The future of team sailing in the region looks secure after Nelson and Richmond schools delivered standout performances at the 2026 New Zealand Secondary Schools Team Sailing National Championships in Whangārei.
Twenty-eight teams from across the country competed at Parua Bay from Sunday, 13 April, to Friday, 18 April, with racing hosted by the Whangārei Cruising Club. A total of 269 races were completed in modified 420-type boats, with conditions ranging from abandoned racing in winds of more than 30 knots to long waits for a light breeze to settle.
Waimea College recorded its strongest national results, finishing sixth overall after five demanding days of racing. It is a standout performance from the team, who have steadily been working towards this result for several seasons.
Nelson College for Girls secured a place in the girls’ final, racing Whangārei Girls’ High School in a play-off for second and third. The team finished runners-up in the girls’ competition and 18th overall, also qualifying to represent New Zealand at the Interdominion regatta in Auckland later this year.
Coach Paige Langford says the regional results reflected the strength of sailing in Nelson.
“As a region we managed to secure some awesome results and we’re super proud of all the Nelson teams.”
Garin College finished 16th overall, while Nelson College placed 19th, rounding out a strong showing from the region.
Nelson College for Girls sailor Olivia Low was delighted with the result, which marked her first appearance at a national secondary schools’ regatta.
“It was my first nationals event for sailing and it was definitely a step up. Everyone from Nelson did so well, and we’re stoked to come away with silver for the girls teams.”
Westlake Boys’ High School won the overall championship, while Westlake Girls’ High School claimed their fourth consecutive national title.
