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A sailing event that is expected to attract 150-200 competitors of all ages will be hosted by Manly Sailing Club next month.
The New Zealand Laser National Championships run from January 12-15 and is a showcase of New Zealand’s elite men and women sailors as well as up and coming talent, featuring Youth, Master and Open divisions.
The Laser Nationals is one of the most prestigious regattas on the NZ sailing calendar with previous NZ open title holders including Sir Ben Ainslie, Dean Barker as well as current Manly Sailing Club Commodore, Sir Russell Coutts.
One of the biggest names in the sport that has not quite cracked this event is the current Olympic Bronze medalist, Sam Meech. However, that may change as the Tauranga sailor has just confirmed that he is looking forward to competing in the Manly event. Meech, currently ranked World No. 1, will be accompanied by the NZ team as well as top German sailor, Philipp Buhl, who is currently ranked No.2 in the world behind the Kiwi.
Manly Sailing Club has been going from strength to strength with junior sailors now graduating into the Laser 4.7 and Radial classes. Club Commodore, Sir Russell Coutts says the event is a great opportunity for the club’s young sailors who started in its Bic programme and have progressed through to the Laser. “They are pretty young to be sailing the Laser so it’s good that they can sail their first adult national contest in waters they will be familiar with,” he says. “It’s also great that they will be able to observe world class sailors like Meech and Buhl. What a fantastic experience for them!”
Henry Barfoot, of headline sponsor Barfoot & Thompson, says the company would be delighted to see a future gold medalist or world champion come from this area.
Regatta coordinator, Phil Wild, is still on the hunt for volunteers.
“We’ve been working on this event for over two years now and its great to see everything coming together,” Phil says. “We’ve had great support from the local community, however we still need more volunteers to properly nail it – Manly Sailing Club style!”
For more information about volunteering, email volunteers@manlysailingclub.org.nz
