirmed)
WEATHER AND TACTICS CLINIC
REGISTRATION & BRIEFING
RACE DAY
Monday 21 October
Thursday 24 October
Friday 25 October 2024
To help stay ahead of the game, here is a list of tasks that need to be completed:
Get your Cat 3
This is arguably the most crucial part of the preparation, as without it, you won’t be able to race. With many Cat3 certificates set to expire this year we recommend you schedule your Cat 3 inspection with Yachting New Zealand at least a month before the event. Ensure you have all the necessary checks completed. Below is a summary of what’s involved.
PHRF handicaps are issued by Yachting New Zealand. Processing can take up to three weeks, so we urge you to not leave it to the last minute.
Crew
It’s not just a matter of having your boat up to scratch, your crew should be too. Make sure you leave enough time to conduct some sessions to familiarise your crew with boat operations, sail handling and safety and emergency procedures.
Race Clinics
Our race clinics offer vital insights into boat preparation, safety, tactics, and weather and are tailored for both newcomers and seasoned sailors. We strongly encourage skippers and crew to attend irrespective of their experience level.
RIGHT Clockwork.
Photo’s by Suellen Hurling, Live Sail Die.
Introducing our new Flag Officers and General Committee
Gillian Williams Commodore
For the first time since the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadrons establishment in 1871, we welcome our first female Commodore, Gillian Williams.
A keen yachtie since age nine, Gillian was introduced to sailing through Penny Whiting’s sailing course in the 1980’s, her instructor, a young Barbara Kendall. Her sailing journey continued as she raced competitively and socially, becoming a member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron over 25 years ago.
On Thursday 29th August, RNZYS members gathered in the Ballroom to hear a report on the Club’s previous year and learn what could be expected for the year ahead, and importantly, announce the 2024/2025 Flag Officers and General Committee.
Meeting quorum, this year members did not need to use their voting power with a selection of 9 Committee Members re-standing for the year ahead and being moved to serve their club by those in attendance.
A warm welcome to our newly appointed Flag Officers and General Committee.
Gillian has been closely connected to the America’s Cup for many years and more recently has been involved in the selection process for the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup teams, but the thing she loves most about sailing and our club is the camaraderie.
A lawyer by day and proud owner and sailor of Mr Kite hopes to help shape a community and pathway for the future where RNZYS can be known not only for producing world class sailors, but for also being inclusive and open to change. Gillian hopes to continue her journey to broadening the club’s inclusivity, re-shaping what RNZYS offers for women and how our membership can become reflective of our wider Auckland community.
Congratulations Gillian, we appreciate your years of commitment to our Club.
David Blakey Vice Commodore Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee
David has been a member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for over 10 years and is currently sailing in the MRX fleet. David has been involved in the banking and finance industry for over 30 years, including a number of executive roles. Most recently he has chaired the Membership and House Committee.
Hamish Williams Chairman of the House Chair of the Membership and House Committee
Hamish has been a member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for 10 years. Hamish has an extensive career as a broadcaster and public relations/communications specialist and has served on RNZYS Committees including the Membership and House Committee and the Cruising and Motor Yacht Committee.
Matt Cole Rear Commodore Chair of the Sailing Committee
Matt has been a member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for four years, and a member of the general committee for three years. Matt has been around boats all his life, and as an avid racer, currently owns the Ker 40 race yacht, Zephyrus. Matt is also a Sales Manager within the marine industry, covering the country and across a wide range of sectors within.
Garry Scarborough
Chair of
the Fixed Asset Committee
Garry has been a member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for over 25 years. Garry has owned and raced various yachts over the year’s most recently Wedgetail and currently owns a Chico 30, Auriga. Garry has over 40 years’ experience in the Property and Construction industries. Garry has held various positions within the club including Chairman of the House and Rear Commodore.
Marguerite Delbet Chair of the Sustainability Committee
Marguerite has been a member of the RNZYS for 10 years and this is her third term on the General Committee. She is chairing a reshaped sustainability committee, which will focus on the long-term existence and sustainability of the club in Westhaven.
She owns Nomos, a Catalina 400 and is a regular participant in the cruising series which she particularly enjoys because of the opportunity they provide to meet and socialise with other members. Marguerite has extensive leadership experience in the private and public sectors and specialises in strategy, governance and regulatory matters. She has worked for Auckland Council for 11 years and is currently a chair of the District Licensing Committee, charged with alcohol licensing.
Barry has been a member of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for 14 years. He has owned and operated an Electrical Contracting business for 41 years. He has served on the General Committee for the last 2 years and also on the Membership and House Committee. Barry cruises and races his Grant Senior 11.4 keeler regularly.
Anna has been on the General Committee since 2023 and a member of the squadron for five years, participating in social sailing and cruising events in that time. Formerly a member of the Finance & Risk Committee, Anna has this year joined the Fixed Assets Committee. Anna has extensive executive level experience in financial services and strategic advisory in New Zealand, Africa and the United Kingdom, having originally qualified as a solicitor at a large commercial firm in New Zealand.
Mark Tapper has been a member of the Squadron for over 20 years. He has been a member of the Squadron’s finance and risk committee since mid 2023. He owns and races a Young 88, Undercover. He is a former tax lawyer and a former director of a global investment bank and now focuses on private equity and venture capital investment.
Thank you to those members who attended the AGM and to those who sent apologies. We are looking forward to another brilliant year ahead at your Club.
Barry Martin General Committee Member
Anna Sullivan General Committee Member
Mark Tapper General Committee Member
No, you’re not seeing double …
In the lead up to hosting the inaugural Toyota Kiwi Cup Regatta RNZYS encountered some unforeseen issues with a few of our new Emirates Team New Zealand Elliott 7’s.
The team at Buckland Beach Yacht Club wasted no time in making the old fleet available to us, ensuring that 10 sailable Elliotts were on hand for the 51 Sailors from across New Zealand to compete in.
We continue to be impressed by the support we have between the two clubs and look forward to running events like this together with all 20 Elliott 7’s one day soon!
LEFT Elliott 7’s.
Photo by Jayden Murdie, Live Sail Die.
Travelling the globe as a reciprocal member
Recently, General Committee Member, Barry Martin, made the most of Summer on the other side of the globe, travelling throughout the UK and sharing diary entries of his experiences at three yacht clubs where he and his fellow travellers were welcomed with warm arms.
3
June 2024:
The Emsworth Sailing Club
On the 3rd of June we visited Portsmouth and the Royal Naval Museum which houses H.M.S. Victory and the wreck of the Mary Rose which was the Flagship of the Royal Navy under the rule of Henry the VIII. It sank and was raised on the 11th October 1982. It’s well worth a visit but if you are really keen you probably need two days.
After that, we pushed on to Emsworth where Sir Peter Blake once lived and near where he is buried. It’s a beautiful small town as so many villages in the U.K. are.
We had dinner at the Emsworth Sailing Club which welcomes all sailors. It was reasonably priced and very nice. It was heartening to see that Sir peter Blake’s legacy continues here with the Blake
Sailing Session being sailed that evening. This Sailing session gave young girls the opportunity to experience sailing in a sailing dingy. Many had never sailed before. There were plenty of trophies in the cabinets of this club too.
The next morning, we drove to the Thomas a Becket Church close to Emsworth and visited Sir Peter Blake’s grave in the Warblington Cemetery. It was a sombre moment.
11
June 2024:
The Royal Cork Yacht Club
The Royal Cork Yacht Club is the oldest yacht club in the world, established in 1726.
It’s got so much history it’s amazing and sitting on the banks of the estuary at Crosshaven with access to Cork Harbour, The Royal Cork Yacht Club is very sheltered and idyllic. We found the Marina staff and the Yacht Club staff very welcoming.
Not having that much time, we had a drink sitting outside overlooking the estuary and a wander around and departed, but I would recommend anyone near the area make a visit, it’s worth it.
If you wish to know more about the Royal Cork Yacht Club jump online and have a look at their website at www.royalcork.com
11 July 2024: The Royal Thames Yacht Club
The Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC) in based in Knightsbridge, London right next to Hyde Park.
It’s a very upmarket location, with a lot of history and is very unassuming from the outside. We took some London friends that also sail for lunch. It’s much like going to an upmarket restaurant with a yacht club theme. The Club overlooks Hyde Park - a lovely outlook. There are several different rooms available for dining and the menu is varied.
We had lunch outside on the deck as we finally had a nice day with no rain. While outside on the deck we were visited by a local Fox from Hyde Park. They are a pest, but it was nice to see one.
The RTYC is quite formal, and I would recommend that anyone wishing to use the RNZYS reciprocal rights check the dress code
before visiting. The RTYC also has accommodation available which, given its location in Central London, seems quite reasonable.
The Royal Thames yacht Club website can be found at www. royalthames.com
There are many paintings and photographs some with quite historical significance. I thought that the large painting of Maiden in the Southern Ocean was rather special.
A visit here is also highly recommended.
When visiting our long list of reciprocal clubs, you can expect to be welcomed with open arms, truly experiencing the culture and community of each club for a fraction of what it would cost to be a member. To enjoy your reciprocal club member benefits, simply email RNZYS with your travel dates and the club you’d like to visit to request a letter of introduction.
Women’s Day Out
More than 230 women take to the water in the Barfoot and Thompson Women’s Day Out.
Another sensational Barfoot and Thompson Women’s Day Out event was held on Saturday 24th August and saw over 230 women celebrating sailing, with many new sailors getting a taste of the sport we love.
The event started with race briefing and plenty of excited anticipation with many new faces entering our club for the first time. To welcome everyone onto the harbour, a pod of dolphins kindly joined us, making for a magical and calm start to the day.
Race One kicked off in challenging conditions - with little to no wind. Yachts drifted through the course, but this provided time for new crew to be ‘shown the ropes’. Congratulations to our Race One winners on PHS, ALEGRE (Div B) and Rawene (Div E), on line ALEGRE also took the win in Division B, with V5 placing first in Division E.
Race Two provided far more action, and fun competition ensued, seeing Legacy (Div B) and Ovlov (Div B) taking out wins on PHS, and line honours going to Zephyrus and V5. Meanwhile, our Women’s Day Out Elliott 7 Sprints gained momentum over four races held in front
of the Club, with the Barfoot and Thompson team coming out on top as series winner.
But, of course, this event isn’t all about competition. There were smiles all-round afterward, as crews were greeted at the Squadron with delicious drinks and food which enjoyed while sailors shared stories of their day on the water.
Taking part in her first Women’s Day Out event, Daisy Keeping, shared her experience with us.
“It was such a lovely day out - everyone was in good spirits and laughing, but at the same time trying to win the races. Communication on board was excellent with great feedback loops meaning that nothing was missed.
“Everyone was cool, calm and collected even when we were five minutes late for a start! My highlight was winning a race and the amazing salad for dinner afterward.”
New to the sport, but a returning Women’s Day Out crew member, Jenny Curtin, relished in the opportunity to sail with likeminded women on Rawene.
“This was my second year at Women’s Day Out. We had a slow start to the first race with not much wind, but we were so lucky to experience the most amazing appearance of dolphins in the harbour! The sun came out for the second race, and it was a beautiful way to end a great day, sailing on beautiful Rawene with an amazing crew and skipper. I’m looking forward to next year already!”
A highlight shared between guests was hearing from inspirational RNZYS Olympic Sailor, Greta Pilkington, who was hosted on stage by Suzzane McFaden and shared stories of her journey to Marseille for the Paris 2024 Olympic Regatta.
At just 21 and sailing at the Olympics, Greta’s determination and persistence has been key to her success. Completing a Degree in Architecture, Greta only began training for Olympic campaign in November 2023 and is an amazing example that you can be an Olympian and follow your other passions at the same time.
Greta described her experience at the Olympics as “Even better than I thought it would be..”
“You don’t really understand what it’s like until you’re in it. There’s just so much going on...[and I thought] Holy…I’m living this.”
Greta complemented the “top notch kiwi dinners” the team were given while competing and, after racing against the best in the world, Greta is excited for the next four years saying, “I hope another Olympics is on the cards.”
Off the back of successful events in 2023 & 2024, the Women’s Day Out is set to be back with a splash on Saturday 23rd August 2025 thanks to major sponsors Barfoot & Thompson and supporting sponsors Toyota, Mastercard, and The Sisters.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or looking to get into the sport for the first time, the Women’s Day Out will bring together women from all backgrounds for a day of celebration, fun and learning on the water. No need to own a boat or be part of a regular crew, RNZYS can organise this for you, simply register today on our website.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors, boat owners and volunteers who helped to make the 2024 Barfoot and Thompson Women’s Day Out day so special.
MAJOR SPONSOR
SUPPORTERS
BOAT SPONSORS
YOUTH TRAINING REPORT
As we edge closer to the summer season, our youth sailors have been incredibly busy, logging long hours on the Waitemata Harbour. This hard work culminated on September 14-15 in an ultimate showdown, where 11 teams battled it out on our waters for the prestigious title of New Zealand Youth Match Racing National Champions.
Congratulations to the Performance Programme team, Waitemata Racing, and their crew—Josh Hyde, Mason Mulcahy, Zach Fong, Cody Coughlan, and Sofia Higgott—who claimed the crown after a fiercely competitive regatta. Thanks to their victory, they will now represent New Zealand on the global stage, traveling to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in December to compete in the Youth Match Racing World Championship.
Auckland delivered perfect conditions for the event, with 10-18 knots of breeze each day, allowing us to complete an impressive 72 races! The final came down to a nailbiting 3-2 finish, with Mastercard Youth Training Programme sailor Noah Malpot pushing Waitemata Racing to the very end. The racing was tight across the board, with every team from 1st to 11th capable of taking races off one another, creating a thrilling spectacle for all involved.
Several parents and supporters even brought out boats to catch the action up close! The top three teams from this event also qualify directly for the New Zealand Match Racing Nationals, taking place from November 14th to 17th. This event has received 24 expressions of interest from some high-profile sailors, promising more excitement ahead!
Looking forward, October will see two all-girls teams, consisting of 10 of our YTP sailors, head across the Tasman to compete in the Australian Women’s Match Racing Nationals at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. They will be guided by ex-YTP/PP sailor Anna Merchant, who, alongside her partner Aaron, recently competed in the Offshore Double-
Handed World Championship.
In other news, Mastercard Youth Training Programme member Robbie Wooldridge, who is excelling both on the water and in the digital realm, recently showcased his talents on the global e-sailing stage. After winning an America’s Cup E-Sailing Qualifier, Robbie earned an all-expenses-paid trip to Barcelona, where he competed in the America’s Cup E-Sailing Championship Final. Finishing second in this highly competitive event has granted him the incredible opportunity to sail on an AC40!
In the Performance Programme space, we have had significant success on the world stage. Waitemata Racing has solidified its spot as the 2nd best-ranked Youth Match Racing team by not only winning the Youth Nationals but also securing 4th place at the Governor's Cup in California this year. This regatta is widely regarded as the most competitive youth match racing event in the world. Additionally, Jack Frewin and his LJ’s Racing team took out the CentrePort Youth Match Racing Regatta in Wellington, before Jack teamed up with World Number 1 Youth Match Racer Cole Tapper to win the Governor’s Cup. Well done to these talented young sailors! I’m excited to see their progress over the summer.
The Mastercard Youth Training Programme sailors have also been actively helping with various club projects, spending a lot of time at the club and honing their leadership skills in the process. They deserve a massive amount of credit for their dedication. Bring on summer!
Performance Sailing Manager
Zak Merton
RNZYS SAILING REPORT
With our North Sails Winter Series drawing to a close, winter racing brought its usual mix of exciting challenges, unpredictable weather, and fierce competition. Despite the colder months, participation remained strong, with a variety of boats and crews showcasing their skill and determination.
My congratulations to the North Sailing Winter Series winners:
Div A: Kaizen- Simon Manning
Div R: Equilibrium – Graham Matthews
Div B: Force Eleven – Peter Shischka
Div E; GO – Bill Endean
Div C: Telent – Chris Gudgeon
MRX: Floating Dock - Aaron Young (LINE)
Sports Boats: Cliff Hanger – Cliff Gordon
Young 88’s: Flash Gordon – Karyn Drummond (LINE)
We had another great turn out for the Barfoot and Thompson Women’s Day Out, one of my favorite events on the calendar. With over 200 amazing women from varied experience backgrounds coming together for an awesome day, both on and off the water.
Looking Ahead to the Summer Season:
With many of our members and boat owners overseas in Barcelona to cheer on Emirates Team New Zealand, we are anticipating a slower start to the summer season However we are as always excited about the competitive racing out on the Waitemata.
Our next Match Racing regatta is the New Zealand Match Racing Championships in November which is shaping up to be a bumper event with over 20 EOI’s received, make sure to come down to the clubhouse 13th – 17th November and check out the racing in our fleet of Emirates Team New Zealand Elliott 7’s.
Please take advantage of the online website and downloadable calendars www.rnzys.org.nz/whatson/
Young 88’s at the North Sails Winter Series. Photo by Suellen Hurling, Live Sail Die.
Classics on show
Ngataki bound for Hobart...
More than 80 years ago Johnny Ray’s Ngataki, (‘constructed from assembled drift wood’ by Johnny in Auckland) raced George Dibbern’s Te Rapanga (self-built by George in Germany) across the Tasman to Melbourne, and from Melbourne to Hobart. Te Rapanga won both races, with Ngataki limping into Hobart, severely damaged in a gale on the final leg of the second race.
Ngataki and Te Rapanga will race each other again at the forthcoming Australian Wooden Boat Festival (February 7-10, 2025) in Hobart. The plan is to ship Ngataki across the Tasman to Melbourne and sail her to Hobart with the flotilla bound for the festival (Te Rapanga is already nearby on Bruny Island.)
It was 2012 when Tony Stevenson got the call from Picton that Ngataki was 24 hours away from going to the tip: “We couldn’t let that happen – she is such an iconic part of our DIY sailing heritage.”
When Johnny Wray built her from salvaged and scrounged materials on his parents’ Remuera front lawn in the early 1930s it famously cost him 12 pounds and 10 shillings. Even taking into account some 440 % of inflation, she cost far more to restore than to build, says Tony: “Robert Brooke said she was in perfect nick and wouldn’t take much to restore. But like many classic restorations, once we opened her up we discovered there was only so long a bit of No.8 wire could last.”
Tony Stevenson and Michelle KahnStevenson are heading the NZ classic boat delegation to Hobart – and Tony will skipper Ngataki against Te Rapanga, with Michelle part of the crew.*
... and around Aotearoa.
While the Hobart wooden boat festival is the largest in the South Hemisphere, several festivals around Aotearoa NZ showcase our beautiful traditional boats. Coming up in the next few months are: the Whangarei Maritime Festival in the Town Basin (October 12-13, 2024); Lake Rotoiti (Bay of Plenty) Classic and Wooden Boat Parade (February 8, 2025); Lake Rotoiti (Nelson Lakes) NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show (March 1-2, 2025); and the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival which will run in conjunction with the 2025 Moana Nui Festival, (dates yet to be confirmed).
*The Tino Rawa trust is still fundraising for Ngataki to be shipped. Anyone interested in supporting can contact Michelle on michellek@nwv.co.nz.
Heritage photo of Ngataki sailing on the Waitematā Harbour.
Ngataki on display outside Ponsonby Cruising Club in August.
Getting ready for summer
Like many CYA launches, Tuna has been out of the water for general maintenance and a spruce-up over winter. Her decks have been stripped and glassed, topsides repainted in her signature combo of aqua, yellow and gleaming red, and a new bow roller and anchor fitted.
Now back in North Cove (Kawau Island) after five weeks in the ‘tent’ at Sandspit (pictured), Tuna is ready to go “wherever the weather sends us around the Gulf – or doesn’t,” says skipper Jill Hetherington, who has owned her for 14 years.
Tuna is 32’ long and three-skin kauri, with hardwood sponsons at her widest points and brackets inside for extra strength. Designed by Ernest Bailey in 1939 as a pilot boat for the Tokomaru Bay Harbour Board, she was built in Auckland by Chas Bailey and Sons.
Boatbuilding tools of the past
In a 40-foot shipping container bound for Hobart and the Australian Wooden Boat Festival will be everything from five classic NZ sailing dinghies, to Maritime New Zealand’s Tuia Mātauranga Te Moana nui a Kiwa display of the history of Pacific navigation from the earliest Polynesian arrivals in Aotearoa to the present day; from display material showcasing NZ classic boats and an information board on the recovery and restoration or the Daring, to copies of Johnny Wray’s iconic book South Sea Vagabonds…and a selection of tools used by three generations of Logans to construct many of the classic yachts now part of the CYA fleet. The tools, unearthed four years ago by the Logan brothers while sorting out the family home after their mother’s death, will form part of the NZ exhibit at the Festival. Many would have come out from Scotland with his great-grandfather Robert,
In 1942 she was acquired by the Wellington Harbour Board, working as a pilot boat and on general duties until 1988 (and is famously listed on the register of boats that rescued people from the ill-fated Wahine in 1968).
From 1988 Tuna passed into private ownership, her various owners based in Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland. When Jill saw her listed for sale on Trademe in 2010, she was hooked…
Jill has taken part in many CYA events over the years and is planning (weather permitting) to be part of the CYA’s Patio Bay launch and yacht race and Christmas BBQ ashore in December.
The CYA is not all about racing, says incoming CYA chair Jeremy Chapman – although he admits that his crewing on Ariki is a real highlight: “I love it that as soon as you are out
on the water, concentrating on the wind and the waves, the worries of the world fade away.” He wants to see many more on-thewater and on-shore opportunities for launch and yacht crews and their families to enjoy – and more boats regularly out on the water: “A boat that is being used regularly will be having maintenance done on it. It’s being kept alive.”
says Keith Logan. The shipping container will open out to form part of the NZ pavilion at the Festival in Hobart.
Logans a family affair
Over the past few years, Keith says he has felt a growing sense of connection to his maritime whakapapa. He loves the beauty and architecture of the Logan classics – but they are also an emotional connection with his forebears.
Keith has recently acquired the 1892 44’ gaff cutter Aorere designed by his greatgrandfather and begun her refurbishment. He plans to return Aorere as closely as possible to her original 1892 configuration (although using modern tools, not those of his great grandfather), but retaining the cabin which was added to her early on. Aorere is his second Logan – he has just completed the refurbishment of the 1904 34’ 5” gaff cutter Wairiki, designed by his grandfather Arch and acquired three years ago.
restored under the auspices of the Tino Rawa Trust, Wairiki was back racing on the Waitemata from 2010. Keith has yet to race her – or even properly sail her: “But I plan to get a crew together and have her out on the harbour this coming summer,” he says. Wairiki is moored at Heritage Landing while Aorere is on a swing mooring at Opua.
Wairiki had a successful decades-long racing career and then cruising history before sinking in a storm in Lyttleton harbour in 2000. Brought back to Auckland and fully Keith Logan and boatbuilding tools from the past.
Tuna in the ‘tent’ at Sandspit.
DOCKSIDE
THE LATEST RAIL CHAT
The Yacht Sales Co.
The Yacht Sales Co is the Asia Pacific leader of new and pre-owned power and sailing yachts with Sales Centres in New Zealand, Australia, Asia and throughout the Pacific. Powered by a team of highly experienced sales professionals, the company is the
Helly Hansen Unveils New Outlet Store
exclusive representative of the world’s leading multihull and monohull brands. The Yacht Sales Co. also boasts an outstanding record of sales in its Pre-Owned Brokerage division and provides a comprehensive marketing and sales campaign to make selling your boat easy and enjoyable while achieving the best possible results. Contact our New Zealand team today at www. yachtsalesco.com to discover an ocean of quality yachts available for sale or to discuss selling your boat with the industry leaders.
Helly Hansen is excited to announce the opening of its new outlet store at Mânawa Bay, New Zealand’s premier shopping destination. Located by Auckland’s stunning Manukau Harbour, this store offers an exceptional shopping experience in a breathtaking setting. For nearly 140 years, Helly Hansen has been trusted by adventurers worldwide, from skiers at over 200 resorts to sailors crossing all five oceans. The new outlet offers access to top-notch, professional-grade gear, ensuring customers can experience the perfect blend of functionality and innovation—for skiing, sailing, or any outdoor adventure. Discover the gear that’s built to handle the world’s toughest conditions.
Get a $50 Members Bar voucher when you sign your friends up to be a member
In the Winter Issue of Breeze, we offered a $50 Members Bar credit to those who successfully encouraged a friend or family member to sign up as a member. Thanks to you, this was a huge success, so we’re extending the opportunity.
We are proud to be one of the most prestigious sporting clubs in New Zealand, and a world leading international yacht club with excellent reciprocity opportunities across the globe. You’ll find your people at our club, and a family of enthusiasts across the globe who will welcome you with open arms too. But that is just one reason to encourage your friends and family to join us.
From dabbling in ladies Mahjong, to exploring wine tastings, indulging in glamourous lunches, dancing the night away at parties, sailing in the harbour races and more – if your friends aren’t here, they’re missing out. Our new categories of membership are tailored to how you use the club and connect with your community and have made the squadron more affordable and accessible to others.
If you have friends who regularly crew on a yacht but don’t have a club membership, this is the time to get them signed up. From just $475 annually, those who enjoy spending time at our events and on the water can be members of our club – they can even pay just $40 monthly!
If you and your community simply want to make the most of the off water events and venue offerings, you can now encourage them to sign up as a member for just $300 annually, or $25 per month. Depending on their age and stage of life, they may be eligible for a new full membership too with some age groups paying a fraction of the cost.
We hope to see more people take advantage of membership offerings so that they too can enjoy our Food and Beverage offering, Room Hire, Bottle Shop, Retail, Training Courses and unmatched on and off water events. Whether keen sailors or not, we implore you to encourage your communities to make the most of our space – with the best views in town, why wouldn’t they want to join us?!
Get a friend to sign up to the club now and you’ll receive a free $50 Members Bar credit to enjoy.
*promotion will end November 1st, 2024.
Hello Club Members Portal
A reminder, with just a few clicks you can update your personal information, manage your membership preferences, pay your membership, and stay connected with the latest news and events hosted by the club.
Hello Club, our membership management software, is already helping to streamline operations and improve your experience with the club. If you haven’t already, connect with RNZYS through Hello Club by completing your member account set up.
Thanks to all members who have already been using Hello Club!
If you’d like to discuss your membership with us, or have any questions, please contact the Membership team, phone 09 360 6800 or email membership@rnzys.org.nz
Start your journey to the sky long before you leave the land
Driving stronger communities through grassroots sport.
We believe grassroots sports are essential to young Kiwis, not just for health bene ts, but the ability to unite communities and people from all walks of life. That’s why, through our Toyota Store network, we support over 130 sports teams and clubs across New Zealand.
