New Zealand wins the 2009 title after securing a gold in the B2 fleet, and two silver medals in the B1 and B3 fleets. 

Regatta organisers attempted to hold two races on Lake Rotorua this morning to complete the week’s sailing, however, half the fleet were not able to finish the first race after the wind dropped, and the second race was abandoned due to no wind. 

After 15 races, Italy, skippered by Luigi Bertanza, held onto its lead at the top of the table, coming first in the B1 division. New Zealand, skippered by Dick Lancaster came second, and Norway, skippered by Thomas Johannesen came third. 

Don't know a bowline from a bowsprit? Inclined to believe you need the know-how of a Blackbeard to leave the dock with any expectation of a safe return? Well, Vancouver is chock-full of people who will help overcome those deficiencies. Sailing is a pastime that persons of average means can enjoy, that kids can afford to learn, and once mastered, will allow families an escape from their everyday world.

The Canadian Power and Sail Squadron, a volunteer organization, holds twice-yearly classroom courses that cover many aspects of seamanship.

"It's a 14-week course and the next one is in September," said Don Griffin, executive officer for the group's Pacific Mainland zone. The 40-hour course costs $275 and about 1,000 people in the Metro Vancouver area usually sign up each year. Griffin said the courses are available in most Metro Vancouver communities.

The world's cruise industry is sailing through rough financial seas as the global downturn bites into tourism.

Cruise operators are desperately trying to attract passengers for 2009, slashing prices, offering last-minute deals, two-for-one pricing, shorter cruises, family packages in which children sail free, and home port cruising which avoids the cost of an airfare to reach an exotic departure port.