Talented youngsters attracted to O'pen Bic regatta

Russell Coutts
Russell Coutts
Some of New Zealand's and the world's most talented young sailors will arrive in Queenstown next week for the O'pen Bic New Zealand Open.

The event is being hosted by the Wakatipu Yacht Club and the regatta is set to be Queenstown's largest sailing event.

It will be held over three days from January 18-20.

O'pen Bic yachts are a junior skiff designed for children and teenagers aged up to 17 years. It is a class fast gaining popularity in New Zealand.

Wakatipu Yacht Club commodore John Stalker said the event was expected to attract more than 60 competitors, some coming from Australia, Hawaii and Bermuda.

''We have some exceptional young talent racing in the event,'' he said.

''Sailing in general has taken a huge leap forward with New Zealand's win in the America's Cup.

The Wakatipu Yacht Club's learn to sail programme has grown from 30 kids to 90 this year, with more on waiting lists.

The O'pen Bic class is heavily supported by New Zealand sailing great Sir Russell Coutts, who will be mentoring the sailors on the water and in between races during the three days of the event.

''Wakatipu is a fabulous place to sail and it's great to see more junior sailors becoming involved locally,'' Coutts said.

''Being located amongst the mountains means the wind is often changeable so that helps to teach young sailors how to identify and read wind shifts on the water and it allows them to experience a broad range of conditions.

''I'm sure the competitors travelling here for the nationals will be impressed with the quality of the sailing conditions and, hopefully, they will also have a chance to enjoy some the other activities that this area offers.''

Some of the young New Zealand sailors to watch include Queenstown's Freddy Wright, Russell Coutts' son and under-13 world champion Mattias Coutts, as well as New Zealand Open 2017 winner Ahzai Smith, from Bermuda, who is returning to defend his title.


 

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