Welcome To The 2008 Charity Yacht Race Held By Smiths City In Association With Naval Point Club For The Benefit Of Youthline.

Thank you for joining us at our second Charity Race Day fundraising event.  After the brilliant success of last years Race Day, we were inundated with requests to run this event again. 

Today the charity we are sailing for is Youthline, which is a service dedicated to the support of our young people – the future of New Zealand. 

We are, of course, sailing for the ATC Smith Memorial Trophy, which holds special significance for us at Smiths City.  Tony Smith passed away suddenly in March 2006.  He had been part of the Smiths City company and culture for 40 years and was a member of the original Smith family that founded Smiths City Market way back in 1918.  This trophy enables us to honour Tony and his loyalty and commitment to Smiths City.   Tony’s wife joins us again this year to present the Memorial Trophy to the Race winner and to join us in the fun of the day. 

In particular I would like to acknowledge the Naval Point Club, for providing the boats and experienced crews; those who have supported us through their sponsorship of boats and those who have supported us with their donation of product.  Many thanks to you all.  

Finally enjoy your racing and we look forward to meeting you all after the race in the Wardroom for the prize giving; Charity Auction; a few drinks and the lies and yarns that will inevitably eventuate from the race. 

Good luck and fair winds  -

Rick Hellings

Managing Director

Smiths City Group Limited