Who are we?

Adrian is a Past Commodore BOPTYS and owner of Noelex 25 "Wairua Express" he also  has Open Country a Beale 10.76 Masthead Sloop. Adrian has been involved in sailing since childhood (never grew up). Adrian works for Lycoming A textron Company ( USA) as International Regional Manager Sales & Marketing in the Asia pacific Middle east and Africa region.  Adrian is responsible for our Web service and communications.

Alan has been involved in sailing for about 125 years.

At the turn of the 20th century, the only watercraft available was a Waka, ( wooden dug out canoe) which Alan mastered quickly at the age of 5. Spent most of his youth as a Pirate! before settling down and now comands a Beneteu 45 - most weekends.  Alan has been appointed as Project Manager for the event. Alan is a project manager for LOGIS, who were responsible for construction of this web site.

Don McGowan, Farmer, shepherd & Orchadist. Don has worked the land for most of his life and brings strong leadership to the organising committee. Don has sailed for just as long and is a fierce competitor in his Elliott 7.5 Trailer Yacht "Email". Don is also a past commodore of BOPTYS.

Garth, like most New Zealanders learnt to sail before being able to walk! Spent a lot of his youth building Cherubs and Javilins in the front living room! much to his parents disgust! Represented New Zealand in the Javilin Interdominions. Garth & his wife Jan own a Noelex 25 "High Time" Still a keen competitor "Old age and treachery"always outwits youth and spirit! Garth is a Senior Civil Engineer for a consultancy business in Rotorua. Garth is co-responsible for finance & administration for the organizing committee.

Tony Thompson is mostly responsible for winning the bid to hold the 2009 World Blind Sailing Championships in Rotorua New Zealand.

Tony is a past Commodore of BOPTYS as well as 27 year veteran of the Noelex 25 trailer yacht class and association. Tony is a past N25 National champion and is a  Noelex 25 Guru, when it comes to set up, ande getting the best performance from a Noelex 25. Tony was N.Z. team manager at Newport in 2006, and has coached Blind sailors for several years. Tony's expertise is in organzing and equiping the boats to be used in the regatta.