The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) and Emirates Team New Zealand has gifted a brand new fleet of Elliott 7s to support the country's Youth Sail Training Programme. The new boats, equipped with brand new North Sails and the latest in high-performance technology, are not just suitable for the youth sailing programme but also for world-class international and local Match Racing events, emphasising RNZYS' commitment to the sport.
The RNZYS Youth Training Programme has produced world-class athletes, some of whom are now part of Emirates Team New Zealand. The launch of the new fleet of Elliott 7s is expected to provide similar opportunities to young sailors keen to embark on a career in professional sailing, particularly in the field of Match Racing.
The new fleet of Elliott 7s replaces the previous fleet of 10 boats, which have been delivered to their new owners at Buckland’s Beach Yacht Club (BBYC). The RNZYS' investment in the new fleet is aimed at developing New Zealand's future sailing talent through the world-class RNZYS Youth Training Programme.
According to Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, while the organisation's core objective is to win the America's Cup for New Zealand, it is equally important to invest in the future and ensure that the pipeline of top-level kiwi sailing talent is full. The new fleet of Elliott 7s plays a crucial role in achieving this goal, particularly in the match racing discipline.
The fleet will also race on Tuesday evenings as part of the ongoing E7 series and support the RNZYS' ongoing work to support schools and youth within the community. With the latest technology and high-performance features, the new fleet of Elliott 7s is expected to elevate match racing events in New Zealand and beyond.
