June 2006 News

The following news items were placed on Crew.org.nz in June 2006 and have been archived without links or photos. Please use the 'search' function on the homepage of this website to see if we have any further info on a particular topic:

Appeal in Kendall case:
29 Jun - News website Stuff.co.nz reports today that the American windsurfer suing New Zealand boardsailing champion Bruce Kendall over a collision at sea is seeking to overturn a decision on how much she can claim. Full story in The Dominion Post >

Posted 29/06/2006


Stunning work - Team NZ wins Round Robin:
29 Jun - Two good wins on the water today gave Emirates Team New Zealand an outright win in the round robin of the Louis Vuitton series. NZL 84 despatched Alinghi in Flight 10 with a margin of 1min 12sec and later in the afternoon beat BMW Oracle by 1min 14sec. With 11 straight wins, NZL 84 was clear at the top of the leaderboard, a point clear of Luna Rossa and two points clear of both Alinghi and BMW Oracle. How it happened >

Posted 29/06/2006


Three days:
28 June - Tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. That's how long you've got to take advantage of discounted entry fees to the North Sails Race Clinics for earlybird customers. Sign up online now >

Posted 28/06/2006


Valencia victory in sight?:
28 June - We'll find out soon. After nine races, Team NZ is one point ahead at the top of the leaderboard but the team faces both BMW Oracle and Alinghi tonight (NZ time) in Valencia. Crew.org.nz's coverage >

Posted 28/06/2006


Zana takes on Ireland:
27 Jun - Our top supermaxis are back on the circuit. Zana (formerly Konica Minolta) has recently arrived in Britain and kicks off her European campaign in Ireland this weekend. Zana will be helmed by Gavin Brady with a predominantly kiwi team aboard. Following the Irish race she will then move to her base in Valencia and will continue to campaign in the Mediterranean targeting the Maxi worlds and Middle Sea races. The time to beat is 76hours 23mins and 57secs for the 704nm BMW Around Ireland Race which is due to start July 1st, in Dublin, Ireland. Photo (c) Rolex Regatta News

Posted 27/06/2006


Get it?:
Are you on our email newsletter list? If you don't receive 'eat-sleep-sail' headlines direct to your inbox each fortnight, drop us a line (email zoe@due-north.co.nz) and we'll add your name to the list. It's great if you don't have time to visit the website every day and you want to keep on top of what's happening. Oh yeah, unlike some others that we know of, we don't buy, sell or steal email addresses, never have and never will.

Posted 27/06/2006


Why the girls loved Lifa Tech:
26 June - Last month Helly Hansen gave four Lifa Tech tops to the tutors at Crew.org.nz's Sailing 101 for Women Race Clinic. The girls went out sailing in the tops afterwards and reported that they were great - tight fitting, they are an ideal first layer for wearing under foulies to keep you warm and dry, and don't bunch up even under a snug fitting wetsuit. The fabric doesn't retain smells or pill, so they'll look great for a long time to come. Thanks Helly Hansen - Rowena, Sally G, Sheryl and Zoe.

Posted 26/06/2006


Dan Slater wins Kiel regatta:
26 June - Last night Dan Slater became the second ever Kiwi to win Kiel regatta in an Olympic class.   Full account >

Posted 23/06/2006


Team NZ in Valencia - UPDATED:
25 June - Emirates Team NZ is sharing the top of the leaderboard with Alinghi after beating Luna Rossa today in Valencia.  Regatta report >

Posted 23/06/2006


Maxi disappointment:
22 Jun - After almost 100 hours on the water Maximus has been the 4th boat to cross the St. David’s Lighthouse finish line behind eventual race winner Bella Mente , Alchemy and Captivity. It was a staggering late come back from Maximus who dropped as low as 48th position in the mid stages of the event when they were virtually becalmed with little or no wind to the east while those in the fleet that headed west were enjoying much more favourable conditions. Continued on  www.supermaxi.co.nz

Posted 19/06/2006


Last but definitely not least:
19 Jun - ABN Amro 1 may have made winning an artform over the last 200+ days of the Volvo Ocean Race but they glided into the final finishing line of the Volvo Ocean Race very much in last place, but still winners overall on the points table, following a remarkable, in fact near impeccable, around the world sprint. ABN Amro 2, which had been leading Leg 9 until just a few miles short of the finish, were thwarted by the Pirates after they sailed into a windless hole. Overall, ABN 1 thrashed the Pirates by 23 points. ABN Amro One, skippered by Kiwi Mike Sanderson, also boasted a sail wardrobe by Crew.org.nz sponsor North Sails NZ. Whatever it was that made the difference for them, they deserve their win. This sport may not have the national pride associated with it that it once did, but we can be very proud of the contribution that NZ has made to this race.

Posted 19/06/2006


Stirring the pot:
19 June - Last week we reported briefly on the fact that a solo round the world yacht race on a France-NZ-France route is coming in 2009. Reliable word is that Wellington are putting on a strong bid to host the event. If this race is being handed to us on a plate, what are Auckland going to front up with? Jump into the forum >

Posted 19/06/2006


Kiwis overseas:
16 Jun - Kiwi sailors, including Barbara Kendall, are heading into their last day of racing at the European Champs. How are they doing over there?

Posted 16/06/2006


Round the world race to stop in NZ:
16 June - the NZ Herald today reports that New Zealand and France will stage a round-the-world yachting event. The 'Soloceane' race is the brainchild of renowned race organiser Yvan Griboval and comprises a tour of the world in two stages, from France to New Zealand and back again, for 52-feet monotype monohull boats. The event will begin on October 25, 2009, and four ports are competing to host the starting point in France, while either Wellington or Auckland will be chosen from New Zealand, according to the AFP report. New Zealand's vice-consul in France, Bridget Gee told French news agency AFP: "When we were informed of this project, we were very enthusiastic. It will make us a topical part of the world."

Posted 16/06/2006


Free book ...:
15 June - The next five to register and pay for North Sails Race Clinics will receive a free copy of one of Bill Gladstone's books on your choice of Trim or Tactics, worth $45. Be quick, they are in demand! Register right now online or call 09 376 5100 >


Posted 15/06/2006


Team Inspiration reflect:
13 June - A big Kia Ora to everyone! It’s been a little while since our last letter, as we’ve been full out with training, travel, competitions and exciting happenings. We’ve managed to keep everything current on the website www.teaminspiration.co.nz but we thought it was time for a special note to our very special supporters. We’ve had some serious learning curves in Europe this season. The Holland Regatta was a dissapointment and we watched our world ranking drop to Number 2. Six points behind our good friends from Spain. Both teams are over 100 points ahead of number three, so the World Championships will take on some added meaning for each of us. Download PDF newsletter (800kb) >

Posted 13/06/2006


Bermuda bound:
12 June - NZ's most famous supermaxi, Maximus, is due to start the Newport to Bermuda race on 16 June. She's been stretching her legs in New York for the last few weeks and pulled off a win in the Round the Island Race, in very light conditions. The boat's website says that 'the team will be hoping conditions improve as they set their sites on the race record of 53 hours 39 for the Newport - Bermuda race set by Roy Disney’s Pyewacket in 2002. If conditions are right the crew are confident that they can cross the St David’s Lighthouse finish line in time for a late lunch on Sunday.' Supermaxi news >

Posted 12/06/2006


Murdoch gains #2 world ranking:
12 June - Fast-rising Kiwi sailor Andrew Murdoch, currently competing in Europe, has leapt to second in the world rankings. The talented Kerikeri 23-year-old jumped numerous places in the Olympic Laser class, in tables just released by the world body ISAF. Murdoch, one of the first sailors confirmed in Yachting New Zealand’s Olympic Squad towards the Beijing Olympics, is now putting pressure on top-ranked English veteran Paul Goodison. He is one of the first two athletes inducted into the Pinnacle programme, the Hyundai-backed mentor scheme which prepares young New Zealand sportspeople for world championship contention.  Full story >

Posted 12/06/2006


From antifouling bottoms to...:
Hi all - Some of you might know that I'm expecting a baby very shortly and I'm getting heaps of questions about 'what's going to happen to Crew.org.nz?!?' The answer is that Crew.org.nz, my number one baby, will keep going just like it does now, from the office at Westhaven Marina. There might be a few weeks when my news updates are less regular, and I'll ask if you can bear with me over that time, and use the forums to keep up with gossip, but everything else will tick on as normal. Cheers, Zoe Read full letter >

Posted 12/06/2006


Why it's hip to be square:
9 Jun - Recently Crew.org.nz profiled two very successful local boats, Formula One, and Jive Talkin’, whose owners have both opted for a square-topped mainsail, and sought the expertise of the Norths loft to design and make them one. This feature has been used in multihull design for many years, and was adopted by the last America’s Cup, but is only just emerging as a real force in our local club racing scene. What is the benefit – and is it worth considering an upgrade? Josh Tucker from North Sails explains >

Posted 9/06/2006


IRC uptake:
9 June - From MARTIN HANNON - So far 17 New Zealand boats have been measured for IRC: eight in Wellington, one in Tauranga and seven in Auckland. Another eight are in the process of being measured in Wellington bringing the IRC fleet to 17 down there. Though this second batch of measuring began on Saturday the 27th May, the completion has been delayed due to bad weather. Full story >

Posted 9/06/2006


Message in a bottle:
8 June - Received today from BBYC - To whom it may concern - I am a preschool teacher at Farnborough State School, Yeppoon Australia, 4703. One of my preschoolers has brought in a message in a bottle from the yacht Stella launched on the 1.11.05, enroute from Vanuatu to Auckland. If you have any information about this vessel could you please let me know. Regards, Lisa Donoghue >>>>

Posted 8/06/2006


Big:
8 June - I received this by 'anonymous PXT' a few minutes ago. What is it -  can you help? >

Posted 8/06/2006


Centreboard classic:
6 June - The Europe dinghy association down in the South Island are producing a pretty cool email newsletter that anybody who is into centerboard sailing will enjoy reading. If you'd like to subscribe email Tom Arthur (tomarthur@orcon.net.nz) or click here to download the latest copy (.PDF) >

Posted 6/06/2006


From an internet cafe in Hungary...:
6 June - Force 470's Andrew Brown writes: "I am here getting ready for the 470 European Champs where I will be again coaching. The coaching is going well, and it is great to stay in the 470 game while I sort through all the other matters to do with an Olympic campaign for FORCE 470. While here I have really got back into my physical conditioning, running a lot as well as spending time on my muscle balancing at the gym (this will make my Physio happy). This is in preparation for a few regattas I have coming up where I am sailing. These include the 420 Worlds held in New Zealand in January 2007, as well as a few lead up regattas that are in December, as well as the Italian 470 championships on Lake Garda in July 2006. I am back in New Zealand on the 20th of June and will update you further on FORCE 470's news at the beginning of July."

Posted 6/06/2006


SSANZ presents...:
6 June - A new look website packed with photos, news and all sorts of great stuff related to short handed racing in NZ. The Short Handed Sailing Association of New Zealand launched its new website this week to co-incide with a Call for Entries for the SIMRAD Triple Barrier Series, NZ's biggest short handed race series attracting well over 100 boats per race for distances of between 30 and 100+ nm. If you are into new challenges or just love short handed racing this is the race event of winter 06. www.ssanz.co.nz

Posted 6/06/2006


Vision takes major win:
6 June - A young Kiwi team called Vision Yachting won the Lugano Match Racing, Grade 2 in Switzerland this week: finals day report from Simon Minoprio - "We sailed the shifts extremely well, as hard as it was, we took a two nil victory to go straight through to the finals. In the other match however, an extremely big upset - Antoine Morvan beating Russell Coutts 2 - 1. With Russell now in the petit final, we had a little bit of breathing room. It was close racing in the best of five final and we won two each so it was game on, with one more race to go. An even start, we were in a controlling position and managed to get the upper hand. We extended the whole way round the three lap course to take the win and Lugano Match Race champions for 2006. Thank you to everyone who has responded to our email updates, a huge thanks to Ross Munroe and Greg Flynn from Line 7 NZ, and The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron for their ongoing support towards Vision Yachting.

Posted 6/06/2006


ORC and IRC explained:
1 June - Do the initials ORC and IRC leave you feeling like you're confronting School Cert Algebra all over again? Designer Brett Bakewell White is going to explain the ins and outs of IRC and ORC at the RNZYS clubrooms on Tuesday 20 June at 6pm, and all are welcome. He'll talk about the differences between 'rating' and 'handicap', why to go ORC or IRC (or neither or both), how to get a rating, how to improve a rating, and plenty more besides. Please register your interest with the Sailing Office, email sroberts@rnzys.org.nz or phone 09 360 6809.

Posted 1/06/2006