Yachting New Zealand is proud to officially announce the inaugural Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Regatta will be staged in February 2017.

The brand new regatta is set to become the launch-pad for the next generation of New Zealand's Olympic sailors with a dedicated focus on Olympic and recognised youth classes.

To be held annually the inaugural Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Regatta in 2017 will be held in Auckland on Waitangi Weekend between 4 and 6 February. The 2018 edition will be held in Wellington, with a plan to rotate the event base annually between Auckland and the capital city.

This nation's elite Olympic campaigners, known as the NZL Sailing Team, will compete on home waters and their involvement is expected to attract top level international competitors from around the world, as well as aspiring Olympians from around New Zealand and overseas.

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"I am really excited about the inception of the Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Regatta," says David Abercrombie, Yachting New Zealand Chief Executive. "I believe that this is a great opportunity for our young sailors to sail with their heroes and learn from the very best in the world."

"Taking the NZL Sailing Regatta to Wellington every second year allows the capital city to experience a dinghy sailing regatta of the highest level."

New Zealand owned shipping business, Oceanbridge Shipping is getting in behind the Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Regatta continuing their proud tradition of supporting New Zealand sailing.

Bill Speedy from Oceanbridge says; "We're very pleased to get in behind the Oceanbridge NZL Sailing Regatta. We support youth yachting in New Zealand and this event provides the opportunity for youngsters to reach their true potential."

The independent team that has delivered the Sail Auckland Regatta supports the Yachting New Zealand initiative to launch a new event and have said that they will not be running Sail Auckland Regatta in 2016.

"Sail Auckland Inc has brought us a great event for many years now, and we recognise that their contribution to New Zealand sailing has been immense," says Abercrombie. "At the same time, we are pleased that they are willing to get in behind this new event designed to showcase and celebrate New Zealand Olympic and youth class sailing to the New Zealand public."