A short post about where I’ve been lately…
In case anyone is wondering what I’m doing when I’m not flicking bits (and bytes) back and forth chances are the answer is sailing.
I started sailing in December 2006, as a guest on board ‘Fast Company’ – the craft of the indomitable Tony Smith. Thrown in at the deep end (ooh that was bad) I never had to sit on the rail and earn my spot manning the bow on my 2nd ever outing (during a Wednesday night series race – spinnakers and all!), and surviving.
Since this moment 18 months ago, I’ve been sailing at least twice a week, often three times (and every now and then more) and haven’t looked back.
During this time, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time on local sailing site, crew.org.nz and have been loving every minute of it. Crew.org.nz’s slogan is eat-sleep-sail and for those who have sailed you’ll know it’s not too far from the truth.
The visitors to the site are various combinations of opinionated, funny, insightful, and entertaining, but all have a great love of sailing. The founder of crew.org – Zoe Wilde – put in a great effort with the difficult task of starting a sailing website, walking the piers handing out fliers to yachties and other boaties alike.
After deciding a change of focus was required, Zoe sold crew.org to David Howie last year. David has done a fine job of taking over the reins, and has many great plans for crew.org.nz.
At one stage I was quite concerned for the health of crew.org.nz, as Zoe mentioned that several of the big players in the publishing industry had approached her looking to buy. So much so we offered to buy it if no one who had the right ‘fit’ and a passion for sailing appeared. However David appeared with an obvious love of sailing (and far more knowledge and experience than I) so the deal was done.
At present crew.org.nz is essentially a news site with a small online store, and extremely busy forums, so there is scope for growth. We’ve been talking with David about some great ideas about what can be done with crew.org.nz, and we’re excited about his passion for bringing sailing and technology together in 21st century style, so watch this space!
Comments
13 responses to “My Addiction”
I’ve lived in Auckland all my life and never been sailing. Wanted to but don’t know anyone with a boat so don’t know where to start. Always got jealous when seeing all the boats out on the harbour on a beautiful day – seems like a great way to spend it!
Done a rum race or two here and there with friends and it was great fun! A few beers, a few rums, during summer is really the way to go 🙂
Yeah I sail too much as it is…….should be workin but out sailing instead…..
Maya,
if you’re interested in sailing, head down the marina about 3pm on a Friday. There’s always skippers looking for extras to take – especially in a bit more wind. If you want something a little more concrete, get in touch with me and I’ll sort out something for you 🙂
If Fast Company’s cockpit looks like the photo above I’m going to protest for 2 reasons. 1 – It shouldn’t and 2nd if it does I’m jealous and want one 🙂
Go hard and I’ll see you on the wet stuff.
If only Fast Company’s cockpit looked like that…
That’s a shot of Harlequin after we finished the ’07 Coastal Classic. She’s owned by the Commodore of the Tauranga Yacht Club, Neville Harlick, and is a damn sight more comfy than Fast Company – especially for the longer trips 🙂
Neville was looking for a crew to do the race, so it was the least we could do to oblige. One requires two fridges, a freezer, an ensuite, and all the amenities of home for such a journey!
So how do I get into sailing?
If anyone is keen to go for a rum race I often race Friday nights at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (only on nice days, we don’t do rain!) I have a fast new 30 footer with plenty of room and a nice big ice box. No experience necessary, I take it pretty easy although I can win as well if we get keen.
Karl (chief Mother) has sailed with me and can put you in contact, will take all ages, I’m always keen to show people the joys of yachting. I recently completed a Keelboat Instructor course so I’m happy for everyone to have a go.
It never ceases to amaze me – tho it shouldn’t – that there are many Aucklanders that haven’t seen the city from the harbour.
Wal’
wal mate that’d be me too. lived here all my life and never been on a sailing boat and don’t think any of the family have either.
pretty sad huh
Are you going sailing today Wal? I’m free this afternoon if you are 🙂
Amy,
Wal’s currently in the South Island (looking after Llamas) at the mo, so Demonstrator’s not going out. That’s not to mention the fact that it is raining as well 😉
I’d love to go sailing!
Llamas?????