Principles and Aims
The primary aim of the Foundation is to introduce children to the joys of sailing and to help each participant grow in character and personal confidence.
The Foundation's training programs incorporate the coaching of sailing skills, as well as providing opportunities for non-competitive fun events on the water and social events off the water, for both the sailors and their families.
The Foundation recognises that while some participants may go on to achieve success at national and international level this will not be used as a measure of the success for the program. The main measure will be the retention of young sailors to the sport who have had little or no previous contact with sailing.
The Foundation's courses are operated from Manly Sailing Club (MSC) on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. The Foundation program offers beginner sailing through Learn to Sail Level's One, Two and Three and Intermediate and Advanced courses follow.
Learn to Sail 1, 2 & 3 use the O’pen Skiff class yacht with our unique O'pen Skiff syllabus which has been developed through the guidance of Yachting New Zealand's (YNZ) Dinghy Learn to Sail program. Sailors will also get the opportunity to sail in Hobie Waves. We use RS Fevas to introduce sailors to double handed sailing. As well as our Junior Learn to Sail, we have Learn to Windsurf for those who are 10yrs or over and Adult Learn to Sail.
As sailors progress from the Learn to Sail courses, they may choose to sail in the ILCA 6 (formerly Laser Radial), 29er, iQFoil, Wingfoil or Waszp. Coaches for these courses are talented sailors who have already excelled in these classes on the National and International stage.
All of our courses are run by accredited YNZ coaches and other experienced yachtsmen and women at Manly Beach, Whangaparaoa.
The Foundation's training programs incorporate the coaching of sailing skills, as well as providing opportunities for non-competitive fun events on the water and social events off the water, for both the sailors and their families.
The Foundation recognises that while some participants may go on to achieve success at national and international level this will not be used as a measure of the success for the program. The main measure will be the retention of young sailors to the sport who have had little or no previous contact with sailing.
The Foundation's courses are operated from Manly Sailing Club (MSC) on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. The Foundation program offers beginner sailing through Learn to Sail Level's One, Two and Three and Intermediate and Advanced courses follow.
Learn to Sail 1, 2 & 3 use the O’pen Skiff class yacht with our unique O'pen Skiff syllabus which has been developed through the guidance of Yachting New Zealand's (YNZ) Dinghy Learn to Sail program. Sailors will also get the opportunity to sail in Hobie Waves. We use RS Fevas to introduce sailors to double handed sailing. As well as our Junior Learn to Sail, we have Learn to Windsurf for those who are 10yrs or over and Adult Learn to Sail.
As sailors progress from the Learn to Sail courses, they may choose to sail in the ILCA 6 (formerly Laser Radial), 29er, iQFoil, Wingfoil or Waszp. Coaches for these courses are talented sailors who have already excelled in these classes on the National and International stage.
All of our courses are run by accredited YNZ coaches and other experienced yachtsmen and women at Manly Beach, Whangaparaoa.
Administration
The Russell Coutts Sailing Foundation was created by Sir Russell Coutts—Olympic gold medallist, America’s Cup winner, and lifelong advocate for youth sailing—to give young New Zealanders the chance to discover sailing, build confidence, and learn life skills like preparation and teamwork.
Joining him is accomplished yachtsman and businessman Barry Thom, along with head coach Matthew Rist, a talented sailor who leads the program with passion and expertise. Many of our coaches are RCSF graduates, including international youth and foiling champions, bringing first-hand experience and inspiration to every session.
All our coaches hold Yachting New Zealand accreditation, and we regularly welcome top sailors to clinics, giving our young sailors extra motivation and a taste of world-class sailing.
New Zealand O’pen Skiff Class Association
The Class Association exists to provide alignment across the various regional fleets of O’pen Skiff yachts (previously known as the O'pen Bic) sailed throughout New Zealand with fleets developing in Wellington, Napier, Bay of Islands and Manly.
A core value of the Class Association is retaining the fun element within sailing and encouraging sailing excellence.
The Class Association shares the vision of the Foundation as a way forward for young sailors wanting to continue with progression within the sport.
The O’pen Skiff class worldwide is gaining strength and it offers many opportunities to take youngsters through to senior sailing. There are regattas held throughout New Zealand that attract sailors from Australia and the Pacific Islands and each year there is a World Championship held somewhere in the world for those very keen sailors.
A core value of the Class Association is retaining the fun element within sailing and encouraging sailing excellence.
The Class Association shares the vision of the Foundation as a way forward for young sailors wanting to continue with progression within the sport.
The O’pen Skiff class worldwide is gaining strength and it offers many opportunities to take youngsters through to senior sailing. There are regattas held throughout New Zealand that attract sailors from Australia and the Pacific Islands and each year there is a World Championship held somewhere in the world for those very keen sailors.
