Sailing lessons about to launch

The Kerikeri Cruising Club will re-launch its Learn to Sail programme on Lake Manuwai (at the end of Sandys Rd, off State Highway 10 north of Waipapa), every Saturday starting at 9am from February 9.

No experience is necessary, the club providing the boats and safety gear, along with qualified instructors.

The course — which is suitable for anyone aged about eight years and over and costs$150 per term — has a great reputation, graduates including America’s Cup and Olympic gold medal winner Blair Tuke. For more information contact Vonnie France (email centreboard@kerikeri).

Meanwhile, the club’s young sailors have been given a boost thanks to generous sponsors who have enabled the expansion of the fleet of junior boats to six Optimists, seven Open BICs (a new class promoted by former Team NZ skipper Russell Coutts) and two new RS Fevas. The handover took place at Dove’s Bay last month, with some young members displaying their skills in the Fevas after the formalities followed by a barbecue lunch for members, parents, coaches and sponsors.

As well three young sailors, aged between 11 and 12, competed at the Open BIC World Champs at Manly, Whangaparaoa at the start of the month.