Welcome to our annual charity fundraising event and thank you for taking the time to join us.

This year is organized and run in partnership with the Smiths City Group with the proceeds of the day being donated to Youthline, or more specifically Youthline Central South Island.

Youthline has the unenviable task of guiding our youth through difficult periods. Times when there are pressures from peers and parents. Modern society has created the one parent family, or the two working parents. Today youth has had to shoulder that burden at a time when most of us at the same age were enjoying all life had to offer. We are only too aware of recent situations within our own city that may have had a different outcome had Youthline become involved.

Your support today assists one of the aims of Youthline which is to purchase communication equipment to enable counselors to be available to needy youth via TXT twenty four hours a day seven days a week. This will bring professional help in a medium that youth can relate to. We can make a difference to the development of our youth, and collectively it is achievable.

Our Annual Charity Race has an enviable history and provides participants with the unique opportunity to experience the thrill and excitement of yacht racing on the picturesque and historical Lyttelton Harbour. You will be aboard one of the many Naval Point Club’s keelboats and we feel sure you will have a most entertaining day. Within your day pack you will find information you’ll need to make your day a safe and memorable occasion. Please follow the instructions of your skipper. He is in complete control of your craft and it’s his responsibility to ensure your safety.

If you or your family discover a liking for the sport the Naval Point Club holds learn to sail classes for age groups 10 through to adult, from dinghies through to trailer yachts to keelboats. Safety and boating courses are very much an everyday occurrence at the Club’s facilities at Magazine Bay and I encourage you to make contact with the Club personnel if you wish to know more.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and look forward to your company in the Wardroom after the race. All the best for good luck, good racing and good fun

Graham Moffat

Commodore