Sailing: Flying north for Starlings

Joan Livingstone noted that while Northlanders did not dominate the entry list, the event was often a breeding ground for future talent. Photo / John Stone

Parua Bay is proving a real drawcard for some, with sailors from as far south as Timaru carting their boats up to compete in the North Island Starling Championships this weekend.

Joining the six competitors coming north from Timaru are sailors from Christchurch, New Plymouth, Taupo, Tauranga and a large contingent from Auckland. There will also be a handful of Northlanders scattered among the fleet of 66.

With light sailing conditions expected on the Parua Bay water, Whangarei Cruising Club rear commodore Joan Livingstone thought the weekend's racing would be good to watch.

Livingstone noted that while Northlanders did not dominate the entry list, the event was often a breeding ground for future talent with the likes of Blair Tuke and Peter Burling having previously raced - both of whom were announced as new members to Emirates Team New Zealand on Tuesday.

"You meet all sorts of people and if you sort of get to know some of the names you can watch their progress," Livingstone said.

"Names who are coming through [and competing] now you can probably keep a lookout for in two or three years' time.

"It's kind of a good training ground for those sailors who want to go further."

Livingstone made mention of the commitment shown by those sailors who were towing their boats up from the South Island, saying it was great to see.

She said the last time the Whangarei Cruising Club hosted the North Island Starling Championships was about five years ago. "It is [exciting], I've done quite a few regattas and it is hard work but it is fun and I like doing it. It's a lot of hard work for all of us, [but] there's a team who have been working for months. There's a core who have been doing it for a few years and everyone has been pitching in.

"The Whangarei Cruising Club do host big events from time to time, you do have to put [your] hand up.

"Parua Bay is such a wonderful setting, it's really ideal sailing conditions and people do enjoy coming there."

This weekend's event is just one of two national sailing events that the Whangarei Cruising Club is hosting this year.

They will also host the Starling nationals in April.

The Starling Class yacht is a one-person centreboard boat.

Boaties asked to keep distance

Whangarei Cruising Club rear commodore Joan Livingstone has asked that boaties be aware and respectful as Parua Bay will be abuzz with sailing boats.

She asked that boaties keep an eye for the North Island Starling Championships race course this weekend, and stay off it, as it may change throughout the day depending on the wind conditions.

"Come out and enjoy it, [but] keep a look out [and] keep off the race course - which will be well marked.

"Keep an eye out for where the sailing yachts are and keep your speed down."

The Championships take place over both Saturday and Sunday.