This started as a new initiative by NZIODA in 2015 under the leadership of Mark Shapland. The GDS team has gone from strength to strength. Now in its 6th year the aim of this squad is the bring the top 10 to 12 girls ranked in the top 100 from throughout New Zealand together and to provide a chance to race and make friends with other female sailors around New Zealand and further afield.
The squad has proven to be one of NZIODA’s success stories in producing marked gains in skills and lasting relationships among sailors. There is a high percentage of girls who have participated in GDS who have gone onto represent NZ at IODA events and are still strongly supported by NZIODA at seasons end, even when anticipating moving out of the class.
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Where the future of yachting begins