Trailer sailers gather at lake

Sailors from across the North Island will compete at the trailer yacht nationals on Lake Rotoiti this weekend.

The New Zealand Trailer Yacht Nationals start today and feature 25 teams and yachts, measuring between 6m to 8m.

Bay of Plenty Trailer Yacht Squadron safety and training officer Ron Heydon said it was great to be holding the event in Rotorua.

"This is the first time we have had it in a long time," he said. "The nationals are only held about every three years."

Heydon said the two-day event included competition across three classes. Each class suits the length and set up of each yacht.

About 100 sailors will take part in the competition, with teams of four or five sailing each boat.

Heydon said trailer yachts were boats small enough to be transported on a trailer from lake to lake.

"Basically, you have the yachts with a big keel underneath ... and boats which are small enough to put on a trailer."