hansaclass

SKUD18 Match Race Update

To our competitors, supporters, and volunteers,

The momentum is building! With the SKUD 18 International Match Race Challenge fast approaching, we are thrilled to see the event taking shape. Thank you to everyone contributing their time and energy to make this a landmark regatta.

⛵ Fleet & Logistics Update

  • The Grid is Set: We officially have 12 teams entered and confirmed.
  • Gear Upgrades: We are currently taking delivery of new rigging and sails for the entire fleet to ensure top-tier performance.

🤝 Our Partners

A massive thank you to our Main Event Sponsor: Burnsco, and our dedicated supporting sponsors:

First Mates Last Laugh, Drake Medox, Kennards Hire, Skipperi, Permobil, Yotti, WriteOn, Milner Mobility, Kiwi Yachting, PredictWind, Recon, Dosh, and Marineverse.

🌟 SailGP Base Tour

We are proud to offer competitors and crew a rare look behind the scenes of high-performance racing. If you are in Auckland on the 15th February, this may be of interest to you.

  • When: Sunday, 15 February (prior to SailGP Final).
  • Details: Limited to 25 people.
  • Priority: Open to skippers and crew; remaining spots are first-come, first-served.
  • To Attend: Please email Tim Dempsey to RSVP. Final tour time to be advised.

🚐 Accessibility & Support

  • Disability Equipment: Courtesy of Permobil, specialized disability equipment is available (portable hoists, wheelchairs, mobility scooters etc).. Please contact us early with any specific requests.
  • Vehicle Hire: Milner Mobility has kindly offered limited use of disability vans. Let us know your details and we may be able to provide some assistance.

🎥 Enhancing the Experience

We are working hard to keep the energy high for sailors and fans:

  • Live Tracking: Currently testing live tracking to be displayed on big screens at the base.
  • Spectator Viewing: Exploring on-water viewing options to get supporters closer to the action.
  • VR Sailing Competition (with prizes!): A virtual competition will run at the base alongside the main regatta. Experience the cutting edge of sailing tech with the newly released Hansa 303 VR Beta.

We appreciate your flexibility as we navigate the logistics of this innovative new format. Our goal is to balance world-class racing with a highly engaging experience for everyone involved.

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available

We are very grateful to all the companies and individuals that have supported us to date. We do still have room for a few more sponsors and in particular we are looking for a few more prizes for our competitors and small items to go in our 24 competitor Goodie bags.  If you can help or you know someone who might please get in touch.  

The Charity Organising the Regatta     

Sailability Auckland is dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities through the transformative power of sailing. Based at Westhaven Marina, we provide accessible sailing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Our vision is an inclusive community in which everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to experience the freedom, challenge, and joy of being on the water. 

Click Here to go to our Donation Page  

Merry Christmas to you all! 🎄

More information will follow shortly. In the meantime, please reach out with any questions.

The SKUD 18 Challenge Team For further information please visit our event page