Nick Roberts, an avid surfer and sailor, views life as a continuous learning experience. His yacht, Ākonga, meaning "student" in Te Reo Māori, embodies this philosophy of growth and discovery. This year, Nick and his crew are gearing up for the Northern Triangle, a 500-nautical-mile race organized by the Short Handed Sailing Association of New Zealand. The race is part of a two-handed sailing program that will lead to an even greater challenge—a race around the North Island of New Zealand in 2026.
Two-handed sailing demands precision and endurance. With only two crew members on board a 40-foot yacht, Nick and his team will handle everything from strategy and sail management to weather forecasting and food preparation. The race presents unpredictable conditions, from gale-force winds to extreme heat, requiring them to stay adaptable and resilient.
To withstand these tough conditions, Nick’s team has chosen Cuva as their protective head gear. Cuva’s secure yet lightweight caps ensures the crew can focus on the race, knowing they’re prepared for anything.
As they take on the Northern Triangle, Nick’s journey is just beginning. The lessons they learn here will be crucial for the much larger race around the North Island in 2026. For Nick, it’s not just about winning—it’s about embracing the process of learning and growing, both on and off the water.