Club members were treated to a feast of New Zealand fayre as a thank you from Sailing NZL
Club members responsible for the coordination, organisation and implementation of the visiting New Zealand Olympic sailing teams use of the clubs facilities were rewarded with a thank you supper by our guests. New Zealand lamb and beef alongside New Zealand beer and wine was served up last friday evening in the club house. Mixing with the bright and bubbly young people from the southern hemisphere was also a thrill for our members as both groups relaxed and enjoyed each others company. After the feasting all were shown the promotional NZL film for the games and Jez Fanstone (Yachting New Zealand Olympic Director) thanked us for our hospitality and impressed upon us how important our club, its people and its facilities had contributed towards a strong and happy team.
Jez then introduced Jake Wilkins, Team Services manager for the NZL Olympic committee who again thanked the club and finally Dave Currie, Chef de Mission for the NZL Olympic committee. He was unapologetic about his commitment and his belief that NZL would return to WSC after the Olympics to have "one hell of a party" and show off their medals.
Commodore Mark Bugler reminded everyone that being part of the Olympic events was nothing new for WSC members, as part of YCW they had been organising trials and selection events for nearly 50 years, long before the academy was even a pipe dream. In those days it all happened on the beach at Weymouth.
Mark also made a special mention of thanks to Jane Buckle who had worked tirelessly to ensure that everything ran smoothly for the Kiwis from organising accommodation to dealing with individual's personal issues.
Mark Bugler presented David Currie with a club burgee.
Submitted on 31st July 2011