Barbara Kendall

Yachting New Zealand has two new Life Members including the first woman and youngest ever to be bestowed the honour in New Zealand. At the 56th Annual General Meeting of Yachting New Zealand, held on Saturday 2nd October 2010, it was announced that Barbara Kendall (MBE) and Ralph Roberts (MBE and JP) have been appointed Life Members of yachting’s national sports body. The honour, which comes after a recommendation from the YNZ’s Board of Directors to the AGM, recognises exemplary service to Yachting New Zealand and in the interests of yachting generally.

Wearing her crop top, board shorts, sunglasses and sports cap, recently retired New Zealand windsurfing legend Barbara Kendall could still pass for a competitor, but in Singapore she is staying on shore as a Youth Olympic Games athlete role model. Kendall participated in five Olympic Games, picking up the full set of medals with a gold, silver and bronze.

Barbara Kendall is retiring from Olympic competition after a wind surfing career spanning close to a quarter century and encompassing multiple Olympic and World Championship medals. Now 42 years of age, Barbara is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished athletes and a recognised role model.

Thursday 4th December brought together some of NZ best sailors to promote windsurfing as a sport and to officially launch the six new Techno boards destined for Tauranga. They are courtesy of the Bay of Plenty Sailing Academy and funded by TECT. At $5800 apiece fully kitted out, the boards aren't cheap but spokesman Stuart Pedersen is adamant they'll be a great investment for the sport's future. "Getting these boards is huge - they'll provide a pathway from learning to windsurf through to getting into serious racing without having to commit to buying your own gear," Pedersen said.