Hamilton yachtsmen to compete in US National Yachting Championships
Hamilton resident Adrian France is setting sail for San Francisco to compete in the US National Yachting Championships.
Hamilton resident Adrian France is setting sail for San Francisco to compete in the US National Yachting Championships.
The competition, which attracts the best of the best sailors from around the world, is held over six days, beginning August 27.
The yacht used in this race is a three-man, 18-foot skiff.
Although these boats are relatively small, they are the fastest, Adrian said.
There are only nine of these boats in New Zealand and of the seven heading to the United States, Adrian and his team are the only group not from Auckland.
Adrian said because these competitions are demanding and challenging his crew’s main aim is to finish the race and keep the boat upright.
Strength, stamina and tactics are just a few of the attributes needed.
“Simple manoeuvres can be so demanding because the boat requires so much,” Adrian said.
“Just a change of direction requires co-ordination between the three of you and if someone does something wrong then over you go.”
Living in Hamilton has some restrictions as Adrian and his team have to travel either to Auckland or Tauranga to train.
“We will be going up against guys who sail six or seven times a week, whereas we train only around once a week.”
Their yacht is currently in a container on its way to San Francisco and will be ready to meet Adrian and his team when they arrive.
Adrian will fly back to Hamilton as soon as possible to pick up his duties as a business lecturer at Wintec.
