Yachting New Zealand

08/06/2026

We’re proud to share that our school engagement programme RŪNĀ has been awarded the Environmental Sustainability Award at the New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards hosted by Sport New Zealand🌊🏆

RŪNĀ began as a way to introduce sailing to underserved communities, creating more equitable access to our sport. Since then, it has grown into something much bigger.

Today, the programme places ocean health at its heart, alongside participation and deepening connections to our moana. It’s about empowering rangatahi with knowledge of the marine environment and giving them practical ways to help protect it for future generations.

This recognition reflects the incredible commitment of teachers, schools, and yacht clubs across Aotearoa who bring RŪNĀ to life every day.

Special thanks to Dean Stanley, Sally Carson, and our incredible sponsors and partners for their passion and support on this journey 💙

The Lion Foundation
Maersk
Worser Bay Boating Club
Marine Science Otago
Coastal People : Southern Skies

08/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Yachting New Zealand, winners of the Environmental Sustainability Award.

Through RŪNĀ, Yachting New Zealand is connecting young people to their moana – building environmental awareness, strong communities and a growing movement of kaitiaki across Aotearoa.

Toitū te marae a Tangaroa. – The domain of the ocean remains intact.

07/06/2026

⛵ Great news for Pigeon Bay Boating Club!

After years of uncertainty, a recommended solution will protect camping sites critical to the club’s future.

A big win for community sailing and everyone who helps keep the club thriving 👏

Full story 👉 https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/pigeon-bay-boating-clubs-future-safeguarded-christchurch-city-council-accommodation-decision

07/06/2026

📣 Calling all sailing coaches!

Your experience matters. Help shape the future of coaching in New Zealand by completing the Coaching System Survey 2026.

Whether you're a volunteer or paid coach, working at club, youth, class association, performance or high-performance level, we want to hear from you.

For more info and to complete the survey 👉 https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/yachting-new-zealand-coaching-survey-2026-seeks-nationwide-input-sailing-coaches

📸 Sailing Energy

07/06/2026

Sharon Ferris-Choat has made history as the first woman in over a decade to complete the Solo TransTasman Yacht Challenge and the first monohull skipper home in 2026 🇳🇿🇦🇺

Expecting “boat-breaking, human-breaking” conditions before the start of the race, she wasn’t disappointed — the Tasman delivered everything from 40-knot squalls to hail and freezing seas 🌧️⛵️

Sharon finishes second on line honours behind Guy Chester, while James Foster is third home and Malcolm Dickson sits in fourth but currently leads the provisional PHRF corrected standings 🏁

Read more 👉 https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/2026-solo-trans-tasman-challenge-new-zealand-veteran-sharon-ferris-choat-makes-history-early-leaders

📸 Live Sail Die

Opua Cruising Club
Vixen Racing
SheSails NZ

07/06/2026

What a fantastic turnout at the annual Winter Dip 💙🌊

Our sailors joined dozens of others at Takapuna Beach alongside Live Ocean and the New Zealand SailGP Team to celebrate World Ocean Day and show their support for healthier oceans.

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the winter water and stood up for the moana! 🌊

06/06/2026

04/06/2026

"At one stage I thought, ‘this is getting a little bit real now.’”

It’s the decision no offshore sailor ever wants to face: abandon a vessel taking on water, or stay onboard and ride it out.

That was the reality for Graeme Francis during the Solo TransTasman Yacht Challenge over the weekend — a day from land and hours from help, in darkness, heavy seas, and gusts exceeding 50 knots

Read the full story as the veteran yachtie recounts his 16 hours battling a stricken yacht at sea - and how preparation helped him make it back to shore 👉 https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/2026-solo-trans-tasman-challenge-stricken-new-plymouth-yacht-club-sailor-graeme-francis-recounts

📸 Boating New Zealand

Opua Cruising Club
New Plymouth Yacht Club

04/06/2026

Calling all women and girls 🌊⛵

The Barfoot and Thompson Women’s Day Out 2026 is back at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) on Saturday 22 August, bringing a full day of keelboat racing, learning and connection on the Waitematā Harbour.

This year has a strong focus on youth sailing, with under-18 sailors able to race alongside Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme athletes aboard the Squadron’s Elliott 7 fleet.

Whether you’re a first-time sailor or experienced racer, you’ll be matched with a crew and supported on the water, followed by a full day of racing, lunch, dinner, prizes and entertainment.

🎟 Tickets are on sale now – don’t miss out 👉 https://rnzys.org.nz/sailing/wdo/

02/06/2026

From Waiheke Island to the world stage 🌊⛵️

Serena Woodall’s sailing pathway has been far from conventional, but after making her AC40 debut for Emirates Team New Zealand at the Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari, she is one giant step closer to realising her America's Cup dream 🚀

Read more 👉 https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/louis-vuitton-38th-americas-cup-2027-serena-woodall-pathway-led-emirates-team-new-zealand-dream

📸 Emirates Team New Zealand