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A Sailing Nation

As is typical with most major international sailing events, New Zealand was disproportionately represented. Virtually every yacht, regardless of its nationality, had New Zealanders in the crew. The next America's Cup in Auckland in 2002-2003 will reveal a similar distribution through the various syndicates, although the rules of the regatta now require a two-year residency in the country they represent.

Over the years, New Zealand sailors have won most of the top international trophies, including the America's Cup (twice), the Whitbread Race (three times), the Admiral's Cup (once), the Kenwood Cup (three times), the Southern Cross Cup (four times), all the Ton Cups and various others. At a conservative count, New Zealanders have won more than 60 world titles, while sailing's 10 medals make it New Zealand's most successful Olympic sport. So, what's their secret?

Dedication from an early age, constant exposure to strong competition in home waters and a highly competent marine industry all play their part. And much of it has to do with geography.

	These waka (Maori canoes) appear at the Ngaruawahia Regatta in the Waikato each March.
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Dependent on the sea for trade and communications, New Zealanders learned to build seaworthy, reliable boats and developed a close understanding of seamanship. No part of New Zealand is far from the coast and, from its thousands of bays and coves, New Zealanders venture forth from an early age in all manner of boats. An often quoted statistic is that there are more boats per head of population in New Zealand than anywhere else in the world.

In this nation of 'do-it-yourself' oriented people, many of these boats are home-built. Unlike some other parts of the world, sailing in New Zealand has never been an elitist pursuit. Many of New Zealand's top sailors began their careers in boats that resulted from hours of devoted labour in garages and backyard sheds.

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It's a familiar story. Peter Lester, national coaching director for Yachting New Zealand, came from a similar background and went on to reap international success. 'Easy access to the water and boats, a temperate climate and a vast coastline all play a big role in the development of our sailors,' he says.

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'It is a very natural part of the New Zealand experience to go to the beach and play in or on the water.'

Part of Lester's job is to identify