Youth Sailing Programme

Published 16:02 on 23 Jul 2019

Our Youth Sailing Programme got off to a very wet and windy start with 7 students from Whangaparaoa College going for a Day Sail on the legendary Lion NZ on Friday 19th July. The forecast 15-20 kt northerly winds transformed into 25-30kts with a vicious 45-50kt front coming through from the north accompanied by horizontal rain. It was good to be on a boat with the pedigree of Lion NZ as she handled it very well of course, thanks to the skipper. A bonus was seeing the 'Esmeralda' enter the port with all her cadets standing to attention (in the pouring rain !), while firing her canon in salute to the city. Devonport Naval Base returned the salute which impressed everyone on board.
Due to the inclement conditions, the trip was unfortunately shortened, but not before circumnavigating Motuihe and returning up the harbour under the Harbour Bridge. A very cold and wet bunch of students were then given a (warm and dry) tour of the Maritime Museum.
The next stage in our Youth Sailing Programme is having those students who have completed a Day Sail, go on to sailing on a week-end trip which will entail more instruction about sailing, navigation and the environment. All 7 students have put their names forward to do this.

Last updated 09:19 on 20 February 2024