On Wednesday 10th March, we were delighted to have Sir Ben Ainslie, skipper of team INEOS Team UK, join us as a guest speaker for an exclusive breakfast.

Due to COVID alert levels and the quick announcement of the date we kept the event small and intimate, allowing those in attendance a much more personal experience.

Club Member Rod Slater hosted the Q&A session with Ben, and as a close friend, was the perfect person to ask him the tough questions. Ben was a fantastic speaker, and made the time to mingle with our guests following the brekkie.

Thanks to The Grange at Smales Farm for hosting us with such short notice, and putting on a great morning for those in attendance. Aidan Bennett was also in attendance with the Channel Mag team - check out their Out and About photos here

What many people won't know - is how did we come to secure Sir Ben - this is another great story!

NHC President Phil Brosnan, gives us the update..

We attended the Diabetes Dinner organised by NHC Club Member Rod Slater.  We were guests of fellow Trustee, John Cobbs.  We were fortunate to have Don Cowie sitting at our table and because of his connections, we had most of the challenging skippers/helmsmen visit our table for a chat - a huge plus to the evening!

Later in the evening, my wife, Michelle and I, brought the chase boat experience from INEOS Team UK as part of the charity auction.

On the day of our experience we were welcomed into the INEOS Team UK base and treated to a champagne lunch.  We were given a tour around the centre to see the modification of the foils in progress, which lead to their increase in performance between Christmas Cup and the Round Robin of the Prada Cup.  We also got to play on their simulators and fortunately, I beat Michelle!!

Following the tour we went out on Sir Ben’s private boat Olive, and then transferred to one of their Chase/Tow Boats. We chased after Britannia on the southern side of Waiheke with the crew swapping out and onto our boat.  Had a good yarn with ‘David Freddie’ Karr and ‘Matt Shrek’ Gotrel (Gold Medal rower).

I was incredibly honoured to step aboard Britannia – being the first non-team member to ever set foot on there.  Even beating Sir Jim Ratcliffe!

Incredible hospitality and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Our chase boat driver “Ollie” shared his birthday cake with us as it was his birthday, what an amazing day.