To see copies of Yachting New Zealand's Daily Reports and a few HAG sailing photos showing the fun that the students had, click on "Read More" below.
A huge thank you to Yachting New Zealand, Orakei Marina, members of St. Johns Rotary and particularly Gary Key who managed the project admirably as always.
Monday 24.5.2021
Ruapotaka School
Ruapotaka School
Weather strong cold southerlies.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel this day due the unfavourable weather. We must be careful at this time of year as the temperatures start to drop. The smaller sailors are very susceptible to hypothermia when they get wet.
Tuesday 25.5.2021
Panmure District School
22 Sailors on the water
Weather gusty cool south easterlies
Weather was probably at the upper limit for the sailors at this time of year. We did the usual start of getting the sailors to rig their boats. These guys were fast and keen to get on the water. We managed to get all the sailors into wet suits, spray jackets and buoyancy aids. A quick morning tea and into the water. With the big tides and exceptionally low water we were concerned about the slippery ramp and the oyster shells. We put the sailors in the boats and wheeled them down the ramp into the water to avoid any injuries on the ramp.
Most of the sailors coped well in the conditions but we decided to limit the number of boats on the water to 8 and the rest of the sailors we put in the Safety boats and swapped them around on the water.
In for a quick lunch, we anchored the optis out on the water and ferried the sailors in and out to avoid ramp injuries. The wind picked up in the afternoon session, but all were keen to get back on the water.
Ashore after a short session as the bus had to leave at 2pm. All the sailors had a great time and a few asked where they could go to do more sailing.
Wednesday 26.5.2021
Churchill Park School resail of cancelled day on the 18.5.2021.
24 sailors and one teacher on the water
Weather Cool southeasterlies
It was a cold morning, but the sailors were keen. We got them to rig the boats and got them all into sailing gear before morning tea. During morning tea, it is a time for the sailors to warm up out of the wind and in the sun. After a briefing it was time to launch, with the extremely low tides the ramp was exposed, very slippery and lots of oysters. Those with wet shoes could launch and the others with bare feet we put them in the boats and wheeled them to the water.
The breeze was still a bit gusty, and the cold rattled a few of the sailors so we put them on the RiBs and towed their boats in. They all sailed well in the tricky conditions. Ashore for lunch,
18 sailors were keen to do the afternoon session and this lot went very well, we ran three races for them which they all enjoyed. Some were keen to capsize despite the cool winds, most ended up in the water. They cooled off very quickly, so we had to cut the session short to get them ashore and warm them up.
We had one sailor who was exceptional, never been in a boat before, started last and won two of the racers, wanted to try capsizing. Capsized, got the boat up, got in, bailed it out and despite shivering was determined to sail the boat back to shore.
We were all impressed with Sylvia’s performance, so I introduced her to Alex Maloney and Molly Meech (Our 49er sailors who are shortly off to Japan). Alex and Molly were great with Sylvia and wanted to know her surname so they could keep an eye on her in the future.
Thanks to the Rotary Club of St Johns for giving us as coaches an opportunity to give these (270) kids a go at sailing a small boat. We get pleasure at watching these kids grow in confidence during the day. I am sure that through your support you have given these (hopefully future sailor) an experience that they will remember for a long time.
Thanks Kim, Robbie , Holly and Colin. From Yachting New Zealand
Churchill Park School resail of cancelled day on the 18.5.2021.
24 sailors and one teacher on the water
Weather Cool southeasterlies
It was a cold morning, but the sailors were keen. We got them to rig the boats and got them all into sailing gear before morning tea. During morning tea, it is a time for the sailors to warm up out of the wind and in the sun. After a briefing it was time to launch, with the extremely low tides the ramp was exposed, very slippery and lots of oysters. Those with wet shoes could launch and the others with bare feet we put them in the boats and wheeled them to the water.
The breeze was still a bit gusty, and the cold rattled a few of the sailors so we put them on the RiBs and towed their boats in. They all sailed well in the tricky conditions. Ashore for lunch,
18 sailors were keen to do the afternoon session and this lot went very well, we ran three races for them which they all enjoyed. Some were keen to capsize despite the cool winds, most ended up in the water. They cooled off very quickly, so we had to cut the session short to get them ashore and warm them up.
We had one sailor who was exceptional, never been in a boat before, started last and won two of the racers, wanted to try capsizing. Capsized, got the boat up, got in, bailed it out and despite shivering was determined to sail the boat back to shore.
We were all impressed with Sylvia’s performance, so I introduced her to Alex Maloney and Molly Meech (Our 49er sailors who are shortly off to Japan). Alex and Molly were great with Sylvia and wanted to know her surname so they could keep an eye on her in the future.
Thanks to the Rotary Club of St Johns for giving us as coaches an opportunity to give these (270) kids a go at sailing a small boat. We get pleasure at watching these kids grow in confidence during the day. I am sure that through your support you have given these (hopefully future sailor) an experience that they will remember for a long time.
Thanks Kim, Robbie , Holly and Colin. From Yachting New Zealand