Yachting NZ announces Melanoma NZ partnership

Yachting New Zealand has announced a partnership with Melanoma New Zealand, the not-for-profit organisation offering a national network of information and support, with a mission to save lives and support those affected by melanoma.

By sharing knowledge about melanoma prevention and early detection with the sailing community, more people will become aware of the dangers, check their skin regularly and take care in the sun.

2015 ISAF World Sailor of the Year and 49er World Champion Blair Tuke has come on board as an ambassador for Melanoma New Zealand to be the face of the partnership, with the aim of raising awareness of melanoma in the sailing community.

"Sailors and boaties spend many hours out on the water, so melanoma is an important topic which we need to educate the sailing and boating community about," Blair says. "Acting as a role model and getting the message out there is an important part of being an ambassador, and I look forward to this relationship."

CEO of Melanoma New Zealand, Linda Flay says Melanoma New Zealand is delighted to partner with Yachting New Zealand.

"We want all Kiwis to enjoy being out on the water," Linda says. "It is part of our culture, but sun safety and melanoma awareness is paramount. To have Blair as an ambassador reinforces the awareness in the wider sailing and boating community."

Chief Executive of Yachting New Zealand David Abercrombie also welcomes the partnership
.
"This is a perfect fit for Yachting New Zealand," David says. "We typically spend more time exposed to the sun when we're out on the water so we are a high risk group. If we can help Melanoma New Zealand by delivering their important messages then it's a win for everyone