Auckland hosts successful 2018 Development Symposium

Yachting New Zealand and the city of Auckland welcomed international representatives from the sailing community for World Sailing’s Development Symposium from 2-4 May 2018.

Eleven World Sailing Member National Authorities and representatives from Oceanic Class Associations came together to share ideas to develop the sport within their nation.
 
The Symposium was opened by World Sailing Vice President Nadine Stegenwalner, who welcomed all attendees and set the tone for the symposium. Sharing ideas was at the forefront of the mindset of all.
 
Yachting New Zealand Chief Executive David Abercrombie also addressed delegates to welcome them to Auckland and encourage engagement in the coming days of discussion.
 
Over three days of Key Note Speakers and thought-provoking discussions, topics such as Promoting your MNA, connect to Sailing Programmes and Performance Pathways were covered to stimulate discussion and encourage MNA’s to explore their own offerings and activities.
 
A trip to the local Royal Akarana Yacht Club saw delegates observe a Yachting New Zealand ‘Sailing… Have a Go’ session. A local school group was taking part in a coached session and delegates observed the session from introductions and rigging the boats, to the on the water practical session, showing how quickly you can get children out on the water having fun.
 
Key note speakers included Dennis Miller, Executive Director at Oceanic National Olympic Committee, Ben Callard, Regional Development Manager Queensland, Australian Sailing and Ian Stewart, High Performance Director with Yachting New Zealand.
 
The symposium ended with each Delegate writing a pledge, of something they have taken from the Symposium and will implement within their MNA when they return. Then six months after the Symposium, each delegate will be emailed their pledge to report on if the effect it has had within their MNA.
 
Next year will see the Symposium return to Europe with further details to be released in due course.