Five athletes who honed their sailing skills on Tauranga Moana are making waves at the 2024 America’s Cup, currently underway in Spanish waters.

While Peter Burling — Tauranga Boys’ College old boy and skipper of Emirates Team NZ,often takes the spotlight — he’s joined by Molly Meech, Sam Meech, Jason Saunders, and Veerle Ten Have, all of whom are competing in Barcelona.

With their respective journeys to the international stage years in the making, the Weekend Sun spoke to three of the athletes’ parents to learn more about the path that led them there.

The Meech siblings

Sam Meech was 3, and his sister, Molly, 1, when their parents, Deb and Simon, sold their house in the UK and moved onto a boat. The family spent a decade sailing before settling in New Zealand.

“Molly sailed mainly because Sam did, and they had a great little group of friends through it,” their mother Deb Meech said. “They just wanted to go sailing. It wasn’t until Molly was around 14 that she said: ‘I love sailing’ and that was it.”

Molly Meech in 2016. Photo/ Yachting NZ.

Sam and Molly’s talent blossomed from there. Sam won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the Laser class, and now joins his old school friend, Peter Burling, on Emirates Team NZ. Molly, a 49er FX world champion and Olympic silver medallist, is part of New Zealand’s Women’s America’s Cup team.

“Molly’s been in Barcelona for a month and has only seen Sam twice. They’re both working long days, training in all conditions. That’s when you’ve got to hand it to them,” Deb said.

New Zealand sailor Sam Meech. Photo/ Dean Purcell.

Jason Saunders

Jason Saunders, a former schoolmate of Peter and Sam, competed at two Olympic Games and is flight controller for both France’s America’s Cup and SailGP teams. His love for sailing began at a young age at Kulim Park, Tauranga.

“Jason always had this ‘never give up’ attitude and determination,” his father Pete Saunders said. He recalled a particular race where Jason capsized at the start but fought back to qualify for the world’s team. “He knuckled down and got on with it.”

Jason and his fellow Olympian brother, Tom, became national sailing champions together, though the competition between them added a unique dynamic. “If one won and the other didn’t, the car ride home was...interesting,” Pete said. “We’d be torn between celebrating and commiserating.”

Now, as Jason sails for France, Pete said: “Blood is thicker than water. We support him over Team New Zealand. It’s been an exciting journey with Jason, full of highs and lows”.

Veerle Ten Have

Veerle Ten Have, 23, is considered one of the next generation of Kiwi sailors. She competed in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and placed 10th at the Paris Olympics before heading to Barcelona for the Youth America’s Cup. Her introduction to sailing was somewhat serendipitous — initially more passionate about horse riding, it was only after her horse was injured that she fully shifted her focus to windsurfing.

“She was always sporty,” her mother, Pauline Ten Have, said. “When she was in her last year of primary school, she did a three-day sailing course and loved it.”

A key turning point for Veerle was competing in the world championships in Italy. “She finished second to last, but it didn’t matter. She loved the vibe of the competition and was hooked.”

Veerle was inspired by sportspeople such as Barbara Kendall and coaches along the way but remains a big believer in making sure enjoyment is the key factor, Pauline said.

“Often, she was on her own on the water with bare feet and no gloves but she kept on going — even in winter.”

Watching Veerle’s determination develop has been both rewarding and nerve-wracking for her parents. “She’s put in the blood, sweat, and tears. I’m proud she’s living her dream and making it come true. What she’s achieved is very special.”

The 37th America’s Cup is being raced in Barcelona as a first-to-seven series that began on October 12. It is expected to be completed on or before October 21.