Yachting New Zealand

Some journeys leave a mark for life. ❤️

After 10 years with Sailability Auckland, Finn Drummond is setting sail for new horizons in Tahiti.

But first, adaptive sailing's 'Mr Fix-it' reflects on the people, friendships, and lessons that made it one of the most rewarding chapters of his life.

Read more 👇

https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/adaptive-sailing-auckland-coach-finn-drummond-reflects-10-years-sailability-auckland-and-his-new

Another huge day for Kiwi wingfoiling! 🇳🇿🔥

Sean Herbert has reached new heights at the WingFoil Racing World Cup in Italy, while Kosta Gladiadis keeps making history with another major podium finish.

Read more 👉 https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/2026-wingfoil-racing-world-cup-gizzeria-sean-herbert-claims-career-best-result-kosta-gladiadis

📸 Robert Hajduk, IWSA Media

NZL Sailing Team
Wingfoil New Zealand

Still in the medal mix! 🇳🇿🔥

Sean Herbert remains second overall after three days of racing at the WingFoil Racing World Cup in Gizzeria, just five points off the lead.

Italy’s Alessandro Tomasi has set the pace, winning all nine races across the past two days, but Sean is right in the fight with one day of gold fleet racing remaining.

Kosta Gladiadis sits 10th and remains within striking distance of the top nine and a place in tomorrow’s medal series knockout showdown. 🏄‍♂️🇳🇿

Latest results and standings 👉 https://wingfoilracing.com/2026worldcupitaly

📸 Robert Hajduk, IWSA Media

NZL Sailing Team
Wingfoil New Zealand

🏆 Golden girls! 🇳🇿⛵

Dreams became reality in Kiel overnight as Bella Jenkins and Jess Handley were crowned 29er girls Under-19 world champions.

The Kiwi duo capped off a superb regatta by claiming 🥈 silver in the overall female fleet and 🥇 gold in the female youth fleet, helping New Zealand secure the Nations Cup as the world's top-performing country.

💬 Bella: "All the achievements are pretty special, but the one we're proudest of is where we finished in the female fleet. It shows we can compete – and do well – in big fleets."

💬 Jess: "We finished in the bronze fleet at our last big international regatta, so to get into gold fleet and win a medal here is an incredible feeling!"

Congratulations, Bella and Jess! 🌍🥇👏

Read more 👉 https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/2026-29er-world-championship-new-zealand-crowned-top-29er-nation-bella-jenkins-and-jess-handley

📸 Int 29er Class

29er New Zealand

New Zealand is officially the No. 1 29er nation in world sailing! 🌍🇳🇿🏆

Our outstanding five-crew team has claimed the Nations Cup at the 29er World Championships in Kiel, Germany — the first time New Zealand has achieved the feat in recent history. 👏⛵

What a campaign:
🥇 Nations Cup winners
🔥 Three crews in the overall top 10
🥇Gold medal in the youth female fleet
💪 Every Kiwi crew through to Gold Fleet

A phenomenal effort from Nelsen Meacham & Oli Stone, Ewan Brazle & Toby Clark, Blake Batten & Hugo Smith, Bella Jenkins & Jess Handley, and Matteo Barker & Leo Brown.

History made. Kiwi sailing at its very best. 🇳🇿💙

📷 Int 29er Class

29er New Zealand

New Zealand is officially the No. 1 29er nation in world sailing! 🌍🇳🇿🏆

Our outstanding five-crew team has claimed the Nations Cup at the 29er World Championships in Kiel, Germany — the first time New Zealand has achieved the feat in recent history. 👏⛵

What a campaign:
🥇 Nations Cup winners
🔥 Three crews in the overall top 10
🥈🥉 Podium finishes in the Female and Under-17 divisions
💪 Every Kiwi crew through to Gold Fleet

A phenomenal effort from Nelsen Meacham & Oli Stone, Ewan Brazle & Toby Clark, Blake Batten & Hugo Smith, Bella Jenkins & Jess Handley, and Matteo Barker & Leo Brown.

History made. Kiwi sailing at its very best. 🇳🇿💙

📷 Int 29er Class

29er New Zealand

🚀 Ready to take the next step in youth sailing? 🇳🇿⛵

Expressions of interest are now open for Yachting New Zealand’s 2026 Youth Development Programmes in the ILCA 6 and 420 classes.

Whether you’re stepping into single-handed sailing in the ILCA 6 or teaming up for double-handed racing in the 420, these programmes are designed to build the technical, tactical and racing foundations needed to confidently launch your campaign.

Both programmes include coaching clinics leading into the 2026 Youth Trials, helping sailors develop the skills, experience and confidence to compete strongly and prepare for the 2027 Youth Programme.

📅 ILCA 6 Youth Development Programme
5–6 September – Murrays Bay Sailing Club
12–13 September – Manly Sailing Club
19–20 September – Murrays Bay Sailing Club

📅 420 Development Programme
15–16 August – Royal Akarana Yacht Club
5–6 September – National Coaches Regatta
19–20 September – National Clinic

For more information and to register your interest 👉
https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/performance/youth-sailing/new-youth-class-clinics

Another World Cup event — another blistering start from New Zealand’s wingfoil stars. 🇳🇿🌊

Sean Herbert has hit the ground flying at the Gizzeria World Cup, dominating the opening day with four wins from four long-distance races to lead the fleet heading into Day 2. 🔥

The 2025 Barfoot & Thompson Male Sailor of the Year backed up his recent podium form with a flawless opening performance, sitting ahead of Italy’s Francesco Cappuzzo after the first day of racing.

Meanwhile, Kosta Gladiadis has continued his strong recent run, sitting eighth overall and third in the under-19 standings after Day 1. 👊

Fresh from claiming back-to-back silver medals at the Formula Wing Youth World Championships in Switzerland, the Manly Sailing Club teenager is once again mixing it with the world’s best.

Latest results and standings 👉 https://wingfoilracing.com/2026worldcupitaly

📸 Robert Hajduk, IWSA

NZL Sailing Team
Wingfoil New Zealand
WingFoil Racing

⛵ Calling young female ILCA sailors! 🇳🇿

Applications are now open for the 2027 ILCA Oceania Youth Solidarity Programme — a development opportunity supporting female sailors making the transition into ILCA 4 racing.

One sailor from each ILCA district will be selected to compete at the 2027 Oceania and Australian Open and Youth ILCA Championships in Melbourne, with support including boat charter, entry, coaching and more.

Open to sailors aged 13–16.

📅 Applications close 1 August 2026

Find out more and apply ⬇️

https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/wanted-female-ilca-4-sailors-2027-oceania-youth-solidarity-programme

📸 Insight Media

When Leah Hannaford signed up for a learn-to-sail course three years ago, she never imagined she'd become one of Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club's youngest-ever flag officers.

Now she's helping shape the future of the sport, driven by one simple goal: making everyone feel they belong.

Read Leah's inspiring story. ⬇️

https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/news/wellington-sailor-leah-hannaford-becomes-one-royal-port-nicholson-yacht-clubs-youngest-ever-leaders