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
Finalist nominees for Sailor of the Year 2007 and Young Sailor of the Year 2007 have been announced by Yachting New Zealand.
After an exceptional twelve months for New Zealand yachting on many levels, narrowing down a list of finalists was a tough decision for the judging panel. The winners will be announced at the Yachting Excellence Awards Presentation and Dinner to be held at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on Friday 16th November.
A stand-out year with multiple regatta wins has earned board sailor Tom Ashley a nomination to NZOC for inclusion in the New Zealand Olympic Team for 2008.
Yachting New Zealand will submit the nomination for Ashley’s inclusion to the New Zealand Olympic Committee this week, bringing the total nominated sailors to five with more likely over coming months. Early nomination is seen as important giving sailors’ maximum time to focus on preparation for competition at the Olympic Games.
Following ratification from NZOC it will be Ashley who represents the country in Qingdao next year.
New Zealand has won two medals at the Pre-Olympics Regatta in Qingdao, China. Tom Ashley won board sailing gold while Hamish Pepper and Carl Williams took the silver medal in the Star.
With two medals in the bag for New Zealand already another looks likely for Jo Aleh, currently lying 2nd, who will sail the Laser Radial medal race later today in China.
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