BREEZE - #255

BREEZE Issue No. 255

Official Publication of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

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Cover Shot: “Suellen Hurling loving her ride on Taihoro the AC75”.

Photo: Emirates Team New Zealand Cover shot selected by Georgia Witt

Contributors Commodore David Blakey Georgia Witt Ella Sagnol Brooke Adamson Rocky Singh Greta Pilkington Emirates Team New Zealand Cameron Thorpe Ben Mackay, The Black Foils Oakley Marsh Nick Roberts Classic Yacht Association Suellen Hurling

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.

CONTENTS 5. From the Commodore - David Blakey 6. From the General Manager - Georgia Witt 7. Introducing the Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme 9. Harry Thurston appointed Performance Sailing Coach 12. Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme Update 13. Quest Racing selected to represent at the Youth Match Racing World Championship 15. North Sails Super Yacht Rally a massive success 16. Summer Sailing Wrap Up 18. Eyes on the Prize: YTP Graduates Dominate SSANZ Round North Island Race 20. Paula Satterthwaite: Empowering the next generation of Race Officials 24. Nick Roberts: Chasing the Tenth 27. Rick Youmans: Turning Sailing into Art 30. PIC Wednesday Series Results 32. Barfoot & Thompson Women’s Day Out 34. Motor Yacht Rally Winter Schedule 34. Barfoot & Thompson Squadron Speaker Series 35. Greta Pilkington: Less than 800 days to the LA Olympics 36. Marc Michel: Stupid Enough to Say Yes 40. Launching the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Sustainable Boating Guide 44. Volunteering - It’s good for the soul 45. Getting Those Entries In 47. Squadron Quiz Night Schedule 48. Haines Hunter Overlander OP725 50. Oakley Marsh: The Kiwi Sailor Taking on the Elite French Offshore Racing Scene 51. Meet Rocky Singh 54. AC38: Exclusive Member Experience & Travel Packages Now Available 55. Taihoro Returns to the Waitematā 54. Commodore David Blakey: My AC75 Taihoro Experience 59. Suellen Hurling: The day I stepped onto an AC75 and reality left the chat 62. Milford Weath Management 64. Cameron Thorpe: Stop Your Moaning and Protest 66. Back Foils Update 69. Classic Yacht Association Journal

Advertising enquiries advertising@rnzys.org.nz Editorial and other enquiries breeze@rnzys.org.nz DEADLINES Edition #256 / 2026 #2 Now four seasonal issues per year Editorial & Advertising: 15 June Magazine posted: ~29 June

Editor, Layout and Typesetting Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

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Commodore David Blakey - 029 200 3626

General Manager Georgia Witt - 029 020 20457 gwitt@rnzys.org.nz

Vice Commodore Matt Cole - 021 125 3096

Sponsorship Anita Thurlby - 021 203 9911 athurlby@rnzys.org.nz

Rear Commodore Garry Scarborough - 021 821 177

Membership Experience Beth Orton - 027 555 9567 membership@rnzys.org.nz

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Sailing Manager Ella Sagnol - 027 288 3157 raceoffice@rnzys.org.nz

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FROM THE COMMODORE

David Blakey Few yacht clubs in the world occupy the position that the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron does in the sport of sailing. As the home of the America’s Cup, a leader in youth sailing development, and one of the most active racing clubs in the Southern Hemisphere, RNZYS is influential both locally and on the global stage. Yet, like clubs everywhere, we are navigating a period of significant change. Economic pressures, evolving member expectations, and the rising cost of delivering world-class facilities and programmes mean that running a modern yacht club requires constant adaptation. Our challenge is to ensure that, as we evolve, we remain true to what has always made the Squadron special: a community of members who love being on and around the water.

Strengthening the club for the future has been a key focus in recent months. A significant step has been embedding Montana Group as our food and beverage partner. Together we are improving service, refreshing the menu, and ensuring the Members’ Bar remains a place where members and their guests genuinely enjoy spending time. A vibrant clubhouse plays an important role in building the connections that make a yacht club feel like a true community.

We are also looking forward to introducing our new mid-week “Club Nights”, which will combine quiz nights, speaker series and other activities designed to bring members together over the winter months and strengthen our sense of community.

We are also delighted to welcome Emirates Team New Zealand as the new naming partner of our Youth Training Programme.

Their support enables us to continue delivering a world-class pathway for young sailors, and we are excited about the opportunities their involvement will bring.

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Looking ahead, the winter season will bring a revised Winter Series. While winter sailing sometimes requires extra motivation, it often delivers some of the most rewarding conditions - clear skies, steady breezes and a quieter harbour. I encourage members to embrace the season and keep the racing spirit alive.

In what continues to be a period of change, I would also like to acknowledge Georgia and her RNZYS team. Their professionalism, energy and commitment have been critical in helping the Squadron navigate this environment, while continuing to deliver a high standard of service for our members.

We are also progressing the planned marketing of the Squadron’s Kawau Island property. Kawau holds an important place in our history, and decisions about its future have been approached with care. Our objective is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Squadron so future generations can enjoy the same opportunities.

That insight resonates strongly with our experience at RNZYS. What truly differentiates our club is not just our harbour location, race programme or history - it is the people who bring the Squadron to life. Our members, volunteers and staff collectively create the character of the club.

The continued success of the Squadron ultimately depends on the engagement of its members.

Whether through racing, supporting the clubhouse, attending events, or introducing new members, these everyday actions all help strengthen the club we share.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible making the most of the Squadron over the months ahead. Because ultimately, it is your participation and connection that will ensure RNZYS continues to thrive - not just as a world-class yacht club, but as a truly special community.

Running a sporting club today presents real challenges. Costs continue to rise, traditional sources of fundraising are harder to sustain, and expectations around facilities, service and programmes continue to evolve. A recent editorial from the International Council of Yacht Clubs (ICOYC) reinforces this point, highlighting that the clubs most likely to thrive will not simply be those with the newest facilities, but those that invest in culture, community and belonging.

David Blakey Commodore Commodore David Blakey waving that he’s ready to go on board Taihoro Full story page 56 Photo: Emirates Team New Zealand

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FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Georgia Witt As David mentioned in his report, we’re operating in a period of change. Our focus is on making sure that change is reflected in real, tangible improvements that members can see and feel around the club. It’s about ensuring that what we talk about is experienced every time you walk through the doors.

Over recent months, there has been a strong focus on lifting standards across all areas of the operation. Whether it’s service in the clubhouse, the presentation of our facilities, the delivery of events, or the support around our racing programme, the goal is consistency. We want the experience at RNZYS to match the reputation of the club, every time and for every member.

Behind this is a team that continues to put in a huge amount of effort. We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of staff who care deeply about the club and the experience we provide. It has also been great to see new faces settling in. Rocky, our Events and Partnerships Manager, has made a strong start, bringing valuable venue experience as we work through the transition with Montana and shape how events will operate moving forward.

We’ve also seen some change within the sailing team. We said farewell to Performance Sailing Coach Zak Merton and thank him for his contribution, and we look forward to welcoming Harry Thurston into the role. One of the highlights of the summer was the Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup, where it was fantastic to see the wider team step in across all areas, whether that was serving breakfast, turning rooms around, or supporting on the water.

That willingness to pitch in wherever needed is what keeps the club running at a high level.

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A key focus for us is the overall member experience, from the moment you arrive, to your time on the water, and through to the social side afterwards. You’ll read more in this issue about the staircase artwork generously donated by Emirates Team New Zealand, along with the addition of new portraits of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. This is part of a broader project to refresh the look and feel of the clubhouse, particularly those first impressions as you enter. It’s important that we not only celebrate our history, but also better reflect recent achievements, our members, and the boats that are part of the Squadron today.

It has also been encouraging to see how members are engaging with the food and beverage offering. Hearing that we sold out of pizza after the final PIC Wednesday Series race was a great sign. We’ve been working closely with the Montana team to develop options that are affordable, quick, and enjoyable for members and their crews after racing. This is an area we will continue to refine, so please keep the feedback coming.

Like many organisations, we are not immune to broader economic pressures. Rising costs, particularly around fuel, create a level of uncertainty as we head into winter. Our focus is on managing this responsibly and finding efficiencies where we can, while still delivering a strong experience for members.

Partnerships like the one with Montana are an important part of this, giving us more flexibility in how we operate.

One area I’m particularly excited about is the introduction of our mid-week “Club Nights.”

Whether it’s quiz nights or the Barfoot & Thompson Speaker Series, there will be something happening at the club every Wednesday, outside of school holidays. It’s a great opportunity to keep crews connected through the winter months and ensure the club remains active and social, even outside the main sailing season.

Looking ahead, the next few months will be about building on this momentum. The North Sails Winter Series, Club Nights, the Annual Prize Giving and continued improvements to the food and beverage offering are all part of creating a club environment that members want to be part of year-round.

Ultimately, delivering a great club experience comes down to the details and to the people behind it. We’ll continue to focus on both, and we look forward to seeing you down at the club over the winter months.

Georgia Witt General Manager

You will notice a small change to winter opening hours. This year, the clubhouse will be closed Monday and Tuesday, rather than Sunday and Monday as in previous years.

The intention is to make the most of the weekend and allow more members to enjoy the club, particularly around Sunday lunches and events.

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Emirates Team New Zealand announced as Naming Rights Partner of RNZYS Youth Training Programme We are incredibly proud to announce Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) as the new naming partner of its prestigious Youth Training Programme (YTP), marking a significant step forward in supporting the development of New Zealand’s next generation of elite sailors.

Now entering its 39th year, the Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme has long been recognised as a premier high-performance pathway for emerging Kiwi sailing talent. Built on the philosophy of developing great people and great sailors, the programme has produced not only world-class competitors but well-rounded individuals. Over the decades, more than 40 YTP alumni have gone on to spend time within Emirates Team New Zealand in a variety of roles across the team base.

This new partnership reinforces the deep connection between the two organisations and provides a powerful platform for the continued growth and success of the programme. Emirates Team New Zealand’s commitment will enable RNZYS to further enhance its ability to develop sailors capable of competing at the highest level of the sport.

The relationship builds on an already strong foundation, including Emirates Team New Zealand’s previous gifting of the Elliott 7 fleet to the programme - an asset that continues to play a key role in training and development.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Emirates Team New Zealand as a major supporter of our Youth Training Programme, now proudly rebranded as the Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme. Recognised as world-leading, the programme continues to nurture talented young sailors and open pathways into successful careers across the professional yachting world. This landmark partnership comes at the perfect time, as we enter an exciting new era with Harry Thurston as coach and look ahead to celebrating the programme’s 40th anniversary next year.”

David Blakey, Commodore

“The RNZYS Youth Training Programme has consistently delivered exceptional talent. We are proud to support the programme and invest in the future of New Zealand sailing by helping create opportunities for the next generation.”

Grant Dalton, Emirates Team New Zealand

“This support not only strengthens the programme financially, but it also creates a meaningful connection between developing sailors and teams competing at the very highest level. It’s incredibly exciting, and another reason why it’s such a great time to be stepping into this role.”

Harry Thurston, Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme Performance Sailing Coach

With a strengthened support and deeper integration with one of the world’s leading sailing teams, the newly named Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme is poised to continue its legacy of excellence - producing great people and great sailors.

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Harry Thurston Ready to lead next generation as Performance Sailing Coach of Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme

By Suellen Hurling

Harry Thurston has been appointed Performance Sailing Coach of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron’s world-renowned Youth Training Programme, stepping into a role that feels a lot like coming home.

A former YTP sailor himself, Thurston went through the programme from 2006 to 2010, and says it played a huge part in shaping both his sailing career and who he is today. He moved from Akaroa to Auckland as a 17 year old, specifically to join YTP and to persuse sailing as a career path. Now he’s back, this time leading the next generation.

“Talk about full circle!” laughed Thurston, looking back on how this all came to be.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting the next generation of sailors,” he says. “Helping them learn, guiding them, and being a part of turning them from good people and sailors, into great people and world class sailors.”

When asked what his focus will be straight away, his answer is simple.

“It’s about building people first. If you can build great people with the right habits, the sailing side of things becomes a lot easier.”

That means focusing on things like showing up on time, being prepared, and taking ownership.

“Discipline leads to results,” he says. “In sailing, things can unravel pretty quickly. If you’re late, you’re rushing to get the boat ready, and then the session doesn’t go well. It’s all the small things that add up.“

“It’s the accountability. Having to turn up every weekend, commit to something, be part of a team. That kind of structure sticks with you.”

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“It’s about building people first. If you can build great people with the right habits, the sailing side of things becomes a lot easier.”

While performance on the water is always important, Thurston is putting just as much weight on what happens off it.

“The behind-the-scenes stuff is massive,” he says. “Boat work, looking after sails, maintenance, all of that. It’s almost as important as the sailing itself, especially if you want to get into bigger teams.”

He’s keen for sailors in the programme to pick up practical skills as well.

“Things like splicing, sail repair, even just knowing how to look after a winch properly. Those are the kinds of skills that really help you down the line.”

A lot of that thinking comes from his own time in YTP, and particularly from his coach, Guy Pilkington.

“Guy taught me a lot. He was really strong on preparation and all the off-water components, but he was also just a good leader. Someone you looked up to. That’s something I’d like to bring into this role as well.”

After finishing the programme, Thurston went on to race all over the world, competing in the Youth America’s Cup and the World Match Racing Tour, as well as campaigns across the US, Europe and Asia.

“It took me all around the world, which was pretty cool, and into some really good teams.”

But when he looks back, it’s not just the sailing achievements that stand out.

“It’s the accountability,” he says. “Having to turn up every weekend, commit to something, be part of a team. That kind of structure sticks with you.”

And then there are the people.

“You’re still mates with a lot of them now. That’s a big part of it.”

Now, stepping into the head coach role, Thurston brings both that experience and a clear idea of what’s important.

His main goal off the bat is to get the culture right and he knows the results will take care of themselves after that.

Former YTP Coaches Reuben Corbett and Guy Pilkington together with newly appointed Coach, Harry Thurston celebrating their win after the 2024 New Zealand Match Racing Championship.

Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

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Dear Mum, We’ve got a surpri se for you on Sun day 10 th May! We’ the Royal New Zea re taking you to land Yacht Squadro n for a delicious be lunch and you get spoke buffet a dr the view is really aw ink on arrival too! It’s in the Quarte rdeck, and esome. Happy Moth er’s Day Mum! We going to have a g know you’re reat day!

Love you, Your Favourite Chi ld (you know which one) M

OTHER’S DA Y AT RNZYS Quarterdeck Bespoke Buff Sunday 10 th May et • Members Includes a g lass of Prose cco, Peroni o $85 • Non-Members $9 12pm to 3pm 5 r a soft drink • rnzys.org.n z/cal/mothe rsday M

ember’s Bar & Open as norm The Lighthouse al

Celebrate

ANNUAL PRIZE ANNUAL PRIZE GIVING GIVING the Season at the

Saturday 16th May

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Need to upgrade your wet weather gear? Order your next set of Musto gear through us! Get in touch with Anita Thurlby and let RNZYS be your personal shopper - athurlby@rnzys.org.nz BREEZE #255

Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme A Season of Dominance, Transition and Exciting Prospects for 2026 The RNZYS Youth Training Programme has delivered another outstanding chapter in its 39year legacy, producing champion sailors who continue to excel on the world stage. From November 2025 through to March 2026, our sailors achieved impressive results across a series of international and national events.

These performances showcased the depth of talent, seamless teamwork and highperformance match-racing skills fostered by the programme.

Regatta season kicked off with a bang as four teams headed to Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s Harken Youth International at the end of November. This led to a final series completely dominated by RNZYS teams. Skippers and brothers Zach and Ethan Fong alongside their crews battled for the top spot on the podium with Zach coming out on top, leaving younger brother Ethan in second place. Who doesn’t love a bit of sibling rivalry!? Meanwhile Sam Scott and Robbie Wooldridge went head-tohead in the petit finals finishing in third and fourth place respectively.

The RNZYS finals appearances continued in January as 3 teams headed to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia for their Helly Hansen Youth International. All three RNZYS teams made it through to the quarter finals with Josh Hyde and his Waitemata Racing team taking home the win over Australia’s Cole Tapper while Sam Scott and Ethan Fong went head-to-head in the petit final finishing in 3rd and 4th place respectively.

In late January, the Warren Jones International Youth Regatta in Perth, Western Australia, offered strong international competition. Josh Hyde and his Waitemata Racing crew (Zach Fong, Ryder Ellis, Nick Drummond, Oliver Lloyd, Noah Malpot) secured a competitive 5th overall, while Ethan Fong and Quest Racing (Harry McMullen, Hugo McMullen, Lucas Day, Maddie Rist, Henry Angus) performed strongly in the fleet.

RNZYS while Josh Hyde and Waitemata Racing finished second after an epic battle between two outstanding teams.

Early March saw the fleet return home for the Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup on the Waitematā Harbour. The RNZYS sailors once again stood strong: Ethan Fong and Quest Racing finished 2nd overall, and Josh Hyde’s team placed 4th. These strong performances reinforced the programme’s ability to produce consistent contenders on home waters.

In late March, the New Zealand Youth Match Racing Worlds Trials, hosted by RNZYS, brought the period to a dramatic close. Over two demanding days of light and variable winds stretching into the late evening on the Waitematā, the competition tested patience, strategy and precision.

In a gripping five-race final that went the full distance, Ethan Fong and Quest Racing edged out Josh Hyde and Waitemata Racing 3–2 in a nail-biting decider. The closely fought series, contested between two world-ranked teams (Ethan currently world #1 and Josh world #2), showcased the exceptional standard of match racing produced by the YTP. With this victory, Ethan Fong, alongside crew members Harry McMullen, Hugo McMullen, Lucas Day and Amelia Angus, secured selection to represent New Zealand at the 2026 Youth Match Racing World Championship in Middelfart, Denmark (21–25 June 2026).

Our mission remains unchanged: to develop high-calibre sailors and exceptional individuals through a world-class keelboat training environment, fostering skill, teamwork and excellence on the world stage. We live by our core values Excellence, Commitment and Team and celebrate the mantra GREAT PEOPLE. GREAT SAILORS. As we welcome the 2026 intake and prepare for an intensive season ahead, the future has never looked brighter. The YTP continues to produce sailors who excel on and off the water, ready to represent RNZYS with pride on the global stage.

Above Quest Racing after winning the Hardy Cup at Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. L2R: Alissa Marshall, Maddie Rist, Ethan Fong, Lucas Day, Harry McMullen Left Waitemata Racing after winning the Helly Hansen Youth International at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. 2R: Oliver Lloyd, Zach Fong, Rye Brady, Nick Drummond, Josh Hyde Photos: Sprott Media

Braedyn Denney Interim Performance Coach

Boat Sponsors

Supporters

We are excited to welcome Harry Thurston as the new Performance Coach for the upcoming season. A highly accomplished sailor and twotime New Zealand Young 88 National Champion including a commanding victory at the 2024 Harken Young 88 Nationals aboard Dangerzone.

Harry brings a wealth of match-racing and keelboat experience, along with past success with RNZYS teams at national championships and a proven track record of developing young talent. His appointment further strengthens our coaching team as we focus fully on the YTP.

These results highlight the growing depth of talent nurtured by the RNZYS Youth Training Programme. As the programme enters its 39th year, we also mark an important transition.

February delivered the season’s highlight with the 25th anniversary Hardy Cup at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. In a thrilling all-Kiwi final, Ethan Fong and Quest Racing claimed the title, marking a third consecutive victory for

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After three and a half years of outstanding service, Performance Sailing Coach Zak Merton stepped away from his role. Zak remained actively involved in coaching through the transition, supporting sailors at home and away regattas, and the Squadron extends its sincere thanks for his professionalism, dedication and lasting contribution to the YTP. Braedyn Denney stepped in as Interim Performance Coach, to keep things on track and build momentum into the new season.

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Ethan Fong’s QUEST RACING set to represent at the 2026 Youth Match Racing World Championship

By Suellen Hurling Photography By Marcus Brummel / Live Sail Die

There’s a moment every athlete dreams of, when the results go live, the rankings refresh, and suddenly everything changes. For New Zealand match racer Ethan Fong, that moment came with a quiet kind of disbelief.

“I’d have to say having the same team around me, committing to regattas and training together, that’s been the biggest thing,” he explains. “We’ve built a team, rather than just picking the best individuals.”

“It was pretty cool, to be honest,” he says. “Especially only starting match racing about two and a half years ago.”

That team includes Hugo McMullen, Harry McMullen, Amelia Angus, and Lucas Day. It’s a group that’s as close off the water as they are on it. The McMullen’s are brothers, Amelia is their cousin, bringing a family dynamic into the mix.

Now ranked number one youth match racer in the world, Ethan’s rise hasn’t followed the usual slow burn. It’s been quick, focused, and built on something far more important than individual talent.

Consistency, trust, and a tight-knit team have been at the centre of it all.

While many sailors chase success by assembling the strongest possible lineup, Ethan and his crew have taken a different path.

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It’s clearly working. Just a year ago, breaking into the top 10 was the goal. Now they’re sitting at the very top of the world rankings.

Ethan’s quick development has been due to time on the water, particularly through his and the teams involvement as members of the RNZYS Youth Training Programme where sailing isn’t just occasional, it’s consistent.

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“WE’RE TRYING TO TRAIN AS MUCH AS WE CAN” “Being on the water pretty much every weekend was massive,” he says. “And being surrounded by others with the same goal to get to the top really pushed all of us.”

The team will be racing in Blu 26s, which are a step up from the Elliott 7s they’re used to. To prepare, they’re mixing in time on other keelboats, including Young 88s, to get used to the feel of boats with cabin tops and different handling characteristics.

There’s also a familiar motivator in the background. Sibling rivalry.

“It’s always good having an older brother who’s got more experience and is beating you,” Fong laughs. “It makes you want to catch up.” Ethan’s older brother Zach has also had this fair share of Match Racing performance results. Zach raced with Josh Hyde and his Waitemata racing team, representing New Zealand at the Youth Worlds for the last two years in Jeddah and Poland.

In November 2025, Zach and Ethan’s teams were 1st and 2nd respectively at the Harken Youth International Match Racing Cup. The brothers have been pushing each other since they were toddlers!

With the rankings milestone behind them, the focus now shifts to the 2026 Youth Match Racing World Championships in Middelfart, Denmark from the 21st to the 25th June. It’s a venue known for tricky tidal conditions and shifting breeze, something that might play into Kiwi hands.

“It sounds pretty similar to Auckland,” Ethan says. “Hopefully that gives us a bit of an advantage.”

“We’re trying to train as much as we can, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, just to give ourselves the best shot.”

They’re also hoping to line up against some strong training partners.

“Obviously we’d love to get Josh (Hyde) out, and guys like Robbie (Wooldridge) and Sam (Scott),” he says. “Anyone who wants to get involved really. The more we can push each other, the better. We’d love to get on the water training with Jordan Stevenson and Reuben Corbett as well.”

For all the success, there’s a more challenging side to the campaign that doesn’t always get seen. Funding.

“We’ve got to spend quite a lot just to get to Worlds,” Ethan admits.

“And with things like the Governor’s Cup coming up, it adds up pretty quickly.”

Support from his work at Doyle Sails has helped, but like many young sailors chasing international results, the campaign is still looking for backing.

“We’d love sponsors!” he says, grateful to anyone within the community who would like to support the team as they pursue their goal of winning the 2026 Youth Match Racing World Championship while representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and New Zealand as a whole.

For now the priority is simple. Train hard, arrive prepared, and make the most of the opportunity.

From aiming to break into the top 10 to becoming world number one in just a few seasons, Ethan and his team have already shown how quickly things can move when everything clicks.

Now they head to Denmark not just as another team in the fleet, but as the one everyone else will be watching.

@questt_racing

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NORTH SAILS SUPER YACHT RALLY A MASSIVE SUCCESS NORTH SAILS SUPER YACHT RALLY A MASSIVE SUCCESS Every great event starts with an idea, and that’s exactly how the North Sails Super Yacht Rally came to be. North Sails New Zealand General Manager Richard Bicknell together with Super Yacht Sales Manager Matt Smeaton and Marketing Manager Andrew “Willzy” Wills, came up with the concept to host a super yacht rally in conjunction with The Yacht Sales Co. Squadron Weekend in late January.

After the unfortunate cancellation of the Millennium Cup, the North Sails team were determined to ensure that the visiting super yachts had a memorable experience while in Auckland, with most of them using their time here for refits and other major works. There were multiple super yachts in town, so the idea was floated, with many of them keen as mustard to be a part of the weekend.

NZ Marine fully supported the event, donating their rum barrel for the first super yacht into Kawau. The traditional barrel was enjoyed by not only the winners of the day, Janice of Wyoming, but enjoyed by the Radiance and Kinietic crews as well.

Sailors from all over the world took part in the rally, and even though only three of the super yachts were able to make the weekend, the stories of all the good times and incredible sailing on the Hauraki Gulf filtered down to those unable to enjoy it - the FOMO (fear of missing out) was alive and well, with many keen to ensure they were back next year to take part.

A massive thank you goes to Richard, Matt, Willzy and the entire North Sails team, as well as NZ Marine and The Yacht Sales Co. for making this a weekend to remember, and to the super yacht owners and crew who brought the gulf alive with their sheer presence on the water.

2026 North Sails Super Yacht Rally. Photos: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

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SUMMER SAILING WRAP UP

By Ella Sagnol & Brooke Adamson

SailGP as seen from the RNZYS Member’s Bar! Photo: Suellen Hurling

Sham Pain during the Commodore’s Cup Photo: Marcus Brummel / Live Sail Die

The 2026 Harken Young 88 Nationals added another highlight, showcasing a strong fleet and great racing, reinforcing the depth of talent within the class. Congratulations to Will Mason and team for taking out the title, and it was fantastic to welcome the Young 88 fleet back to the Squadron and we look forward to hosting the fleet again soon.

None of this happens without the huge effort behind the scenes. Our volunteers continue to be the backbone of the club, giving their time, expertise, and energy across multiple events, classes, and even clubs to keep racing running across Auckland. Their contribution cannot be overstated, and the club and sailors owe them a heartfelt thank you. So. Volunteers. THANK YOU!!!

It’s been a standout summer on the water, with a packed calendar delivering a true pick and mix of racing and events that seemed to fly by. From major regattas to club racing and everything in between, the past few months have kept the club humming and made the most of every opportunity to get out on the harbour.

Since February alone, the club has hosted an impressive run of events, including three National Championships: the NZ Women’s Match Racing, Secondary Schools Keelboat Nationals, and the Young 88 Nationals. Alongside these sat the Youth International Match Racing Cup and the Youth Match Racing World Trials, rounding out a schedule that reflects both depth and ambition in our racing programme.

Away from hosting duties, the broader summer calendar brought plenty of memorable moments.

With SailGP returning to Auckland, the Commodore’s Cup Night Race to Kawau and the Kawau Island Race shifted earlier in the season, delivering a stunning weekend.

A big acknowledgement also goes to the skippers and crews representing the Squadron on the water. Many of you have been competing both locally and further afield, and it has been a source of pride to watch you represent the RNZYS so well. Please remember to let us know where you’re heading and your results so we can share this with other members. We are here to help you share the stories with the sailing community.

While the summer season has now come to a close, activity at the club is far from slowing.

Interest in the Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme has surged, and we are excited to be welcoming Harry Thurston as Performance Sailing Coach. There has been significant input into the programme this year from alumni, coaches, and volunteers, highlighting just how much people care about its future and its role in developing the next generation.

Plans are also underway to establish a YTP Committee to help guide strategic direction and support Harry in his role. Members with a passion for high performance youth sailing are encouraged to get involved. Please just get in touch with Ella - esagnol@rnzys.org.nz or pop into the office for a chat.

We are also pleased to welcome Musto as our official uniform sponsor. Their increased support this year is greatly appreciated, particularly in what remains a challenging economic environment.

The start line this year was a sight to behold, with a larger fleet boosted by yachts from Ponsonby Cruising Club. 50 yachts charged off together and with the North Sails Super Yacht Rally all heading to Kawau, the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf came alive. It was awesome to see.

From there, the season rolled on at pace. SailGP brought its usual buzz to the harbour, while the rhythm of club racing continued strong. Rum Races, the PIC Wednesday Series, and Sprint Racing kept the calendar full and competition tight.

Start of the Commodores Cup Round Kawau Island Race Photo: Marcus Brummel / Live Sail Die

Winter Hours Wednesday to Sunday 12pm to 9pm BREEZE #255

Page 16

Megan Thomson*, Charlotte Porter, Anna Merchant*, Josi Andres*, Alex Maloney Photo: Marcus Brummel / Live Sail Die

Looking ahead, the winter season is fast approaching. The North Sails Winter Series begins on the 9th of May, with the Notice of Race now live and crews already starting to organise. Entry fees have been reduced compared to last year thanks to the support of North Sails in a conscious effort to keep participation accessible.

This year will also bring a subtle change, with all courses starting from Orakei. It is a shift that offers a fresh perspective on winter racing. This means there’s time to catch up with the crew on the motor out, and pack up on your way back to Westhaven meaning you can step off the boat and head to the club after racing faster than ever before! We will be waiting for you! But in all seriousness, this change has come to ensure you get more racing outside the harbour. We know that racing up and down the same area can become (and for some people is), monotonous.

Up next is your chance to dress up and celebrate at the Annual Prize Giving on the 16th May. We look forward to seeing you all foot loose and fancy free and ready for a good time. Keep an eye on our website, socials and Mainsheet for all the details.

James Hayhoe, James Hopkins, Michael King, Katina Casimaty, Jemma Hopkins Photo: Marcus Brummel / Live Sail Die

Remember - our office is open to you. We are just a phone call, email or a pop in away.

Please feel free to talk to us about your sailing experiences here at the Squadron. We are here for you!

See you in the club, or on the water!

SQUADRON HOSTED SUMMER REGATTA RESULTS * Indicates RNZYS Members

New Zealand Women's Match Racing Championship 21-22 February 2026 1st Megan Thomson*, Charlotte Porter, Anna Merchant*, Josi Andres*, Alex Maloney 2nd Lily Xu, Tinker Visser, Hana Blandford, Gretel Satterthwaite*, Maia Dock 3rd Harriet Mclachlan, Jessica Ellis, Isobel Payne, Katina Casimaty, Xanthe Copeland St Kentigern College White. Keaton Lay, Emily Frewin, Johnathan Huang*, Karol Zhang, Lachie Gillies Photo: Marcus Brummel / Live Sail Die

Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup 26 February - 1 March 2026 1st James Hayhoe, James Hopkins, Michael King, Katina Casimaty, Jemma Hopkins 2nd Ethan Fong*, Hugo McMullen*, Amelia Angus, Harry McMullen*, Lucas Day* 3rd Daniel Kemp, Hayley Fisher, Lachlan Wallace, Charlie Verity, Belle Holdsworth

NZ Secondary School Keelboat Championship

Ethan Fong*, Hugo McMullen*, Amelia Angus, Harry McMullen*, Lucas Day* Photo: Braedyn Denney

13-15 March 2026 1st St Kentigern College White Keaton Lay, Emily Frewin, Johnathan Huang*, Karol Zhang, Lachie Gillies 2nd Auckland Grammar Blue Tom Pilkington*, Hugo Smith, Oli Stone, George Turner, Ashton Cooke 3rd Westlake Boys High School Finloe Gaites*, Thomas Sentch, Isaac Gaites*, Cullen Russel*, Lewis Snape 1st Top Girls Team - Westlake Girls High School Black Bella Jenkins, Emily Turner, Jessica Handley, Gretel Satterthwaite*, Danielle Robertson

Harken Young 88 Nationals 21-22 March 2026 1st Young Magic William Mason, Lucas Day*, Sam Street*, Noah Malpot*, Matt Mason, Tim Howse, Pierre Harrison 2nd Dangerzone Harry Thurston*, Josh Wijohn*, Sam Barnett*, Brendon Sneddon, Johnny Bell, Logan Andresen, 3rd Vagabond Greg Wilshire, Grant Abicht, Mike Knowsley, Tony Nicholson, Alex Murray, Kaylia Wilshire, James King

Young Magic in the lead William Mason, Lucas Day*, Sam Street*, Noah Malpot*, Matt Mason, Tim Howse, Pierre Harrison Photo: Marcus Brummel / Live Sail Die

World Youth Match Racing Trials 28-29 March 2026 1st Ethan Fong*, Hugo McMullen*, Amelia Angus, Harry McMullen*, Lucas Day* 2nd Josh Hyde*, Noah Malpot*, Luca Smith*, Wilbur Stanley, Rye Brady* 3rd Sam Scott*, Finn Balchin*, Tim McCulloch*, James Blyth*, Alissa Marshall*

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EYES ON THE PRIZE YTP GRADUATES DOMINATE THE ROUND NORTH ISLAND RACE RESULTS

Nine sailors who recently completed the Short Handed Sailing Association of New Zealand’s Round North Island Race were graduates of the RNZYS Youth Training Programme spanning 24 years.

James Glidden Class of 2002 Brett Elliott Class of 2004

We often celebrate the success of YTP Graduates in the World Match Racing Tour, America’s Cup and SailGP, so it’s time to include our short handed offshore sailors into the mix of those to cheer about.

The SSANZ Round North Island Race commenced on Saturday 28th February from Devonport Wharf, with four legs in total completed. The 1,022nm course is broken down into four legs.

Leg 1 - Auckland to Mangōnui / 154nm Leg 2 - Mangōnui to Queen Charlotte Sound / 479nm Leg 3 - Queen Charlotte Sound to Napier / 222nm Leg 4 - Napier to Auckland / 367nm In a show of dominance, two teams were at the top of the overall leaderboard at the end of the two week event. James Glidden (2002) and Brett Elliott (2004) sailing Ragnar won the entire race overall on PHRF with Damon Jolliffe (2003) and Josh Tucker (1997) on Motorboat III claiming the PHRF points top spot.

“RAGNAR” st

1 PHRF Total Corrected Time 2nd PHRF Points (on countback) 1st PHRF Division 3

Josh Tucker Class of 1997 Damon Jolliffe Class of 2003

YTP is not only a pathway to match racing, but also towards keelboat success, with a number of graduates also going on to race in the Volvo Ocean Race and other major offshore events like the Round North Island Race.

1994 graduate Sharon Ferris-Choat (Vixen - sailing with Taylor Edwards) finished 7th on PHRF overall and was the highest placed female co-skipper.

Can you guess which set of eyes belong to which YTP Graduate?!

Answers on Page 19 All photos by Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die for the Doyle Sails SSANZ Round North Island Race

Spring 2025 BREEZE #255

“MOTORBOAT III” MOTORBOAT III 1st PHRF Points (on countback) 2nd PHRF Total Corrected Time 1st PHRF Division 1

Page 18

Sharon Ferris-Choat Class of 1994

Logan Fraser Class of 2002

“VIXEN”

“NIKSEN”

7th PHRF Total Corrected Time 4th PHRF Points nd 2 PHRF Division 1 First Female Skipper

Racing with RNZYS Member Marc Michel 3rd PHRF Total Corrected Time 5th PHRF Points 3rd PHRF Division 3

Cameron Thorpe Class of 1995

Peron Pearse Class of 2017 Harri Wren Class of 2018

“GENERAL LEE”

“START ME UP”

Racing with Tim Holgate 14th PHRF Total Corrected Time 12th PHRF Points 4th PHRF Division 1 RNZYS Member

17th PHRF Total Corrected Time 15th PHRF Points 3rd PHRF Division 4 RNZYS Member: Harri Wren

“What an epic adventure, only possible thanks to Ragnar’s owner, Derek Kerr who trusted Brett and I with his boat. Huge respect to all the competitors who pushed hard and made it to the finish line through such a wide range of conditions and testing moments for both crew and boat. Sharing it with a best mate and taking the win made it incredibly special.

Thanks to everyone who helped support such an awesome event” James Glidden RAGNAR

SQUADRON MEMBER RESULTS SSANZ ROUND NORTH ISLAND RACE

Bernie Hyde

General Committee Member Lori Ormandy

“AKONGA”

“HIGH5”

“PERFECT STORM”

Racing with Brendan Sands 4th PHRF Corrected Time 3rd PHRF Points 2nd Division 3

Racing with Max Livingston No overall PHRF Corrected Time result due to a DNF in Leg 1 14th PHRF Points 5th Division 2

Racing with Thomas Hyde No overall PHRF Corrected Time result due to a DNF in Leg 4 21st PHRF Points 6th Division 1

Racing with Ken Ormandy 11th PHRF Corrected Time 16th PHRF Points 5th Division 1

Rowan Smith

Bruce Gault

Andrew Mackmurdie Jennifer Haliday

Congratulations to all our members who took part.

Ben Roff

Nick Roberts

“KICK”

RESPECT!

“WHICHWAY”

“HIGHLINE”

Racing with Lydia Boyd 16th PHRF Corrected Time 14th PHRF Point 2nd Division 4

Racing with Craig McMillan 10th PHRF Corrected Time 13th PHRF Points 4th Division 2

22nd PHRF Corrected Time 25th PHRF Points 6th Division 4

Order of the eyes - left to right: Cameron Thorpe, James Glidden, Brett Elliott, Logan Fraser, Josh Tucker, Damon Jolliffe, Sharon FerrisChoat, Peron Pearse & Harri Wren

“CARPE DIEM”

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Paula Satterthwaite Empowering and inspiring the next Words & Photos By Suellen Hurling

On any given race day, while fleets of young sailors jockey for position on the start line, there’s a different kind of focus happening just beyond them, on the committee boat. It’s here that Paula Satterthwaite has found her place in the sport, not just as an official, but as a quiet force shaping the future of sailing.

Her journey into race management didn’t begin with a grand plan. It started, at the local sailing club where her daughters raced, (Murrays Bay Sailing Club), helping out during the P Class Nationals.

“It was just really fun,” she recalls. “Being involved on the race management side of things, seeing how it all works behind the scenes.”

generation of girls in sailing, as a race official through Yachting New Zealand followed by practical experience. Stepping up to National Race Officer requires involvement in higher-level regattas, logging experience, and proving capability both on paper and on the water.

“It’s not just an exam,” she says. “It’s showing you can actually do it.”

For Paula, one of the most important aspects of race management is its accessibility, especially for women.

“Absolutely, it’s achievable,” she says. “You don’t even have to be a good sailor. You don’t even have to be a sailor. You just have to be willing to learn.”

That openness is key to growing diversity in the sport, particularly in roles that have traditionally been male-dominated. And while she may hesitate to call herself a role model, her impact is undeniable.

But there was something deeper driving her.

“I didn’t want to be the mum in the galley doing kitchen duties,” she says. “I wanted to be the mum out on the water doing cool stuff, and showing girls that they can do anything.”

That philosophy, girls can do anything, has become a defining thread through everything she does.

Coming from a sailing background, which also included the RNZYS Youth Training Programme, Paula already understood the rhythm of racing, the wind shifts, the pressure, the stress of a poorly laid course, but stepping behind the scenes revealed a new layer of complexity.

“When you get in behind it, you realise it’s all the details,” she explains. “There’s a lot that has to come together to make racing happen.”

“I’ve got two girls,” she says. “That’s a massive focus for me, making sure girls are represented and supported.”

Her work with Westlake Girls High School has been a major part of that. From building the sailing programme to ensuring students have opportunities to compete, she’s helping create pathways for the next generation.

It’s a challenge she’s well suited to. Selfdescribed as detail-oriented, Paula thrives on the precision required to run fair and efficient racing. Still, the pathway hasn’t been without its hurdles.

“Making sure we get to regattas, that we’re represented, that girls have the chance to sail, it all matters.”

“The biggest challenge is just finding the time,” she says. “You’ve got family, school commitments with Westlake Girls Sailing Team, and everything else going on, it’s busy.”

“The girls are so enthusiastic,” she says. “You want to encourage them. You want to make it fun, make it achievable.”

The progression itself is structured but demanding. Starting as a Club Race Officer is relatively accessible, with an online course

BREEZE #255

If there’s one place where Paula’s passion is most visible, it’s in Green Fleet racing, the entry point for young sailors.

For Paula, it’s not just about running races, it’s about creating an environment where young sailors feel supported and excited to keep going.

“You’re teaching them along the way. That’s really important, keeping them learning.”

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“I've been super lucky that I've had Megan Kensington as my mentor” It was this attitude, and her commitments, that led to Paula being awarded the “Empowering Girls in Sailing” trophy at the recent PredictWind Girls Regatta at Kohimarama Yacht Club. When the award was announced, everyone on the beach cheered for Paula.

Now a National Race Officer, Paula has her sights set on the next level, International Race Officer. But true to her grounded approach, she’s not rushing it.

“I’ll just take it one step at a time,” she says. “One regatta at a time, just keep chipping away.”

It’s this mindset that reflects both the sport she loves and the role she’s grown into. Because while sailors may cross the finish line, the work of people like Paula Satterthwaite ensures the race happens at all.

The achievement of becoming a National Race Officer also came with a lot of support behind the scenes, especially from International and Olympic level Race Officer, Megan Kensington.

“I've been super lucky that I've had Megan as my mentor, so she's been behind me every step of the way, encouraging me and making sure I don't fall by the wayside. Having Megan on the end of a phone call anytime I need to ask her a question has been amazing and I do have to thank her for continuing to push me into becoming a National Race Officer.”

Paula will continue to “chip away” but is fast becoming a regular on race courses across Auckland and New Zealand because on the committee boat, she’s proving, quietly but powerfully, that there’s more than one way to lead in sailing.

Representing Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Asher Satterthwaite had her best result yet at a Toyota Optimist National Championship, finishing 10th overall in the Green Fleet! Congratulations Asher!

Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

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Page 21

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C h a s i n g t h e Te n t h A Lifetime on the Water Comes Full Circle From a childhood on Sydney Harbour to leading his own campaign, Nick Roberts returns to the Sydney to Hobart with unfinished business, and this time with an experienced team of friends who are backing him all the way.

There are easier ways to spend a summer than preparing for one of the toughest ocean races in the world.

For Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron sailor Nick Roberts, the path to the start line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has never been easy.

His 2026 campaign is not a single race, it’s a deliberate, multi-stage build up. Five races across New Zealand and Australia, each one sharpening the edge for the ultimate test: Three Kings Offshore Race PIC Coastal Classic Cabbage Tree Island Race Bird Island Race And finally, the Rolex Sydney to Hobart “This campaign is about building toward something that’s been a longstanding personal goal,” Roberts says. “To complete my tenth Sydney to Hobart, and to do it as owner and skipper.”

A life enjoyed by simply being on the water “I’ve been sailing for 52 years,” Roberts says. “My dad first took me out when I was two, strapped into a car seat in a leaking wooden Bluebird on Sydney Harbour.”

From those beginnings, his childhood unfolded on the water, windsurfing and dinghy sailing out of Balmoral Sailing Club.

At 13, watching the Sydney to Hobart start on television, the ambition crystallised.

“I remember seeing the maxi yachts launching out of waves, the bowmen working the foredeck and thinking: that will be me one day.”

Four years later, at just 17 and only weeks out of school, he was on the start line. Nine races followed, the last in 2004.

Now, more than two decades later, he returns, this time as owner and skipper.

ākonga passing Rangitoto Light during Leg 1 of the 2026 SSANZ Round North Island Race. Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

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The Boat At the centre of the campaign is Ākonga, a Dehler 41 cruiser-racer designed by Judel/Vrolijk, proven, versatile, and deeply understood by her skipper.

The final piece of the campaign is now coming together, with Roberts on the search for a fifth crew member - someone who brings a strong cultural fit and the ability to drive the boat at the level the Sydney to Hobart demands.

A different type of campaign

Since acquiring the boat in 2022, Roberts has built a résumé and has completed some serious miles. He has sailed solo through Fiji and New Caledonia, won the Two-Handed Division of the Three Kings Race in 2024, and competed extensively in short-handed offshore racing, including the Northern Triangle and the 2026 Round North Island Race.

“We’ve done a lot of miles short-handed in very competitive fleets,” Roberts says. “To now bring that experience together as a team and take on this race, it’s exciting.”

“We’re targeting the cruiser-racer division. That’s where this boat belongs, and we think we can be competitive there.

The Team “We’re not professionals,” Roberts says. “But we’re committed sailors with broad experience. We trust each other, we focus on safety and seamanship, and we make sure we’re enjoying it.”

His long-time two-handed partner, Max Livingstone, brings tens of thousands of offshore miles and a calm presence forged over decades at sea.

Navigator Andrew Hall combines international short-handed racing experience with an intimate knowledge of the boat’s sail inventory.

“It’s about preparation, clarity, and trust. When things get tough, the team has to function.”

“It requires sound preparation, planning, teamwork, resilience, and ultimately, it’s a true test of leadership.”

“At 3am in Bass Strait, you’re not thinking about results, you’re thinking about the next wave, the next decision, and looking after your crew.”

“The thing people don’t understand about the Sydney to Hobart is that it’s not just a race, it’s a test of judgement.”

On the bow is Ryan Mills, stepping into his first Sydney to Hobart.

“It’s a full-circle moment,” Roberts says. “I still remember the trust and opportunity I was given when I did my first Hobart. To now offer that to Ryan, it’s pretty special.”

“As two-handed sailors, we do everything, including the bow. Having a specialist bowman on board is a bit of a luxury.”

“Success for us is lining up, executing our plan, and finishing the race proud of how we sailed and how we worked as a team.”

And somewhere out there, deep in the night, with the boat driving hard and the pressure on, there will be a moment that brings it all into focus.

A lifetime of sailing. A team brought together. And a goal, finally within reach.

Max Livingston & Nick Roberts together before the start of the 2026 SSANZ Round North Island Race

By Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

13:58 6

Beau the Bowman online

Hey, did you see that change to the start time for Saturday?

Looks like breeze on! 😱 Hectic. What change?

The change to B Div!

Hang on let me go check the website so I can see the change on the noticeboard Are you not on the Squaddy WhatsApp Chat? 🤯😳

make sure your bowman is never late again

Stay Connected • Scan the Code

Ummmmmmm........

No don’t think I am 😭😭😭😭 OMG get on it NOW!

Race Day Updates, Club Event Announcements Special Announcements, Relevant Notice to Mariners, General Club Updates. All the latest information sent direct via WhatsApp. Join the club communities that you’re a part of!

BREEZE #255

Can’t believe I’ve been kept out of the loop all this time..

Just scan the code 🤓 I’m in! 🤩🙃 Finally..

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RICK YOUMANS

Turning sailing into art

By Suellen Hurling

BREEZE #255

Rick Youmans first picked up a paintbrush in his early teens. He cannot recall the exact moment it began, but he remembers the brush becoming part of his identity, shaping both how he saw the world and how he would later choose to capture it.

Like many artists, Rick developed his own style over time, guided by what he knew and loved most. Sailing was a natural influence. Drawn to the movement, precision and quiet intensity of the sport, he began painting yachts, gradually refining his eye for detail and composition. It was not long before his attention turned to the America’s Cup, where technology, design and human performance come together in a way few other arenas can match.

After years of painting individual yachts, Rick envisioned something more ambitious. He set out to create a single piece that would bring together three defining eras of Emirates Team New Zealand’s dominance. The result was a striking composition that merged Bermuda 2017, Auckland 2021 and Barcelona 2024. In doing so, he captured not only the evolution of foiling from multihull to monohull, but also the distinct atmosphere and landscape of each host city. The work reflects both technological progression and a sense of place, tying together moments that have become part of New Zealand’s sporting history.

The painting demanded months of careful work, with intricate detailing that required both patience and precision. When it was complete, Rick faced a familiar question for any artist who has poured themselves into a piece. What happens next?

“I'm at my happiest when I’m creating a piece for someone" The answer came sooner than expected.

The artwork caught the attention of Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton, who immediately recognised its significance. He later remarked that the moment he saw it, he knew it was something special.

The team purchased the piece and, in a gesture that reflects their connection to the wider sailing community, donated it to their home club, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

Now displayed within the Squadron, the painting sits among a collection of treasured America’s Cup memorabilia. It is seen daily by members climbing the stairs and by visitors who come to experience one of the most significant locations in the sport, home to the America’s Cup itself.

Rick’s work has become part of that story, a visual bridge between past triumphs and the enduring spirit of competition.

While Rick has explored a wide range of subjects over the years, including imaginative pieces and commissioned works, sailing continues to draw him back. There is a personal connection that runs deeper than the subject matter alone.

Above L2R: Past Commodore Aaron Young, Grant Dalton, Rick Youmans, Past Commodore Steve Mair and Past Commodore Gillian Williams. These Past Commodores were Flags at the time of Emirates Team New Zealand winning the America’s Cup. Below: Rick Youmans in front of his artwork at RNZYS

“I love sailing,” he says simply.

One of his most meaningful pieces is a painting of his parents’ boat, inspired by an old photograph but reimagined through his own perspective. It is an example of how he blends memory and imagination, creating works that feel both familiar and uniquely his.

Looking ahead, Rick is eager to take on new challenges. For him, the greatest satisfaction comes from creating something deeply personal for someone else.

“I’m at my happiest when I’m creating a piece for someone,” he says. “If there’s anyone out there who would like a bespoke piece of art, please get in touch. Knowing that you have a one of a kind piece makes it extra special, and working with a client to create that is a truly satisfying outcome.”

View Rick’s work and get in touch to talk about his bespoke pieces. rickyoumans.com

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LEARN TO

SAIL LEARN

Be part of the RNZYS Members Directory

TO

SAIL

Connect with fellow RNZYS members and boat owners using the online member directory in your RNZYS member account. You control whether you’d like to be listed in the directory and what personal information you’d like to share – email, phone, country, boat details etc.

When you’re out on the water and see another RNZYS yacht you can raise your gin flag and send them a direct message after finding them in the online directory. If you reside overseas or are heading away, connect with other RNZYS members in the same city.

The search function allows you to easily find other members. Searching sail will find all listed members with a sailing yacht, searching Auckland will find members who have their address in Auckland.

How to add yourself to the online directory, or edit what information is available online: 1.Log into your RNZYS member account, https://portal.rnzys.org.nz/login 2.Click Profile 3.Click Member Details 4.Click Directory 5.Click the box to add a tick and “Allow other members to find me in the directory” 6.Choose what information you would like displayed by clicking the relevant box or boxes Through your RNZYS member account, you can also update your personal information, boat details, check your membership details and pay online for your membership subscription.

If you have not set up your login details for your RNZYS member account yet, or need help accessing your account, please contact the membership team on (09) 360 6800 (option 1 or 6), or email membership@rnzys.org.nz.

AT THE SQUADRON

The member directory is as useful as you, the member, makes it.

COURSES NOW AVAILABLE rnzys.org.nz/learntosail BREEZE #255

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Zealous during the PIC Wednesday Series 11th February 2026 Photo: Suellen Hurling

WEDNESDAY SERIES The results are in!

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Division R

Non-Spinnaker

Line PHRF PHS

Line PHRF PHS

Mayhem / Harry Dodson & Tony Bosnyak Clockwork / Steve Mair Clockwork / Steve Mair

Division A

MRX

Line PHRF PHS

Line

Kaizen / Simon Manning & Andy Robertson Kaizen / Simon Manning & Andy Robertson The Big Don’t Argue / Geoff Harden

Bird On The Wing / Mike Malcolm Highline / Andrew Mackmurdie Lorenz / Cedric Allan

Touch of Gloss / Phil Douglas & Zane Gifford

Sports Boats

Division B

Line PHS

Line PHRF PHS

Open Multihull

Zealous / Brent McKenzie Zealous / Brent McKenzie Bizzarre / Barry Martin

Division C Line PHRF PHS

Line PHS

Enigma / Chris Hirst Cliff Hanger / Cliff Gordon

Frank Racing / Simon Hull Frank Racing / Simon Hull

Grunt Machine / Alan Daysh Grunt Machine / Alan Daysh Nanea / Paul Wilkinson

Young 88 Line PHS

Legless / Greg Akehurst & Grant Crawford Time Out / Jeremy Cope

A full list of all results will be available in the next edition of BREEZE after the Annual Prize Giving Photo: Kaizen racing during the PIC Wednesday Series

By Suellen Hurling

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WOMEN’S DAY OUT 22 WOMEN’S DAY OUT

AUGUST 2026 22 AUGUST 2026

On board Rum Bucket during 2025 Women’s Day Out Photo: Suellen Hurling

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There’s an easy trap to fall into when you hear the name

WOMEN’S DAY OUT, that it’s simply a day where women go sailing together.

But that framing misses the point entirely.

What the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has built with this event is something far more meaningful: a celebration of what sailing can be when the barriers are lowered, the environment is welcoming, and the focus shifts from performance to participation.

The most powerful part of the day is how it brings everyone into the same conversation. Men are not just welcome, they’re essential. As skippers, mentors, and supporters, they help create an environment where learning is encouraged and confidence can grow. It becomes less about “us and them” and more about a shared effort to open the sport up.

Because sailing, at its best, is one of the most inclusive sports there is. It doesn’t care about age, background, body type, or experience level.

There are roles for everyone, on the helm, trimming sails, calling tactics, or simply learning the rhythm of the boat. It’s a sport built on teamwork, communication, and shared moments on the water.

Because real progress in sailing, or any sport, doesn’t come from dividing people. It comes from building stronger, more inclusive communities.

And yet, stepping into it for the first time can feel intimidating.

That’s why Women’s Day Out isn’t about waving a pink flag or ticking a box. It’s not a marketing exercise or a symbolic gesture. It’s a genuine celebration, of diversity, of opportunity, and of the simple joy of being out on the water with good people.

That’s where a day like Women’s Day Out is important.

Women’s Day Out creates a space where that intimidation fades. It’s a reset button on the usual dynamics - a chance for women who might have always been “the extra crew,” “the partner,” or “the one watching from shore” to step forward, take the helm, ask questions, and make mistakes without pressure.

It’s not about proving anything. It’s about discovering something. And more often than not, what they discover is a love for sailing they didn’t know was waiting. But this isn’t about excluding men, far from it.

BREEZE #255

It’s about first tacks and nervous laughter.

It’s about new friendships formed over a shared sheet line.

It’s about that moment when someone realises, “I can do this.”

And maybe more importantly, it’s about making sure they come back and do it again.

Because if sailing wants to grow, truly grow, it needs more days like this.

Days that don’t just invite people in, but make them feel like they belong from the moment they step on board.

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MOTOR MOTOR YACHT YACHT RALLY RALLY

n o r d a u q S r e k a e p S Series This winter, Wednesday night is CLUB NIGHT with the introduction of the Barfoot & Thompson Squadron Speaker Series Come along for a mid-week dinner with family and friends and enjoy hearing from a special guest speaker (or speakers)

Lock in the 2026 Winter Motor Yacht Rally dates! The Motor Yacht Rally events are open to all members with launches, or even yachts that want to motor to a destination. Each finish destination takes you to a new venue, where everyone gets together for a prize giving and gathering, which from previous reports, can sometimes go well into the evening!

30th May • 13th June • 11th July • 8th August Information is available via rnzys.org.nz/motoryachtrally

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Our guest speakers include everyone from sailors to industry experts and more, so lock these dates in and we look forward to seeing you on the night.

20th May 3rd June 17th June 1 July 29th July 12th August 26th August 9th September Wednesdays • 6:30pm rnzys.org.nz/speakerseries

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Charging towards the Los Angeles Olympics 2028

My Olympic Journey

I’m Greta Pilkington, a 23-year-old Kiwi sailor with my sights set on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. After competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics in the ILCA 6 class, I’ve spent the past few months training and racing across New Zealand and Australia, refining my skills and preparing for what I hope will be a long and successful Olympic campaign. With just over 800 days to go until LA 2028, I want to share a little about my summer on the water and the exciting months ahead.

It’s been a really rewarding Kiwi summer, highlighted by strong performances on home waters. At the New Zealand Nationals, I finished 2nd overall and 2nd female, taking home 1st Kiwi overall and 1st Kiwi woman, followed by a 3rd-place female finish at the Oceanbridge Regatta. The past few months have been a valuable training block, split between Australia and New Zealand alongside international training partners. I always love racing at home; it brings an extra level of excitement and pressure, and it’s wonderful to be with family and compete on familiar waters, especially since I spend most of the year overseas.

In early March, I transitioned into my first European campaign block, arriving on the 5th to start preparations. I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the international fleet in Palma and using this first event to check in on all the work I’ve been putting in over the summer.

Key events in this block include: Princess Sofia Regatta – Palma, Mallorca (30 March – 4 April 2026 which I will have completed by the time you read this!)

French Olympic Week – Hyères, France (20 – 25 April 2026) ILCA Senior European Championships – Kaštela, Croatia (17 – 22 May 2026) The European block will culminate in the ILCA Senior Europeans, my first peak event of the season. After that, I’ll return home in June for a reset period - a vital chance to review performances, refine routines, and identify key areas to focus on for the next phase of the campaign.

It's shaping up to be an exciting season, with key regattas on the circuit. I’m looking forward to getting into competition against some of the best female sailors in the world.

I’m also looking for partners who want to be part of this journey - an exciting opportunity to engage with international competition, highprofile events, and global exposure, while helping inspire the next generation of sailors. If you’d like to join me on the road to LA 2028, I’d love to connect and explore how we can collaborate.

Greta

In July, I’ll head to Los Angeles to build familiarity with the Olympic venue. I’ll be racing in the North American Championship (9 – 12 June 2026) and the Olympic Classes Regatta (20 – 24 June 2026). One of the biggest lessons from the last Olympic cycle was how valuable it is to spend time at the host venue.

Establishing a strong presence in LA over the next few years will be crucial both for my performance and for creating a “home away from home.”

The season will continue toward my peak event for the season at the ILCA 6 Women’s World Championship in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland (7 – 12 September 2026), all building toward the ultimate goal: LA 2028.

Want to be a part of Greta’s campaign?!

Get in touch directly!

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MARC MICHEL

Stupid Enough to Say Yes How a WhatsApp message, a chartered boat, and a crew of nearstrangers turned into one of the most stressful, yet satisfying Sydney to Hobart campaigns of Squadron member Marc Michel’s career.

By Suellen Hurling

Some sailing campaigns are mapped out months in advance, with every detail measured, refined and rehearsed. Others begin with a message in a WhatsApp group and a split-second decision that seems sensible at the time.

“We agreed we’d do the Bird Island Race and see how we went as a team,” Marc says. “I flew over to Sydney, Rob picked me up, and I got a bit of a shock. I'm no spring chicken but Rob definitely had a few more races in the logbook than I did”

For Marc Michel, the 2025 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race was very much the second kind.

They gave it a crack. Bird Island was hard work: a punishing upwind leg on the way out, then a run home. Marc found himself carrying a heavy share of the load, but the pair still performed well, even beating two sister ships in the process. More importantly, the race confirmed what both men were already beginning to suspect.

Marc, a long-time sailor with deep roots in short-handed racing, had been keeping an eye on the Sydney double-handed WhatsApp group when a familiar name popped up. Rob Drury, returning to the sport, was looking to contest the Hobart double-handed and needed a co-skipper. Marc said yes.

The next morning over breakfast at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Drury said it first.

“He told me, ‘I made a mistake. The mind is willing, but the body is not,’” Marc recalls. “And I said, ‘That’s great you said that, because if you hadn’t, I was going to.’”

It was an honest conversation, and a pivotal one. Drury then generously offered Marc the boat on favourable charter terms. Marc, by his own admission, was “stupid enough” to say yes again.

That decision created a new challenge. The boat had already been entered as a doublehanded campaign, but Marc now needed to convert it to a fully crewed entry, qualify both boat and crew, and find the people to sail it - all in short order.

It sounded straightforward enough. It wasn’t.

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Slightly pensive crew on Boxing Day morning at the CYCA Left to right: Stephanie Lyons, Julie Loader, Michael (Mikey) Giles, Marc (back), Mick Formosa, Tony Sutton

Thanks to a good relationship with the CYCA sailing office, the entry was converted, but there was a catch: the team had to complete the Cabbage Tree Island Race as a qualifier. Marc suddenly had a boat, but no crew.

The early part of the race was brutal. For the first 36 hours, the fleet was met with 20 to 35 knots upwind and big seas, particularly on the second day. Marc made one of the defining decisions of the campaign in the middle of it.

So he called an old friend.

“At about three in the afternoon, we took the mainsail down completely and sailed under just the J5,” he says. “I took everyone off deck except the helmsman, and we rotated our three best drivers every 30 minutes from 3pm until midnight.”

Mick Formosa, a respected Sydney sailor with 30 Hobart's under his belt and a longtime mate, was first on the list. The two had history, including the 1990–91 Melbourne Osaka Race, which Marc famously entered just three months after getting married.

From there, the crew came together quickly.

Cabbage Tree wasn’t about results. It was about finishing, qualifying, and getting the ticket south.

“We just had to get around,” Marc says. “If we didn’t finish, we weren’t going to Hobart.”

They did more than finish. In relatively light conditions on the way out and a harder run home, the team performed strongly, finishing 15th overall 9th in Division 2 and once again beating the same two sister ships. One issue did become clear, though: no one really wanted to be the bow person. Marc and Formosa solved that too, recruiting Stephanie Lyons, described by Marc, with typical affection, as a “Celtic warrior woman”, who joined the team for Hobart.

Incredibly, the Sydney Hobart itself was effectively the first time that combination had really sailed together.

That lack of mileage might have worried some skippers. Marc kept things simple.

“The objective was very clear,” he says. “Cross the finish line in Hobart with a healthy, happy crew and a boat more or less in one piece.”

It was a conservative call, but a calculated one.

While other boats pushed hard and paid the price, Marc’s crew stayed intact and in control.

Around 30 boats retired during that period, and there were multiple injuries across the fleet as sailors were thrown from the high side in the violent conditions.

For Marc, the risks were real.

There were four- to five-metre seas, whipped up further by a strong East Australian Current that he says now runs faster and closer inshore than it once did. Against 30 to 35 knots of cold, dense breeze, the sea state became steep, confused and dangerous.

Team Gizmo Marc Michel Skipper Mick Formosa Watch captain / Mainsheet Tony Sutton Helm / Mast Michael Giles Helm / Trim Stephanie Lyons Bow Julie Loader Trim

“There were a few times, even when I was helming by myself, that I nearly got flung off the windward side,” he says.

But by reducing sail and protecting the crew, the boat found its groove. By midnight, they were able to resume full racing mode, and the payoff was immediate. They had positioned themselves well while others broke or backed off. Later in the race they climbed inside the IRC top 10, helped by the famously competitive rating of the Sun Fast 3600.

If the opening stages were about survival, the final night was about restraint.

Marc Michel (left) with Gizmo owner Rob Drury

That is exactly what they did.

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The team had been pressing hard downwind and was sitting in a podium position in IRC Division 5 when repeated wipeouts forced a rethink. Marc, an experienced offshore helmsman who has raced in the demanding Figaro class and became the first non-French sailor to contest the event, known as the “AG2R Double Handed Trans-Atlantic Race" and in 1994 was in the Figaro 1, was on the tiller himself when he decided enough was enough.

“We were lying on our side and I was thinking, we’re going to take the rig out of the boat if we keep this up,” he says. “And my back pocket (my wallet) was telling me that would not be a good thing.”

The spinnaker came down. They poled out a J2 and carried on. It cost them speed, and with it, a place on the podium. They slipped from second or third in class to fifth by the finish, with only a brief slowdown in Storm Bay adding to the frustration.

It was, Marc says, a classic charter-boat trap: if you do not know exactly what sails the boat has been measured with under IRC, you can get caught out very quickly.

If the race itself was demanding, the administrative burden behind it was just as exhausting.

Marc says the growing safety and regulatory framework around the Hobart is making life increasingly difficult for Corinthian campaigns, particularly at the smaller end of the fleet.

“We had so many safety inspections, rating inspections, and the paperwork was unbelievable,” he says. “I must have spent 12 to 15 hours just filling out forms.”

He understands why. The CYCA has been scrutinised heavily in recent years, and much of the compliance burden now flows directly onto owners, skippers and crews. But for amateur teams without big budgets, it adds another layer of challenge before the race even begins.

That is why Marc is quick to acknowledge the role Rob Drury played, even after stepping aside from sailing the race.

“Rob was like the virtual seventh crew member,” he says. “He was fantastically supportive, which is not always the case when you charter a boat. He really helped make the whole campaign possible.”

Still, Marc has no regrets.

Sliding down the Derwent to the finish Photo: Louis Ryan

“To finish, and to be the top Kiwi boat, we were pretty pleased,” he says. “There were some bigmoney campaigns there. For a bunch of rank amateurs, with old sails and a pretty tight gear budget, it was satisfying.”

Even getting to the start line had been an exercise in improvisation. A new A2 had been built for the campaign, only for the team to discover during an IRC inspection the day before the race that it was larger than the sail listed on the certificate. The deadline for rating updates had passed. The sail had to stay ashore.

Then came the headsails. The J1 initially appeared too large as well until an impromptu measurement in the park beside the CYCA revealed that age had caused it to shrink just enough to scrape inside the certificate dimensions.

Reaching with A1.5

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Second morning-low flying into Bass Strait

It was a generous gesture, and one Marc clearly values. In many ways, the campaign became an example of sailing at its best: adaptable, collaborative, and built on trust.

Marc’s pathway to that moment in Hobart has been anything but ordinary. Australian-born and raised around Sydney Harbour, he worked as a sailing instructor before running one of the harbour’s biggest commercial sailing schools. Later he moved into business, playing a significant role in the company that became Navman, before eventually moving to Auckland.

But through every career change, sailing remained the constant.

He has now completed 11 Sydney Hobarts, and started 16. He has raced double-handed, sailed trans-oceanic events, and still speaks with unmistakable joy about being offshore.

“I never sleep better than when I’ve got 500 miles of ocean all around me and two miles under the keel,” he says.

Dawn after a hard first night to Hobart

That sense of peace is part of what keeps drawing him back. The other part is the sheer possibility of what might come next.

An Open 40 is on the dream list. Another Hobart is certainly not out of the question. There is always another race, another idea, another adventure waiting to become real, often with very little warning.

For now, though, Marc is content with what this campaign became: a hastily assembled crew, a chartered boat, tough decisions made well, and a finish line crossed with everyone safe.

When returning home to Auckland, Marc is proud to put “sportsman” on his arrival card.

Not every great Hobart story is about silverware. Some are about judgment and about knowing when to push and when to pull back.

This one was all of that.

When racing in Auckland, you can find Marc and his coskipper Logan Fraser on the Dehler 30OD Niksen. Together with Logan, the two shorthanded sailing fanatics recently completed the SSANZ Round North Island Race finishing 3rd overall on PHRF Total Corrected Time and 3rd in Division 3.

Logan and Marc are set to get back on Niksen as an entry into the SSANZ Enduro Race, and from there they will race in the annual Triple Series.

Photos: 2026 SSANZ Round North Island Race. Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

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LOWER IMPACT Same love for the water launching the

Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron guide for

SUSTAINABLE BOATING

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The Hauraki Gulf is our playground. It’s where we race, cruise, fish, train, socialise and spend time with family and friends. It’s also an environment that relies on us to treat it with care, as boat owners, sailors and as a club.

That’s why the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is proud to launch the RNZYS Guide for Sustainable Boating: a practical, member-focused resource designed to help us lower our boating impact, both on the water and around our marinas, without taking the enjoyment out of boating.

“This guide isn’t about telling people what to do. It’s about helping each of us do our bit to minimise our footprint on the waters we love,” says Marguerite Delbet, Chair of the RNZYS Sustainability Committee. “It brings practical information together in one place, so members can make informed, thoughtful choices every time they head out on the water.”

We are delighted to acknowledge ecostore, a long-standing Squadron sponsor and partner, as the sponsor of this guide. We are grateful for their support and proud to work alongside a New Zealand business that shares our commitment to practical, credible action in caring for our marine environment.

“We’re proud to support the Squadron in launching a guide that focuses on real, everyday actions,” says Kathryn Avery, Senior Brand Manager at ecostore.

“Lowering impact doesn’t have to be complicated - it’s about clear information, better choices, and making those choices easier for people who love being on the water.”

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We are delighted to acknowledge ecostore, a long-standing Squadron sponsor and partner, as the sponsor of this guide.

Built on what the Squadron already does Environmental responsibility isn’t new to the Squadron - it’s something we’ve been actively embedding into how we operate as a club.

The Squadron is a three-star Clean Club accredited by Yachting New Zealand, recognising our commitment to responsible club operations, good governance, and environmental best practice. This accreditation reflects the work already underway across the Club - from education and facilities to event management and on-water activity.

We are also proud participants in the Sailors for the Sea Clean Regattas programme. All Squadron regattas run in line with Clean Regattas certification guidelines. These guidelines help reduce waste, manage resources carefully, and make it easier for sailors, volunteers and support crews to do the right thing during events.

“The Guide builds on what we already do as a Club - through Clean Regattas, our Yachting New Zealand Clean Club accreditation, and the everyday efforts of our members and volunteers,” says Delbet.

“It’s about extending that good practice from organised events into everyday boating.”

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Practical, not preachy The RNZYS Guide for Sustainable Boating isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness, habits and small decisions that add up over time.

Whether you’re racing, enjoying a weekend cruise or dropping a line for snapper, the principles are the same: reduce unnecessary impacts, protect marine life, and look after the places we love to use.

Small actions that add up Many of the most effective actions are also the simplest: keeping hulls clean to reduce fuel use and prevent the spread of marine pests choosing cleaning and personal care products that are independently certified as safer for the environment managing fuel carefully and being prepared to prevent and respond to spills bringing all waste back to shore and recycling it properly respecting wildlife, habitats and other water users “When you multiply small actions across hundreds of boats and thousands of boating days, the impact is real,” Delbet says. “That’s where this guide really comes into its own.”

A guide designed for our members You can find the RNZYS Guide for Sustainable Boating on our website rnzys.org.nz/sustainability-guide. It is structured into practical sections covering hull maintenance, lower-impact boating practices, energy efficiency, waste management, water and wildlife conservation, regulatory requirements, and ways to get involved.

It also includes links to trusted New Zealand resources and a directory of useful contacts, making it easy to find the right information when you need it.

Importantly, it’s a living resource. As rules change, technology improves and new ideas emerge, the guide will continue to evolve.

A shared responsibility Looking after the Hauraki Gulf is a shared responsibility, and one that sits naturally alongside everything the Squadron stands for: excellence on the water, leadership within the sailing community, and respect for our environment.

With the support of our partner ecostore, the commitment of our staff and volunteers, and the everyday choices made by our members, we can continue to enjoy our playground while helping to protect it for future generations.

Because if we look after the Gulf, it will keep looking after us.

Ecostore is a proud sponsor of the RNZYS Guide for Sustainable Boating and a long-standing Squadron partner.

As a New Zealand-founded company, ecostore focuses on creating effective cleaning and personal care products that are independently certified as safer for the environment including products suitable for use on board.

RNZYS members receive 15% off ecostore products when shopping online at www.ecostore.com (use code RNZYS)

Spring 2025 BREEZE #255

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VOLUNTEERING It’s good for the soul VOLUNTEERING

By Suellen Hurling

Volunteering is one of those things people love to post about but don’t always explain properly. You’ll see the photos, hi-vis vests, matching uniform, gardening gloves, straw hats, big smiles, maybe a sausage sizzle in the background, but what actually happens when you give your time? Why does it feel so damn good?

Guess what... Volunteering is good for the soul.

Volunteering feeds the soul with all the warm, fuzzy, purpose-filled stuff. It also gets you on your feet, out the door, and into something real.

Less scrolling, more doing. Less “I should probably…” and more “I’m actually here, making this happen, making a difference, helping my community.”

And that’s where the magic starts.

There’s something wildly underrated about being part of a group of like-minded people, all pointed in the same direction. No ego, no corporate ladder, no weird office politics or water cooler gossip sessions, just a shared goal and a bunch of humans figuring it out together. You’ve got the ultra-organised one with the clipboard, the chaos merchant who somehow gets everything done last minute, the one who brings the snacks and the quiet legend who just knows where everything is.

Somehow, it works.

And it’s fun. Like, genuinely fun. Not the forced fun like the team-building exercise ”I’m gonna fall backwards so catch me” fun. Real fun. The kind where you’re laughing while carrying tables, pulling out obnoxious weeds, or bonding over coffee at 6am wondering why you said yes to a sunrise start, but also knowing you’d do it again next weekend.

There’s a weird kind of satisfaction that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself.

Whether it’s running a regatta, tackling all that unwanted flora at Kawau, or just making sure everything ticks along behind the scenes, you walk away knowing you contributed. Not in a “pat on the back” way, but in a quiet, solid yeah, that was worth it kind of way.

Life can get a bit same-same. Work, eat, sleep, repeat. Volunteering breaks that cycle. It throws you into new environments, new conversations, new perspectives. It reminds you that there’s more going on than your inbox.

Plus, you’re with good people. Proper good people with the same interests as you. The kind who show up early, stay late, and don’t make a big deal about it. The kind you actually want to grab a drink with after.

So yeah, volunteering is good for the soul. It gives you a sense of purpose, connection, and that warm glow people always talk about.

Sometimes the best thing you can do is get up, get out, and be part of something that isn’t just about you.

And have a bloody good time doing it.

So, has this inspired you to get into volunteering?! We have some weekends coming up to help out at our Kawau Island property! Get involved, and be a part of the community. Those who volunteer for this weekend get a good work out, but also get to enjoy the gorgous Bon Accord Harbour and Lidgard House while doing it.

JOIN THE THE SAVE SAVE THE JOIN THE PREPARE PREPARE WHATSAPP DATES WHATSAPP DATES THE GREEN THE GREEN GROUP THUMB! GROUP THUMB!

2-3 May 30 May - 1 June 11-12 July 8-9 August

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Our vision is for kiwi and other native birdlife to return to the RNZYS property on Kawau Island.

To achieve this, the current invasive species and pests need to be removed, with native shrubs and trees to take their place.

Volunteers can arrive by private boat, or drive to Sandspit for the Water Taxi (min 5 people @ $92 return) or scheduled Mail Run (longer journey @ $85 return). For transport sharing options join the WhatsApp group to connect with other volunteers.

Shared accommodation is limited at Lidgard House for 2 days volunteering.

BYO lunch. Tea & Coffee provided.

Bring your favourite gardening tool, gloves, sturdy footwear and enthusiasm for this worthwhile RNZYS community project, leaving a legacy for future generations.

Come for one day or more and bring your friends or family.

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GETTING THOSE ENTRIES IN is tougher to manage than a wet spinnaker in a 40 knot squall with only one sea boot on and missing a contact lens A poorly executed AI interpretation of this articles introduction CREATED IN JEST!

By Suellen Hurling

One of the biggest pains in sailing right now isn’t the wind, the tide, or even the inevitable post-race argument over handicaps. It’s entries. Or more accurately, the lack of them until the very last minute.

Talk to anyone who has been involved in running a race, a series, or a regatta and you’ll hear the same thing. The entry list sits there, barely moving, while the days tick by. It’s quiet, almost too quiet, and that silence creates a very real kind of tension. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, everything is already in motion.

There’s paperwork being filed and checked.

Volunteers are being lined up, from the race officer to the mark boat crews, the people on the start boat, the finish boat, the safety teams. Catering is being organised. Sponsors are being kept in the loop. Someone is pushing the event out across social media, trying to build momentum, trying to make it feel like something worth showing up for. And all of it hangs on one simple, unanswered question. Is anyone actually going to enter?

Without knowing entry numbers, nothing works the way it should. A start line with too few boats loses its edge. Classes don’t split properly. The racing becomes thin, budgets start to look shaky. At a certain point, you start to wonder whether the whole thing can go ahead at all.

From the outside, it’s easy to assume these events just happen. You show up, rig the boat, head out, and race. But in the weeks leading

up, there’s often a small group of people quietly wondering if all their effort is about to land on an empty start line. The strange thing is, most of the sailors who eventually enter late were always planning to race. It’s not like they suddenly decide the night before. The intention has been there the whole time. So why the wait?

Part of it is the weather, especially for the longer races. Sailing is one of the few sports where the conditions can completely change the experience. A perfect 10 knot sea breeze is one thing, 35 knots and chopping wood is something else entirely. So people wait. They keep an eye on the forecast, waiting for that clearer picture before committing. It feels sensible. No one wants to lock themselves in too early and regret it. But aren’t some of our best sailing memories from those times when the weather was less than favourable and you were smashing it upwind and totally sending it downwind?! Those are the memorable moments, not sitting on the rail in 10 knots yawning and attempting to make small talk with the crew.

Entries create more entries. Most clubs publish lists of who has already entered and other potential competitors often scan these lists to decide if they will enter or not. So entering early helps create a snowball effect.

You enter, so your mate then enters then someone else sees it’s going to be good racing so they enter. A FOMO effect is created so people enter as they don’t want to miss out!

There’s other uncertainty around entering as well.

Crew availability isn’t always locked in, leave passes haven’t had the stamp of approval. The boat might not be quite ready. Work or family plans can shift.

Sailing lives in that space where things are almost never quite certain enough to press the “go” button. So it gets pushed. Later tonight.

Tomorrow. The next day. Before you know it, entries are closing.

The entry systems themselves don’t always help.

Some are smooth, but others still feel clunky.

Logins get forgotten, details have to be reentered. Forms don’t play nicely on a phone. It doesn’t take much friction for someone to think, I’ll deal with that later. And later, in sailing, has a habit of becoming the last possible moment. That part is on the organisers – yes, it needs to be simple.

But there’s also something deeper, something cultural where there’s a long-standing habit of leaving things late. A quiet assumption that you can always just enter closer to the time with no real urgency and no real consequence. It’s just the way it’s always been done. But does it have to stay that way? Can we make it easier for sailors to enter? What else can be done? This is definitely something that needs some investigation.

Every delayed entry feeds into that uncertainty on the other side. It makes it harder to plan, harder to commit resources, harder to build any real

Become a CORPORATE PARTNER of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and enjoy the benefits of being a part of our active community.

To find out more please contact Sponsorship Coordinator Anita Thurlby • athurlby@rnzys.org.nz BREEZE #255

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This image is AI generated

sense of momentum around an event. It keeps organisers guessing what they should be refining and if they need to lock in another 20 volunteers.

The irony is that from a sailor’s perspective, waiting makes perfect sense. There’s very little downside. You get more certainty, less risk. The system almost encourages it. Nothing really pushes you to enter early, so most people don’t.

Do we need to go back to a cheaper entry before a certain date? Remember those Early Bird Entry Fees? Or offer a bottle of our finest Rum to entice the entry to come in quicker? A fairer refund policy in case plans turn to custard? Or just simply have an entry deadline a month out from the race start? Ok, that one isn’t going to work and is totally unrealistic, but hey – every option should be laid out on the chart table.

Meanwhile… The frustration keeps bubbling away.

While sailors are waiting for the perfect moment, organisers are sitting there trying to read the future from a half-empty entry list. Trying to decide whether to push ahead, scale back, or pull the pin altogether. Wondering if all the effort is worth it.

Back in the day when I was doing Race Management at other Royal clubs (one in Australia, the other one down the road), I’d get on the phone and talk to the owners. I’d encourage them to let me know why they hadn’t entered yet, or why they were on the fence, and even why they were opting out of race or regatta in question. Having a conversation is always better than an email or a text.

There was one particular regatta I was organising in Australia – a youth event with four days of racing, that had 35 entries 24 hours before the entry deadline. On the final day, I received 112 entries. It was diabolical – and I’ll never forget the anxiety levels peaking off the chart as I had the conversation with the Volunteer Coordinator…

“We’re gonna need a bigger boat…!” By some small miracle, and a week of three hours sleep a night, an additional group of volunteers were locked in, and 11 more safety boats were miraculously found – to this day, I don’t really know how we did it… I still have nightmares...

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It doesn’t take much to shift that dynamic. If you know you’re going to race, even if there are still a few unknowns, entering early makes a difference. It gives organisers something solid to work with. It builds confidence and encourages others to get on the list and get those bragging rights underway. It helps the event take shape the way it’s supposed to.

Every start line that feels busy, competitive, and worth being on usually began with a handful of early entries that gave it life.

We’re all guilty of leaving it to the last minute at some point. It’s easy to do, and the system doesn’t exactly punish it. But it does come at a cost, even if we don’t always see it.

So the next time you’re sitting there, halfdecided, watching the forecast update and sorting the crew list and telling yourself you’ll enter tomorrow, it’s worth remembering that someone, somewhere, is trying to make that race happen. They want nothing more than to see your name appear on the entry list…

Anyway, something to think about…

DISCLAIMER!!! This issue isn’t unique to the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. This is the real life of race management teams around the country, and the globe. I’m involved with events all over the world, and the late entries saga is a battle for everyone.

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Squadron Quiz Answer & Win a Lucky Prize*

When is Squadron Quiz Night this season?

1

13th May

2

27th May

3

10th June

4

24th June

5

22nd July

6

5th August

7

18th August

8

2nd September

9

16th September

10

All of these dates

*Your lucky prize is a fun night out with friends!

Teams of up to 8 people Register to play - It’s FREE! BREEZE #255

rnzys.org.nz/quiznight

Page

Adventure made easy with

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NDER OVERLA

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This is a boat designed to inspire confidence when the weather changes and conditions become demanding.

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Equipped with a fully integrated Anura all-wheel-drive system, the OP725 allows owners to drive directly from the shore into the water and back again without getting their feet wet. For those with beachfront or tidal access properties, this removes the need for trailers, ramps and tide windows. Morning departures become effortless, and returning home is just as simple, regardless of tide height.

Denis Kendal, Haines Hunters CEO, and long standing RNZYS member says “We’ve taken the best of Haines Hunter’s DNA and created a boat that provides a truly magical experience. No detail has been spared – from the hull construction, amphibious integration, through to fitout. Our owners tell us they love the freedom and performance of the Overlander. They love the ride, and can’t believe how dry it is. It’s perfectly balanced on the water and land.”

In regions where secluded beaches, sheltered coves and island anchorages define the boating lifestyle, this capability transforms how the boat is used. Pull up onto a quiet beach for lunch. Launch straight from your front lawn. Explore bays that others can only reach by tender. The Overlander removes barriers and opens up opportunities that traditional boats simply cannot match.

The Overlander OP725 offers independence, flexibility and confidence in one package. It is a boat that adapts to the way you live, not the other way around.

On the water, performance remains uncompromised. Powered by a high-output Yamaha outboard, the Overlander delivers strong acceleration, confident handling and efficient cruising speeds. The hull maintains grip and stability through turns, and the ride remains composed in short, steep chop common to New Zealand’s coastal waters. This balance of off-shore performance and control is a hallmark of the Haines Hunter name.

To arrange a test drive contact Haines Hunter today, call 09 579 9661 or visit www.haineshunter.co.nz.

BREEZE #255

With the Overlander, the shoreline is no longer the end of the journey.

It is simply the beginning.

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THE KIWI SAILOR TAKING ON THE ELITE FRENCH OFFSHORE RACING SCENE Every year, the world’s best offshore sailors gather on the west coast of France to compete in some of the most demanding offshore sailing races in the world.

Among them this season will be Oakley Marsh, a sailor from the shores of Aotearoa New Zealand and former member of the Youth Training Programme, is taking the challenge head on with Kiwi determination and pride.

The Figaro racing circuit is widely regarded as the proving ground where professional offshore sailors are made. Racing in identical Beneteau Figaro 3 yachts, the competition is intense, tactical, and unforgiving. The circuit features multiple formats including fully crewed, doublehanded, and solo racing. The pinnacle event of the season is La Solitaire du Figaro, considered one of the toughest challenges in offshore sailing.

La Solitaire is a month-long race made up of three demanding stages, each typically lasting three to four days. The course stretches along the Atlantic coastlines of England, France, and Spain.

Sailors compete solo, meaning each skipper must manage every aspect of the campaign alone, from navigation and sail changes to sleep management, nutrition, and strategy, all while racing against some of the most experienced offshore sailors in the world.

Only two New Zealand sailors (Conrad Colman and Ben Beasley) have ever taken on this formidable challenge, and Oakley Marsh aims to become the third.

His road to La Solitaire begins this year, competing in the double-handed division of the Figaro circuit. This includes the opening leg of La Solitaire, which can be sailed double-handed, providing a pathway to qualify for the following year’s full solo edition of the race.

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Alongside his Solitaire campaign, Marsh has another ambitious goal: to end a more than 20-year absence of New Zealand teams in the iconic Tour Voile, formerly known as the Tour de France à la Voile. This fully crewed, multi-stage race sees teams sprint along the western coastline of France in a fast-paced mix of offshore and coastal racing. The last New Zealand team to compete in the event was more than two decades ago, led by Team New Zealand and sailing legend Sir Russell Coutts.

Marsh’s Kiwi campaign has been years in the making. Over the past four years he has built his sailing career in Europe, competing with some of the world’s top professional teams including Team Malizia and most recently Team Jolt. In 2025 he achieved a major milestone, helping secure victory in the prestigious Admiral’s Cup, one of offshore sailing’s most historic trophies.

With his sights firmly set on La Solitaire for the past two years, the journey has not been without its challenges. Like many offshore campaigns, funding and sponsorship remain one of the biggest hurdles. Determined to bring Kiwi talent back to one of the world’s toughest sailing circuits, Marsh is now seeking partnerships with New Zealand organisations who want to be part of a unique, exciting, and globally visible campaign.

Through collaboration and shared ambition, Marsh hopes to build partnerships that showcase New Zealand spirit on the international sailing stage.

Those interested in supporting the campaign are invited to connect and explore tailored sponsorship opportunities.

Get behind the Kiwi campaign and help push the boundaries of what’s possible, showing the French offshore racing circuit exactly what Kiwi mana is all about. Contact Oakley today.

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Meet Rocky Singh Our Event & Venue Operations Specialist My journey into the events industry began during the Covid-19 pandemic, managing operations for a vaccination hub. What started as a logistical role quickly evolved into a passion for creating environments where people can come together safely, seamlessly, and meaningfully.

Growing up in West Auckland played a big role in shaping that mindset.

It’s a community built on resilience, diversity, and strong local pride values that have stayed with me throughout my career. I attended Liston College, where an emphasis on respect, discipline, and personal accountability helped form the foundation of how I approach both leadership and teamwork today.

Over the past five years, I’ve delivered a wide range of events - from large-scale concerts and national sporting competitions to grassroots community experiences. During my time at The Trusts Arena, I had the privilege of working in a venue deeply connected to its community, where events weren’t just about entertainment, but about bringing people together and creating lasting local impact.

A core part of that experience was understanding the importance of community values. The Trusts Arena plays a unique role in West Auckland, and being part of a team that prioritised accessibility, inclusivity, and community engagement shaped the way I approach events today. It reinforced that great events don’t just run well - they leave a positive and lasting impression on the people they serve.

Beyond event delivery, I was responsible for the growth and development of a team of 12, including building and mentoring a leadership group that I personally recruited and appointed. I’ve also led teams through significant challenges, including rebuilding operations post-COVID and navigating major disruptions such as the Auckland floods, experiences that strengthened my adaptability and leadership under pressure. This work reinforced my ability to lead with clarity, develop capability within teams, and create a culture of accountability.

Investing in people has been just as important to me as delivering successful events, and I take pride in building teams that are empowered, resilient, and aligned.

My approach remains grounded in delivering seamless, engaging, and memorable experiences, whether it’s a world-class sailing event, a corporate function, or a member-focused occasion. I’m particularly passionate about building meaningful partnerships that enhance both the event experience and the long-term value for stakeholders.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to standout events, including fixtures featuring the Northern Mystics, alongside a variety of high-energy corporate and large-scale public events. At The Trusts Arena, I’ve also supported concerts featuring internationally recognised artists such as 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Papa Roach, and Incubus, delivering experiences for crowds of over 10,000 attendees.

These events required precise coordination across operations, security, and crowd management, further strengthening my ability to lead complex, high-pressure environments while maintaining a strong focus on audience experience.

This journey is only just beginning. I’m focused on continuing to grow within the events and partnerships space, while embracing new challenges and industries. My goal is to create experiences that not only run seamlessly but leave a lasting impression.

Today, I’m proud to step into the role of Events & Partnerships Manager at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, a standout venue steeped in history and excellence and globally recognised as the home of the America’s Cup. This opportunity represents an exciting new chapter, where I’m looking forward to combining my background in events with the unique world of sailing. Being part of an environment that blends tradition, innovation, and high-performance sport is something I’m incredibly excited to immerse myself in.

Outside of events, I bring that same energy into fitness. As an active fitness instructor with a strong focus on boxing, I’ve developed a mindset built on discipline, resilience, and composure under pressure. Boxing has taught me to stay calm in high-pressure situations, something that translates directly into the fast-paced nature of events.

Whether behind the scenes of a major event, building strategic partnerships, or stepping into a new arena like sailing, I’m driven by progress, energy, and a commitment to excellence.

Planning an event?

Contact Rocky for package options

RUN CLUBS

rsingh@rnzys.org.nz / events@rnzys.org.nz 027 373 3919 rnzys.org.nz/venues

Love running and love the coffee reward after? The Lighthouse Café has become very popular with local run clubs, and you can get involved too!

Check out the mornings that each run club calls The Lighthouse Café home.

Check out their club Instagram pages for more details on each of the runs. lighthousecafernzys

Monday Yachts ‘N Yap @yachtsnyap Tuesday Social Striders @socialstriders_nz Wednesday Not Another Run Club @runwithnarc

Friday Just Run Club Auckland @justrun_clubakl Femmi (all female) @femmi.co @femmi.rc Saturday OutRunnerz @outrunnerz_nz

Thursday Morning Shuffle @the.morning.shuffle Startup Run Club @startuprunclubnz

@lighthousecafe_nz

5% discount for RNZYS Members

The Lighthouse Café Opening House Monday to Sunday - 7am to 2pm

IT’S EASIER THAN EVER TO BOOK YOUR NEXT OFFSITE MEETING Looking for the perfect daytime meeting space? From May to September 2026, it’s never been easier, or better value, to host your next midweek event at one of Auckland’s most iconic waterfront venues.

Enjoy: Reduced room hire rates Complimentary AV hire Members save even more - with total discounts of up to 40% off Ample on-site parking A range of flexible spaces to suit every group size and budget Whether it’s a strategy session, workshop, or team catch-up, make it seamless, professional, and memorable. Book your space today.

Check out our venue spaces rnzys.org.nz/venues

Contact our Events Team events@rnzys.org.nz

Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

BREEZE #255

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JULY 2027 EXCLUSIVE MEMBER EXPERIENCE AND TRAVEL PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE

rnzys.org.nz/ac38

HOME WATERS HIGH SPEEDS TAIHORO RETURNS TO THE WAITEMATĀ Emirates Team New Zealand rolled out their America’s Cup winning AC75 ‘Taihoro’ in March, returning to home waters of the Waitematā Harbour and kicking off the first intensive training and testing block since defending the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona in 2024.

Update by Emiratess Team New Zealand Photo: Taihoro doing a flyby of Te Kouma during the Harken Young 88 National Championship. Captured by Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die

The team had nine productive days, sailing around the Hauraki Gulf, but the block wasn't just about technical refinement; it served as a critical introduction to the AC75 for the next generation. Young talents Seb Menzies, Josh Armit, and Jake Pye were integrated into the high-pressure environment of AC75 operations alongside new arrivals Chris Draper and Iain Jensen, ensuring the team's depth remains unmatched. In a historic milestone for the team and the sport, two-time Olympic medallist Jo Aleh became the first female sailor to sail onboard an AC75, taking a key role in performance monitoring and systems management.

Speaking of her role onboard, Aleh said, “I think my role on the AC75 is going to keep developing all the way through to the America’s Cup itself. There is a lot to work through and as part of the bigger picture of development and we have plenty to do which is exciting because you never know where we are going to get to.”

The sessions were far from a gentle reintroduction, as the team hunted for a full range of conditions that spanned from the light, bottom-end "foil-searching" breezes to top-end wind to ensure effective testing across the full spectrum of conditions. Testing occurred in everything from turbulent waves to the glassy flat water of the inner gulf, providing valuable data for the relentless design and systems development program back at base.

Beyond the competitive core, Emirates Team New Zealand utilised their guest racer pods to bring the public closer to the action, hosting a number of VIPs and journalists. Notable passengers included RNZYS Commodore David Blakey, Live Sail Die Editor Suellen Hurling, and Toyota New Zealand Brand Guardian Paddy Gower who experienced the sheer physical forces and power of Taihoro firsthand.

The next AC75 sailing block will restart in April, the days monitored closely as every day on the water counts towards the 45 day annual limit outlined in the Protocol of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup. Beyond that, all focus will return to racing with the first Preliminary Regatta of the 38th America’s Cup starting May 21- 24th in Cagliari, Sardinia in the AC40’s where Emirates Team New Zealand will be racing two AC40’s, the second of which will be a mix of Women & Youth America’s Cup sailors.

The pathways are filling with talent, and the road to the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup is well and truly underway for Emirates Team New Zealand representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in their quest for a fourth straight America’s Cup win.

“I think my role on the AC75 is going to keep developing all the way through to the America’s Cup itself,” Jo Aleh

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My AC75 Taihoro Experience RNZYS Commodore David Blakey gets the ride of a lifetime!

Words by David Blakey Photos by Emirates Team New Zealand

In late March I had the privilege to be invited aboard Taihoro as a guest racer for the day, alongside Anna Willcox from Sky TV’s Crowd Goes Wild. The guest racer initiative is a new concept for the upcoming event, providing sponsors, media and invited guests with a unique opportunity to experience these remarkable boats first-hand. With preparations for AC38 in Naples next year well underway, Taihoro is now firmly into her training and development phase.

Anna and I each had the opportunity to sail, taking turns on board while the other followed on a chase boat. The session took place in the waters between the East Coast Bays, Tiritiri Matangi and Rangitoto, with the team sailing a series of windward-leeward training courses.

The focus was on manoeuvre execution and sail optimisation, particularly with the J5 jib, as the breeze built during the morning.

Following Taihoro from the chase boat was an experience in itself.

Despite 800 horsepower and speeds of 35–42 knots, keeping pace required careful anticipation of every tack and gybe, an indication of just how quickly these boats move across the water. You also had to hang on tight!

Stepping aboard Taihoro provided a striking contrast. At 72 feet length overall, she is sleek and muscular, yet once underway the motion is remarkably smooth. After being briefed by Tony Rae, who had checked I’d watched his safety video, and reminded me how to access the oxygen tube, I settled into the guest cockpit behind the port driver. Seb Menzies introduced himself as that port driver for today, before Taihoro quickly accelerated and rose on her foils.

From that point, the sensation changes completely. The boat lifts clear of the water and travels with a smooth, almost effortless motion, quite unlike the conditions experienced on the chase boat. You’re literally flying, with only minor turbulence coming occasionally through the foils. Speeds quickly built into the mid-40 knot range, although the sense of speed is deceptive. Off our starboard side, Steinlager 2 and Lion NZ were heeled over punching to windward maybe doing 8-9 knots into a typical north-easterly Hauraki Gulf chop. What a contrast!

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Manoeuvres were carried out with precision and consistency, each tack and gybe completed cleanly and efficiently. Communication between the sailing crew, the support team on the chase boat, and performance analysts was constant, reflecting the highly coordinated approach to testing and development.

After several training runs, the team paused to review systems, discuss performance and take a short break before resuming. This structured approach over long days will continue over the coming weeks as preparations build towards next year’s regatta.

A massive thank you to Emirates Team New Zealand for the opportunity to experience Taihoro first-hand. It was an unforgettable day on the water. We will be following the team’s progress closely and with great interest as they build towards AC38, with the first preliminary event in Cagliari in May.

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This historic beach house in Smelting House Bay, Kawau Island, is owned by the Squadron and is available for members to rent. rnzys.org.nz/kawau/lidgardhouse

LIDGARD HOUSE BREEZE #255

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The Day I Stepped Onto an AC75 and Reality Left the Chat Story by Suellen Hurling Photos by Emirates Team New Zealand

Bucket lists are funny things. They start off wholesome, “travel more,” “drink less coffee,” “learn Italian” and then, somewhere along the way, they spiral into wildly unrealistic nonsense.

Then came a call that almost killed me (via projectile coffee spray).

Mine? Entirely sailing. Go sailing on cool boats, photograph awesome sailing events, talk about sailing with legends, think about sailing, write about sailing. And yep... Even dream about sailing.

Emirates Team New Zealand. I was already suspicious, and intrigued.

And sitting right up there in the “absolutely never going to happen but dreams are free” category was one item: Race on an AC75.

A couple of weeks ago, my phone pings.

“Hey Suellen...”

“Do you want to go for a ride on our AC75, Taihoro?”

You know, just casually hop on one of the fastest, most complex flying machines humans ever created. No big deal. Totally casual, totally achievable, very normal behaviour. Like I said, dreams are free!

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Now, I’d love to say I handled this like a calm, composed professional, but instead, I violently ejected coffee out of both my mouth and nose and stared at my phone like it had just asked me to join the Avengers.

“Uh… yeah?!”

(Nailed the response.)

They went on to say that it was a bit of a moving target, but that they were keen as mustard to get me on board.

"Holy hecka… My heart just did a Simone Biles balance beam dismount and I stuck the landing!"

They laughed. (I think.)

Of course, this offer arrived during what can only be described as "maximum chaos season".

Events everywhere.

Cameras everywhere. Deadlines everywhere.

Live Sail Die was already locked in for: PIC Harbour Classic Harken Young 88 Nationals PredictWind Girls Regatta If I had of said yes, it was a guaranteed way to ruin those long standing relationships and shatter my loyal reputation forever. So… I say no. I said no to sailing on an AC75. Let that sink in... Would you have said no?!

Then the Sailing Gods tested me again...

Emirates Team New Zealand come back with a new plan.

1st of April arrives. Call time was 1030. PING! "We are pushing the call time back two hours."

The starboard side of my brain was like "thank goodness, I can catch up on more sleep," while the port side was saying "maybe this is a joke...?!"

1230 turned up, and there I was. Standing at Emirates Team New Zealand base, having a full internal meltdown. I'm here - it hasn't been cancelled, I haven't had any more pings...!

“Next week?”

“Nope. I'm flying to Macao for the World Match Racing Tour season opener...” At this point I assumed I was officially removed from the “cool opportunities” list. Fair enough. I had my chance. I blew it. We move on.

Thank goodness for airplane on board wifi!

We finally lock in a date that worked.

Cancelled. Then another date was suggested.

Saturday March 21.

On Tuesday 31st March, 30 minutes from landing back in Auckland, my phone pings again.

This was set to be the best birthday present EVER, except for three things that were game stoppers...

“Let’s go 1st of April - tomorrow.” Right....

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The most untrustworthy date in human history.

I’m half expecting someone to hand me a cardboard AC75 and say “haha gotcha.”

APRIL FOOL’S DAY.

This had become real. No jokes and no pranks.

Somehow a girl who grew up on a river in Northern NSW in Australia was about to step onto an America’s Cup winning AC75.

HOW IS THIS HAPPENING?!?!

Then I forgot how to human. The team’s buzzing. “Let’s go! How excited are you?”

Me: Unable to speak. Hands shaking. Brain buffering.

For someone who literally writes for a living, I suddenly had the vocabulary of a stunned goldfish.

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Finally we get out to the back paddock (the area nicknamed by Emirates Team New Zealand and used extensively during the 36th America's Cup. The back paddock name is used to describe the water between Waiheke Island and Pine Harbour / Maraetai).

The same area that the Zephyr Nationals were recently raced in.

Another lucky and excited guest racer jumps on first, which is great. I watch very closely for clues like: “Where do I stand?”

“What do I touch?”

“What must I absolutely NOT touch?”

I watched on in fascination and buzzing knowing that “I’m next!”

I step onto the second chase boat and transfer across to Taihoro. I pause, and look down. Yep, those are my feet in Emirates Team New Zealand provided boat shoes.

Then I internalise… “You are standing on an AC75. Try not to embarrass yourself in front of America's Cup winners and Olympic medal legends.”

I climb into the pod behind Seb Menzies and Tony Rae runs the safety briefing and it goes something like this... “If something goes wrong, breath into this. If you need to cut yourself free, here’s a knife. These are your handles. Don’t break anything.”

Cool cool cool cool cool. Love that for me. Very comforting.

Ok. It was a much more detailed safety briefing than that. Trae went into deep details, because safety is no accident.

Helmet, goggles and headphones on, the comms start flowing.

I understand approximately 0% of what’s being said. It’s like listening to a foreign language spoken at 3x speed. So I do what any rational person would do and snoop on Seb’s screens. It looks like he’s about to launch a rocket, win a gaming tournament or is spot trading on the stock market..

Before I could even contemplate how I breathe and blow into a life-saving tube of oxygen, we bear away, and BOOM. We’re flying, up on the foils, ripping along at 35 knots like it’s completely normal behaviour.

And here’s the weird part... It’s smooth. Like, suspiciously smooth. I was expecting to be plastered against the back of the pod, clinging on for dear life, fingernails digging deep into the palm of my hands, instead, the guys are chatting like they’re out for a Sunday cruise.

Honestly, all we were missing was a cheese board and a glass of champagne.

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Then comes the tack. WHAM! My shoulder smashed into the side of the carbon pod - I wasn't ready for that, but I didn't feel a thing because my adrenaline was pumping faster than the blood of a teenage boy!

The noise, the movement, the foil arms shifting - it’s noisy, fast, and completely insane in the best possible way. But at no time did I ever feel unsafe. The team know their stuff, and the way they handle everything is next level.

We keep going. Tacks, gybes, flying past ferries and fishing boats, casual Wednesday cruisers. Just your standard AC75 traffic navigation. But no one flinched, and the spectators were fizzing to get a glimpse of this machine up close. I waved at them. I became that person, and I didn't care because the cruiser we passed waved back like he was flapping to try and catch up.

Somewhere in the all the blur, we hit 44.5 Knots in just 12 knots of wind speed. At this point my brain had left the chat. But there in front of me, on the limited access information screen were the numbers 44.5.

I was trying to process it all, but there’s nothing that prepares you for this. Nothing.

Comms were coming from all angles, then I look back and see another camera - so I gave it a cheeky wave. I was looking around the deck trying to find clues about what was going on. But there's nothing that I can see that can give me a glimpse into the underworld - Emirates Team New Zealand's secrets are locked away safely.

Then the time came to wrap it up, and head back to shore so the team could continue with their training day. They are only allowed 45 days on the water in the AC75 from now until the 14th January 2027 - so every moment matters in the lead up to the 38th America's Cup defence in Naples, Italy next year.

As I shook the hands of Grant Dalton and Kevin Shoebridge (wishing I could give them a hug instead), I still couldn't believe that “That Actually Happened.”

But there are photos, and there is a video coming, so that's proof that this wasn’t some elaborate April Fool’s prank - of which many of you thought it was after looking at the Live Sail Die Instagram stories! (Emirates Team New Zealand even shared them - more proof!)

My fizz levels are still off the charts as I write this, and even with jet lag and being totally exhausted from a week in Macao for the World Match Racing Tour, there is zero chance I’m coming down from this high anytime soon. Be prepared, I’ll probably talk about this experience for the rest of my life. It was hands down, without question, the best sailing day of my career.

The 1st April will no longer be "April Fools Day" to me. It will be "AC75 Day".

And honestly, I’m still checking my feet. Just to make sure I really did stand on an AC75.

The wildest part of all this is that only a tiny number of people in the world will ever experience it. And somehow, I’m one of them.

I was cruising around on Taihoro, the Emirates Team New Zealand AC75 for about 40 minutes.

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PROTEST

STOP YOUR MOANING AND

PROTEST

By Cameron Thorpe

Yacht racing is one of our biggest joys in life, but it’s also a source of some of our biggest frustrations.

Personally I think we all need to take a more grown up attitude to protests and actually have more of them! If we treat every protest as an opportunity to learn or educate each other about the rules and not take them as a personal attack, we will improve our collective knowledge.

Fundamentally yacht racing is a self-policing sport that relies heavily on the honesty, integrity and ethics of all competitors. Generally, things work pretty well, which is a credit to all involved, but there are times where this isn’t the case, hence the need for a way to solve disputes. AKA – head to the protest room.

Secondly I often hear statements like "it’s a fun race (Rum Race) so you shouldn’t protest”, or "It’s not cheating, it’s minor” or “Everybody else does it!”

Amongst competitors there are wide ranging views on “The Room” such as: 1.To be avoided at all costs as the best liars will win 2.A waste of everyone’s time 3.Another way to win (for those that fancy themselves as lawyers) 4.An opportunity to learn or educate each other about the rules and help avoid issues in the future Understanding a competitors attitude to protests can also help understand their reactions when forced into a protest hearing. Some will take a protest as a direct attack on their character and take things very personally.

When we enter a race we agree to play by the rules, not just the ones that suit, BUT all of them!

Breaking rules either deliberately or unintentionally through ignorance and not taking a penalty or retiring is cheating. Simple as that!

Unfortunately the result of letting it slide and not protesting sends the message that rule infringements are ok, but this just means that overtime the infringements will continue to increase. Inevitably things continue to escalate until there is a major incident.

The other outcome is often the party that should have protested, yet didn’t, feels aggrieved and bitches and moans about what happened like a broken record, whether they were in the right, or in the wrong (and didn’t even know it).

Often in protest’s it seems that each side has completely different stories and each side believes the other is lying.

My thoughts on this have changed over the 40 odd years I’ve been in the sport. Often situations develop and change quickly and our memories aren’t perfect, so relying on witness statements and recollections is problematic at best. It’s not that one side is lying, it’s more that human nature biases their recollection, and they fully believe what they are saying is the truth.

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In my role as MRX Fleet Manager I used to regularly sail with different crews to help out when people were unable to race. During my time on board various MRX’s, I noticed compliance with the rules was quickly deteriorating. There would be numerous infringements every race and no one doing any penalties.

I often heard the excuse “Boat X never does their turns so why should I?” I was becoming increasingly concerned we were headed for a major incident.

I also got a few comments from top sailors telling me they weren’t enjoying MRX racing anymore because of the cheating, however there was still a massive reluctance to protest.

The solution I came to was to remove myself a

s a standby crew and instead help out with mark laying which then also gave me the opportunity to do some on-water umpiring.

On the first night five boats did penalty turns, and I didn’t even blow my whistle! As an umpire initiated penalty is double that of a self-initiated one, suddenly rules compliance improved out of sight. It was amazing to see how the skippers attitude changed when they knew someone was watching closely on the sidelines.

I don’t claim to have got every umpire call right over the season but I do think rules compliance vastly improved and I believe all skippers and crews enjoyed themselves more as everyone played by the rules. Hopefully they learn from this and continue when an umpire isn’t right next to them.

I

t’s okay to disagree with a competitor or have a differing opinion on how to interpret a rule.

America’s Cups are won with clever interpretations and exploiting loopholes.

However protests and appeals are the way to question differences in opinions and find the correct answer.

We need to use protests to establish the facts from which the rules can be applied, from this we can learn and / or accept our penalty and move on. We should be able to shake hands at the end of a protest and share a drink!

So what am I getting at? If you have witnessed a rule infringement, don’t whinge about it, hoist your flag, call protest, submit a form, and sort it out with either arbitration, or in front of a full blown panel. If you lose a protest, the panel is generally open to discussing why they came to their outcome, so that you can understand the logic behind it.

We all spend a lot of money on our yachts, and do everything we can to retain crew, so we need to ensure that sailing is not only enjoyable, but doesn’t end up costing owners an arm and a leg and back and forth with insurers simply because someone didn’t avoid a simple collision.

I was recently involved in two protests – the first, I won, the second was dismissed. These two protests weren’t about a port / starboard or sailing in a restricted area, these two were technical protests, and yes, they were during Rum Races.

In both those incidences, myself and the boats that I protested walked away more knowledgeable thanks to the panels explanations.

Don’t be afraid to protest if you see a boat breaking a rule. If you are on the receiving end of a protest, acknowledge your error, learn from it, and be a better competitor on the water next time.

As Paul Elvstrøm famously said,

“You haven’t won the race, if by winning the race, you have lost the respect of your competitors.”

General Lee Rum Racing Protests v. Akatea

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v. Systems Thunder

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“Missing any event is hard on the team, but we also appreciate that there are a lot of moving parts in building a new boat and getting that boat to an event. We are working closely with the league on solving that puzzle. We already get limited time on our boats across the year, so adding in commissioning time for a completely new boat also adds a layer of complexity. SailGP Technologies do an amazing job looking after the league’s needs and we know they are trying to get us back out there as soon as possible.”

Peter Burling

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New Zealand’s Black Foils will be absent from SailGP start lines as they continue to work through the complex process of returning to competition following their dramatic collision in Auckland.

While their immediate focus is on recovery and rebuild, plans for a return to racing are firmly underway. The timeline, however, remains fluid. A final decision will depend on several moving parts - including production schedules, the logistics of transporting a new boat from Southampton to upcoming venues, and allowing sufficient time for commissioning before rejoining the high-intensity SailGP circuit.

At the heart of the delay is the construction of an entirely new F50. The Black Foils will receive a replacement from SailGP Technologies after their original boat, Amokura, was severely damaged in a high-speed collision with the DS Automobiles Team France during February’s ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland. In line with SailGP’s post-incident protocols, salvageable components from the New Zealand boat have already been used to repair the French F50, enabling France to return to racing in Rio. Meanwhile, the remaining parts of Amokura are en route to Southampton.

A clearer indication of the Black Foils’ return is expected following the Rio event.

The SailGP season continues at pace regardless, with upcoming stops scheduled for Bermuda (10–11 May), New York (31 May–1 June), and Halifax (21–22 June), before the fleet heads across the Atlantic for the European leg beginning in Portsmouth (26– 27 July).

For Black Foils Co-CEO and driver Peter Burling, the challenge of returning to racing is far from straightforward.

“Missing any event is hard on the team,” Burling said. “But we also appreciate that there are a lot of moving parts in building a new boat and getting that boat to an event. We are working closely with the league on solving that puzzle. We already get limited time on our boats across the year, so adding in commissioning time for a completely new boat also adds a layer of complexity. SailGP Technologies do an amazing job looking after the league’s needs and we know they are trying to get us back out there as soon as possible.”

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Beyond the logistical hurdles, the team has also been navigating the human impact of the Auckland incident.

Grinder Louis Sinclair suffered fractures to both legs in the collision and underwent surgery on his right leg. After initial treatment and recovery in Auckland, Sinclair has since returned home to Antigua, where he continues his rehabilitation surrounded by family.

Encouragingly, his recovery is progressing well. Medical staff are optimistic about his return to competition, although a definitive timeline has yet to be set. Throughout this period, Sinclair has remained closely supported by the team.

Black Foils Co-CEO and wing trimmer Blair Tuke believes Sinclair’s resilience has had a profound effect on the wider group.

“The way Louis has handled his injury has been remarkable,” Tuke said. “His calmness in the immediate aftermath through to his ongoing recovery has been special to see. I know it’s been something that has really helped the team come together at this time and make us all stronger for our eventual return to racing.”

While one part of the team focuses on recovery, the rest are hard at work preparing for a strong comeback. Under the guidance of Head Coach Matt Steven, the sailing squad is continuing its development off the water, ensuring they are ready to hit the ground running when their new F50 is delivered.

That process will soon ramp up, with members of the Black Foils shore crew set to travel to England later this month. There, they will work alongside SailGP Technologies in Southampton on the final stages of the new boat’s build and delivery.

Despite the setbacks, the team remains buoyed by the support of fans and partners around the world.

“We are always incredibly grateful for the support of our fans and partners,” Burling and Tuke said. “Even more so during challenging times like this. The messages of support and ongoing encouragement are invaluable.”

In a show of sportsmanship, the Black Foils also extended their best wishes to the DS Automobiles Team France as they returned to racing in Rio - a reminder that even in the wake of a dramatic incident, the spirit of the SailGP fleet remains firmly intact.

Top: The big screen on the North Lawn Middle: Chair of the House Hamish Williams, General Committee Member Lori Ormandy & Vice Commodore Matt Cole Bottom: Far right - Holley Tindill and guests enjoying the Member’s Bar

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www.classicyacht.org.nz

ISSN 1175-804X

Issue 155

Back in the boat building business

By Penelope Carroll Having built a traditional Red Shank English stem dinghy (7ft.6in) under the able tutelage of Phil Bish at the New Zealand Traditional Boat Building School 2012-2013 – back in the days when the school was operating out of premises at the former Hobsonville RNZAF airbase – it was exciting to visit their new permanent (as much as anything is!) home in the newlyrestored and renovated Percy Vos Boat Yard in Hamer Street in the Wynyard Quarter during last month’s Auckland Wooden Boat Festival…

AND to see this historic boat yard back in fulltime use.

First established in 1922 in Poore Street and operating at its present-day site from 19371994, the Percy Vos Boat Yard is now managed by the New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui a Tangaroa.

The yard played an important role in New Zealand’s wooden boatbuilding industry, training generations of apprentices and building and repairing boats which raced, cruised and worked around the Hauraki Gulf (and in some cases still do).

Before its restoration, it still very occasionally provided a space for wooden boat repairs, including the masts of Classic Yacht Charitable Trust yachts Frances (in 2012) and Waitangi (in 2017) – and more recently Thelma’s mast was refitted with new bronze hardware. The Traditional Boatbuilding School also used the space to craft six pairs of sweeps for the Oparau Whaleboat Rowing Club.

Now, with the Pou Kapua Creations Trust and the Traditional Boatbuilding School officially installed the boat yard is fully back in business.

“Once again the space is being used for active boatbuilding projects alongside sharing knowledge and practices related to wooden vessels,” says Steve Cranch, chair of the school.

Founded in 2005 by enthusiasts keen to preserve wooden boatbuilding skills, including Robert Brooke and Harold Kidd, the school had to leave its Hobsonville premises to make way for residential development at the end of 2013.

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Penelope Carroll building Little Pearl at the NZTBS in Hobsonville

Above left: Wikuku Kingi of Pou Kapua Creations Trust works on a waka hoe in the Percy Vos Boat Yard Above: Colin Pawson of the NZTBS talks to visitors to the Percy Vos Boat Yard about the construction of a Frostbite

It operated out of temporary premises on the Te Atatu Peninsula for three years from 2017 and was then homeless again, until its reopening in the Percy Vos Boat Yard.

It is fitting that one of their first projects will be constructing a Frostbite sailing dinghy. This clinkerbuilt dinghy was designed and first built in 1939 by Jack Brooke, father of school co-founder Robert Brooke.

“Building a clinker dinghy lets people see this traditional process and shows that the skills that were once taught in the boat yard are still relevant and worth passing on,” says Steve Cranch.

The Pou Kapua Creations Trust has a waka hourua (double-hulled sailing canoe) currently under construction.

“Being part of the Percy Vos Boat Yard creates a

space to restore Māori, Pacific, and European vessels side by side. That collaboration strengthens our skills, our histories, and the knowledge we pass on to future generations,” says Wikuku Kingi, master carver and creative director of the Trust.

A series of weekend workshops will be offered throughout the year by both Pou Kapua Creations Trust and the Traditional Boat Building School. Pou Kapua Creations’ first workshop (May 16-17) will introduce participants to the history, design, and carving of waka hoe (canoe paddles) and guide them through the design and shaping of their own.

The Traditional Boatbuilding School’s first two workshops will cover making a half-model (May 2-3), and essential skills for plywood boat building (June 20-21). Later planned workshops will include oar making, an introduction to fine wood working and an introduction to lofting.

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Regatta Highlights

By Penelope Carroll The CYANZ’s March Classic Yacht Regatta – highlight of the association’s sailing calendar – is an event shared for almost two decades now with sailors from across the ditch.

This year 22 Australians – 12 from Melbourne and 10 from Sydney – joined local crews on the Waitematā for the three-day event. Classic Yacht Association of Australia chair Craig Brown wrote of the quality of the yachting experiences the Australians encountered “through the crews and beautiful vessels, and of course, the stunning waters and island setting.”

It was NSW representative for the CYAA Philip Brown’s fifth Auckland regatta – and he’ll be back again next year: “You are lucky to have so many beautiful old classics here. It is great sailing on them, seeing how they are rigged and how they work...”

Rainbow leading Ariki and Rawhiti after the Devonport mark in the last race. Photo: Roger Mills

Come November a group of us will fly to Melbourne to race on Port Phillip Bay – and to re-contest the Trans-Tasman trophy, won in this regatta by Victoria Lincoln (Sydney).

Iain Valentine, who organises these exchanges with his CYAA counterpart, talks of the camaraderie that has built up over the years, and the lifelong friendships that have developed.

Seventeen yachts took part in this year’s Perpetual Mutual Classic Yacht Regatta, competing in four divisions. Aramoana won the A Bermudan division; Rawhiti the A Gaff; Gloriana the B Classic; and Princess the Modern Classic division.

Rainbow, Ariki, Ngatira, Ngataringa and Ethel tied up at the dock at RNZYS. Photo: Roger Mills Right: Rawhiti from aboard Ariki Below: Philip Brown (in the blue shirt) from Sydney crewing on Prize Photos: Roger Mills

CLASSIC YACHT ASSOCIATION GENERAL ENQUIRIES - Jane High • admin@classicyacht.org.nz BREEZE #255

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COMMODORE’S RESERVE Now available in the Squadron Bottle Shop

Limited edition Dry Gin and Spiced Rum, signed by Commodore David Blakey and batch distilled by our friends at Puhoi Organic Distillery Co. is now back in the Squadron Bottle Shop. We've worked closely with Alex Kirichuk to bring this special recipe back for our members.

Get in quick, once it's gone - it's gone! Available in store only.

SHOP SQUADRON

ONLINE AND INSTORE ONLINE AND INSTORE rnzys.org.nz/rnzysshop

ILCA sailing siblings Greta & George Pilkington Photo by Suellen Hurling

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