National Zephyr Championships February 2019

This is a tournament that gets sailors coming in from different parts of New Zealand. The championship, like before, is being held at Tauranga. The last championship that was held in 2015 surpassed about 46 entries. This year there are about 60 entries expected. Venue of the tournament would be at Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club where the event would be held from 24th February to February 27th. President of the owners association Zephyr stated that about 20 would be local sailors who are hoping that their local know-how would give them an edge.

About five national champions of the past would be competing in this event that includes coaches and sailors of Emirates and Olympian teams. It would also include local players like Mark Thomas who is the current champion of North Island Zephyr; he would be looking to retain his position but would also have close contender Greg Wright to fend off first. Andy Knowles, an Olympic selector, and commodore of Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat club would be welcoming the competitors who would be coming in from out of town as well as contend with the contestants on the water himself.

Zephyr yacht would be the boat used as a one person sailing vessel. It was designed in the fifties by Des Townson, a New Zealander. It is one of the popular sailing yachts of one person design that has been made into 300 out of which 10 are fiberglass and hull versions which are on sail nationwide.

Zephyr is being used for learning to sail as well which includes midweek races and regular weekend sailing. The boat is used by yacht clubs in places like Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, and Christchurch. Those who would attend the competition would also get a chance to get a close look at this boat.

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