Leaderboard

When did we stop sailing for fun. Its all I've done - over 65 years and still going. Entered nationals, coastals, match racing in the Stewarts in the 80's, and heaps of club events. Dinghies, trailer Sailers and keelers. Mostly my own boats. Knocked on the door in lots - never achieved. Probably sailed against Black Panther in Cherokees at Onerahi in the 70's.😊😊 No aspirations of Olympic Grandeur ever - in fact not even on the horizon back then. Have a son at top class level - 2 volvos, numerous Hobarts, World Match Racing Champ, National Keel boat Championships, Sail GP, Blah Blah

And further , at the Tokyo Olympics yachting great Peter Lester criticised YNZ for repeatedly leaving NZ Olympic sailing slots empty. At the time a crew from Indonesia I think were coming dead last in a 49er race he was commenting on. But he supported their national body for sending them ,and said it would provide them experience ,show the pathway for others and provide role models to their nations youth . What would he know ?

Quick follow up and thanks again for the advice. With some better weather I finally managed to get onto this. My initial plan to remove the backing plate turned out to be the wrong approach, however with the help of a couple of pry bars I was able to remove the thrust bearing from the plate. New parts installed and gearbox refitted today. The shaft was attached with a tension pin, which was all but completely corroded. Timely repair.

In terms of the health of the sport I think ynz should be looking at getting kids sailing. Full stop. When a 35 yo male who is one of our best medal prospects tells me it "just isn't worth it" and " I can't afford to sail anymore ( lasers ffs)". Then Houston we have problem. Maybe forget about then next 2 or 3 olympic cycles ( who cares anyway) and start building huge fleets of firebug or the oz goose , maybe working with schools. There's plenty of advantages to teaching kids to sail besides winning a gong.