This season we have a great line up of some of our top NZIODA coaches travelling to Christchurch to lead this four day non residential clinic. This highly experienced coaching team will work together to provide four action packed days designed to connect our sailors at all levels of competitive Opti sailing; from Green fleet and White fleet right through to our experienced Open fleet sailors.
By bringing our South Island fleet of Opti sailors together in this way we hope to provide a forum for sailors, their families, and some of our top national and local coaches to connect as a community for the betterment of all. Not only will our southern sailors get access to top level coaching but their parents will also be encouraged to grow their Opti knowledge with some dedicated parent talks and social opportunities held at the event.
The main goals of this South Island clinic are to help foster sailor independence, build resilience, and connect with other keen sailors; all important elements that allow sailors to push their sailing to the next level. Don’t miss this opportunity for four great days of learning and fun in the school holidays this year.
Our initial coaching line-up introduce themselves below :
Kim Buchanan – Clinic Lead
From Charteris Bay Yacht Club, I have coached at many NZIODA Optimist clinics often in the Head coach role. I have coached at major regattas including NZ Nationals and international events such as the Australian Nationals and European Championship, helping young sailors build confidence and improve their performance.
Naiomi Ferrissey – Green Fleet Lead
Hi, I’m Naiomi Ferrissey, and I’m really excited to be part of the NZIODA coaching team this January. I’ve been involved in sailing for many years, both as a competitor and a coach, and I love helping young sailors grow their confidence, build skills, and enjoy everything the sport has to offer.
I’ve spent the past four years as Head Coach of the Murrays Bay Green Fleet and have been coaching Starling and Feva sailors at Murrays Bay Sailing Club for over six years. As a sailor, I’ve been fortunate to achieve results such as Starling Nationals runner-up, ILCA National Champion, and ILCA 6 Youth Worlds representative. More recently, I’ve enjoyed leading programmes as Head Coach of the YNZ Girls Starling Accelerator Programme and the NZIODA Girls Development Team for the past 2 years.
Andrew Wills – Highly Experienced Performance Coach
Kia ora everyone,
I’m really looking forward to meeting you all at the South Island clinic.
I’m passionate about helping young Kiwi sailors grow—not just in results, but as people. I’ve coached both boys and girls, and I’ve been fortunate to work with successful sailors not only from New Zealand, but also internationally. Many of them went on to become national, world, Olympic, and America’s Cup champions, including Optimist World and Women’s World Champions, as well as Optimist Team Champions.
I’m also a multiple world, national, European, and North American champion myself, and I work full-time in the sailing industry, giving me strong technical knowledge to support developing sailors. After stepping back while my kids were young, I’m loving being involved again. Recently I coached the NZIODA Europeans Team for two years.
I’m excited to work with you all, share what I can, and help you take the next steps in your sailing journey. See you soon!
Other coaches will be announced closer to the time once we have our final registrations in. Registration closes on Friday 12th December to allow us time to engage further coaches if required and order your clinic T-shirts. After this time we can not guarantee a place for your sailor.
The annual NZIODA South Island Clinic is being hosted by Charteris Bay Yacht Club with Naval Point Club in Lyttelton as the venue. This clinic is NON-residential and will be held during the summer school holidays in 2026, from Sunday 18th to Wednesday 21st January. The switch to a January date allows sailors to take full advantage of great summer weather and is timed to allow a strong build up to other Optimist regattas and events including the Oborn’s Nautical South Island Traveller Series.
The cost is $420 per sailor which is made possible by a very generous subsidy from the Optimist Worlds New Zealand (OWNZ) Trust.
Sailors are required to be NZIODA members. To find out how to sign your sailor up to be an NZIODA member and access all of our great resources please visit our website.
Please note that there is a 30% non-refundable deposit if the sailor cancels up to 10 days prior to the clinic. Any refunds from cancellations received within 10 days of the clinic starting will be at NZIODA’s discretion.
Come and join us! You’ll find more information regarding this clinic on our website. https://optimist.org.nz/nzioda-clinics/
Don’t delay, Register here now https://optimist.org.nz/south-island-clinic-registration-and-payment/
Best wishes from the NZ International Optimist Dinghy Association
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