Yachties ‘in good shape’

Press, 17 January 1986, Page 26

Yachties ‘in good shape’

NZPA staff correspondent Perth The fitness adviser for New Zealand’s team in the world 12-footer yachting championships starting off Fremantle next month, Dr Jim Blair, of Auckland, is delighted with the condition of the New Zealand yachtsmen. - “We work out at 6.30 a.m. each day and their fitness levels and attitude is excellent,” he said. “The polaris equipment we used in Auckland arrives next Monday; then we will really be able to test their improvement. “They will have programmes specific to their positions in the boat.” Dr Blair said that the New Zealanders were in superb accommodation and facilities were first class. Fremantle is buzzing with excitement and building activity as the commercial world gears for the moneyspinning America’s Cup. Conversation in the Western Australian port is full of the cup racing next year and the world 12-footers championship, starting on February 17. The French,' Italians, Americans and Canadians have all settled in to prepare for the championships. Blair will leave the yachtsmen on February 9 for a'long standing engagement: “I’m off to Brisbane for five days to test the fitness of the> Queensland rugby team,” he said. In recent years, Dr Blair has become noted for his fitness tests with the Auckland and Canterbury rugby teams. The New Zealand yachties and the members of the New Zealand cricket team will meet at an informal function this evening.