Barbara Kendall

Racing at the RS:X World Championships in Takapuna, New Zealand continued today with both the men and women sailing two races each. Conditions were excellent with a NNE breeze increasing through the afternoon and clear and sunny skies. The women’s fleet was first out, racing in the early afternoon in around 10 knots of wind. The men followed starting mid afternoon in a freshening breeze of around 15 knots.

Racing at the RS:X World Championships got underway today at Takapuna Boating Club on Auckland’s North Shore. After a postponement due to light winds, racing started and two races were sailed in both the men’s and women’s fleets in a NNE breeze of around six to eight knots. With just two races to count the points table is tight at the top.

2008 New Zealand Olympic representatives, Tom Ashley and Barbara Kendall have scored convincing wins in the 2007 RSX NZ National Championships sailed off Takapuna Beach.

The New Zealand RS:X National Championships will boast an impressive starting line-up when racing starts this Friday off Takapuna Beach, North Shore City. Plenty of top international windsurfers are already in the country for the RS:X World Championships in January and will compete in this weekend’s Nationals as preparation. Over 60 windsurfers are already entered and with international competitors arriving into New Zealand daily, organisers of the National Championships are anticipating that around 80 windsurfers will take part. Just 20 to 30 of the expected total are New Zealanders with the majority being internationals here early for the World Championships.

The Award of Merit recognises outstanding examples of sailing ability, of seamanship or sportsmanship. The achievements and services of those people who receive the Merit Award has promoted, advanced or bettered our sport in New Zealand.

Twelve Merit Awards were presented in 2007 and included

Tom Ashley