‘Wanason’ has finished the inaugural Toyota Kiwi Cup Regatta in sixth place.

The week-long intensive, held in Auckland between September 28 and October 4, brought together ten youth teams from across the country, hosted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS).

The ‘Wanason’ team was created after the Wānaka Yacht Club needed some extra numbers to make up its team and it joined forces with members of the Nelson Yacht Club.

RNZYS general manager Sarah Wiblin said the Kiwi Cup provided an opportunity to strengthen connections between clubs from around the country at the start of the sailing season.

“It’s a chance to give the students a taste of high-end competitive racing while getting them better connected with the Auckland marine industry that co-exists with so much of our sailing success,” she said. 

The week long intensive ended with the two-day regatta and some fierce competition.

In the end it was down to the two Auckland teams, proving the local edge - Royal Akarana Yacht Club (RAYC) beat Murrays Bay Sailing Club by just one point. 

Team ‘Wanason’ with (from left) Erica Hudson and Maddie Smith (both Wānaka) and Ash Cole, Bruno Page and Jay Brixton (Nelson).

Wanason came in ahead of Plimmerton Boating Club, Napier Sailing Club, Queen Charlotte Yacht Club, and Kerikeri Cruising Club.

To top off the week, the sailors experienced a formal dinner with RNZYS Life Members, Past Commodores and supporters of youth sailing.

Wānaka Yacht Club is entering the new season on the back of a standout last season for its growing youth contingent.

Read more: Season ends on high for young sailors

The small club has had a surge in youth numbers in the last couple of years and in the last season, WYC sailors competed at national championships, competed in the Sail GP programme, joined the National AON Youth Sailing Squad and competed at NZ Youth Champs, with strong results at many competitions.

Learn more about WYC here.

PHOTOS: Supplied