Royal Akarana appoints top Cup skipper and coach
by Matthew Woodley 27 Dec 2017 22:29 GMT
28 December 2017
Rod Davis, a 40year America's Cup and double Olympic medalist has been appointed Sailing Director by Royal Akarana YC © Suellen Davies
Royal Akarana Yacht Club has announced the appointment of Rod Davis to the role of Sailing Director.
Rod is a four-time Olympic sailor, winning both gold and silver medals; he has been involved in the America’s Cup for 40 years in both sailing (three as skipper) and coaching roles; has lived and sailed out of Auckland for the past 30 years; is coaching and competing internationally and locally.
In accepting the role, Rod commented; “I am passionate about the future of sailing, and here we have the opportunity to do something truly exceptional. Royal Akarana Yacht Club, already the home of blue water sailing, along with the development of the new Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, will provide a future in club sailing in both blue water and class racing, international regattas, sailing academy, marine education and water sports that will be unmatched. Simply something you have to be a part of”.
The new Hyundai Marine Sports Centre at Okahu Bay Auckland opens in August 2018 and is the new home of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club. This world-class marine sports facility is designed to create pathways to the sea with programs catering to every age and level of ability from learn to sail to high-performance sailor training.
Rod brings his considerable experience to the new position of Sailing Director. In this role, he will further develop and strengthen the Club’s existing programs as well as expanding the academy, sailor development programs and the on water activities of the Club.