This article originally appeared in the RNZYS’ Breeze Magazine – photo and images by Ivor Wilkins. Read the full Breeze Winter edition online here.
A generous bequest from former RNZYS General Committee member David Innes will enable Mastercard Youth Programme members to experience big-boat sailing aboard the two former Whitbread maxis Lion NZ and Steinlager 2
“One of the key areas we need to address with our Youth Programme members is big boat racing,” says General Manager Sarah Wiblin. “They need to develop the skills to jump out of Elliott 7s and onto bigger boats for races like the Coastal Classic.”
Competencies to work on include dealing with big boat winches, trimming sails, experiencing the different loads, sailing at night and standing watches.
On September 9-10, the youth sailors will join the NZ Sailing Trust’s two maxi yachts for a 26-28-hour session in the Outer Gulf, with several mark-roundings thrown in to test sail-handling.
“Each boat will have about 16 youth sailors on board along with four graduates of the programme with serious ocean racing miles behind them as coaches and mentors,” says Wiblin.
“This is an exciting opportunity and a great way to give some real world ocean racing experience in memory of David Innes and his very generous bequest. It would be wonderful if we could do something similar every year.”
David Innes joined the RNZYS in 1979, served on the General Committee and was an active member of the Cruising Division with his Lotus 10.6 Break free. Towards the end of his life, he made a big contribution to the reorganisation of the RNZYS Peter Cornes Memorial Library. He also played an active role with the Kawau Island Boating Club.
Doyle Sails are proud supporters of the RNZYS Youth Training Programme with over 20 years supporting young sailors in Auckland.
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to deliver success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation; whilst connecting sailors to inspire, support and encourage sailing.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those with the same passion. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.