RNZYS to host inaugural Foiling Match Racing Championships in 2020
by Andrew Delves, RNZYS PR & Communications Manager 13 Aug 2019 06:13 BST
13 August 2019
Nacra 20's will be used for the inaugural Foiling Match racing Championship in mid-January 2020 © Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron announced that they will be hosting the first ever NZ Foiling Match Racing Championships from the 13th - 17th January 2020.
Racing will be completed in the Squadrons two Nacra 20 foiling catamarans with racing to be held on the water outside the RNZYS.
There are eight spots available to take part in the inaugural event and expressions of interest are open now.
The format for the event will include a round robin, 3rd-7th repecharge, 7th & 8th sail off, semifinals, and then the final.
The Squadron will be holding an international foiling camp prior to the event, from January 6th - 10th, with all travelling international teams encouraged to sign up for this to get some quality practice in before the championships the following week.
With the success of foiling on world sailing tours, America's Cup, Sail GP, and other sailing disciplines, the Squadron is keen to encourage more sailors to get onto the foils in a match racing format.
RNZYS Sailing Director Laurie Jury is proud to bring this new initiative to the RNZYS and New Zealand sailing calendar, and is looking forward to what will be a high paced and exciting event - 'This is a great opportunity for upcoming sailors to test themselves on these high performance foiling boats, with the boats being provided by the RNZYS it creates a level playing field and will give a great pathway to events such as the Youth America Cup.'
'I also really hope to see some of the more experienced names in professional sailing taking up the chance to get back to basics and race in this event.'
Notice of Race and Expression of Interest can be found at www.rnzys.org.nz/sailing-events/nz-foiling-match-racing-champs/
For more information contact: RNZYS Sailing Director Laurie Jury - ljury@rnzys.org.nz