Rod Davis is amongst other things Director of the Royal Akarana Sailing Academy which is based at Okahu Bay, Orakei. He has attended at least four Olympics winning medals whilst representing the United States – the 1984 summer Olympics in Los Angeles (the Olympics in which Russell Coutts won his gold medal in the Finn class). And then representing New Zealand sale within the next three Olympic games, 1988, 1992 and 1996.

 

Rod has been involved in the America’s Cup is at least 1977, he was at the helm the 1992 America’s Cup sailed in San Diego and was back up helm for the one Australia campaign in 1995 and indeed was on board and helming the vessel the day the One Australia sank. He has worked with both team New Zealand and Artemis Racing since.

 

In addition to giving us a general update what is happening at the Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Rod was presented with a $10,000 cheque from Newmarket charitable foundation applied to funding within the RAYC sailing Academy.  No doubt members will be able to visit Royal Akarana once its new facilties open to see what work our donation is doing.

 

Rod gave us a rundown on the Academy saying it is designed to create a pathway to get kids to enjoy the water, get them kayaking, get them paddling surf canoes and stand-up paddle boards as well as sailing. There will be focus on low decile schools to encourage children from those schools to get involved.

 

Rod gave us a little insight into the new America’s Cup class. It is a 75 foot foiling monohull the first votes of which class are expected water towards the middle of the year. Rod commented that the small trial boats that syndicates have been using have capsised a lot although larger trial boats seem to have better stability. The theme underlying these comments was that we can expect than one capsise in the preliminary series and the America’s Cup match. That will be fun to watch. Picking up the bits and pieces after any capsize less so.

 

Ron gave us an update on the new space at Orakei the RAYC will be occupying. The outside is done. The kitchen and fit out done and it is anticipated the building will be operational for the RAYC and other clubs involved with the trust that owns the building again in the middle of the year.

The building will be put through its paces at the end of the year as the RAYC will be hosting a number of centreboard class world Championships.

 

After Rod’s address concluded, there was a lively question and answer session showing the interest Rod’s address had generated.

Hot off the press from District 9920 HQ.

 

From John Fothergill regarding the District 9920 conference.

 

We are now only 2 months out from the District 9920 conference in Napier.

 

Already more than 200 of you have registered for the conference, but there is still plenty of time for those who have not.  To register click here:

 

The conference boasts a fantastic location and venue, some excellent pre- and during-conference activities, as well as a lineup of speakers that you won't want to miss including:

For more info about the conference click here:

 

Looks like a great event. Book, you know you want to.

 

 

 

                                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attendance for the 2 day programme is $200 per person, which covers materials and refreshments, and is invoiced to your club.  Clubs usually pay for club members to attend so please check with your Club President if that is the case for your club.

 

Please advise of any special dietary requirements.