2021 Catalyst IT Laser National Championships - Sam Meech aims to make the most of domestic regattas
by NZLA Media 19 Oct 2020 19:50 UTC
22-25 January 2021
Sam Meech © Jon West Photography
With limited ability to travel, Sam Meech, the 2021 New Zealand Laser Olympic representative is planning to make the most of the available domestic racing opportunities on the calendar. This includes several regattas in a variety of different boats as well as in the ILCA / Laser.
The Catalyst IT Solutions Laser National Championships at Worser Bay Boating Club, Wellington, 22 -25th January 2021, will be a key part of his domestic sailing program.
Sam says "it's been strange having so much time at home without competition. It's given us a chance to do more speed training than usual, but we are really missing the racing. I am currently trying to do any races both in the laser and on other classes just to get on a course and have to make some decisions. Currently we can't travel so the only regatta I have in my plan is the laser nationals. It will be good get some strong winds and full-length upwind legs to test the fitness and regatta routines. I am really looking forward to Wellington, it's been years since I sailed down there!"
Sam went on to say that "things sounds good for the Olympics with the rest of the world back racing. How the lead in will look I'm not sure yet. Luckily, I have spent some time at the venue already so am comfortable there, I will just need to do some heat training to be able to go from the NZ winter to 30 degrees and high humidity! I am hoping to get to Europe, Japan, or Australia for at least one big fleet event before. It may just mean some time in quarantine. "
The Catalyst IT Solutions 2021 Laser New Zealand Championships will be hosted by Worser Bay in Wellington from the 22nd to 25th January 2021. The Worser Bay Boating Club was completely rebuilt in 2019 and provides an outstanding venue for both competitors and spectators. The new club delivers an outstanding stadium atmosphere for watching the racing. A variety of conditions are guaranteed.
The regatta is also proudly supported by associate sponsors: Wellington City Council, CBRE, Prime Properties, Pak n Save Wanganui, Craigs Investment Partners and Find Recruitment
For further details on the regatta head to NZlaser.org.