Join the Crew Charity CrossFit Challenge

The International Superyacht Society and UK-based superyacht charities have partnered with Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) for the Superyacht Crew Charity CrossFit Challenge, a team fundraising endurance activity set for March 3, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at RNZYS, Auckland.

The goal of the event is to create an enjoyable and social challenge to raise money for three New Zealand-based ocean preservation organizations — Sustainable Coastlines, LiveOcean, and Sea Cleaners. It will be open to teams from superyachts in Auckland watching the 36th America’s Cup and the NZ marine industry members who are working with and supporting the vessels. Crew, owners, and marine industry supporters will be able to watch and contribute to the fundraising before and during the event.

Each team will consist of four team members, and each vessel/company can enter as many teams as they are able. The four hours of the event will include multiple fitness and stamina activities designed for all fitness levels, and only two members per team will participate in the challenge at any time, allowing participants to rest and recharge. The fundraising target for each time is NZ$1,000+. The challenge takes place at RNZYS’s North Lawn area with stunning views of the Waitemata Harbour, cooling sea breezes, and high-energy beats from their DJ.

Healthy snacks and cooling drinks will be supplied to all participants, and a prizegiving and barbecue will take place afterward to allow everyone to celebrate their achievements and wind down into the evening. The winning team that completes the most circuits will be “presented with a trophy of questionable value, and more importantly, bragging rights! A slightly less cheap trophy will be awarded as the grand prize for the team that raises the most money,” the press release says.

To donate or bid in the charity auction, visit: www.app.galabid.com/crew. The challenge will be livestreamed on YouTube (the link can be found on the Galabid site) to allow crew from around the world to follow and support their fellow crewmembers. For more details, contact organizer Lance Sheppard: +64 21 279 00 34 or lance@sheppard.co.nz.