Sailors from the Pakuranga Young Mariners are competing in the Pakuranga Sailing Club’s winter series.
The series runs on Sundays through the months of June to September and is an opportunity for the girls to build up their sailing race experience.
“This experience is invaluable,” says Scott Trumper, leader of the Pakuranga Young Mariners.
“It allows them to develop their skills for our annual national and open regattas.”
The Young Mariners are well-equipped with numerous sailing dinghies including two Sunbursts, one Cutter and five Optimists. They also have two patrol boats to keep the girls safe on the water.
The girls also meet on Thursday nights from 6pm-7.30pm. “It’s a bit like Sea Scouts for girls,” says assistant leader Sammy Gundlach.
“We like to mix it up with some fun activities as well as learning about sailing. This term we have built rafts, cooked on outdoor fires, kayaked up the Tamaki estuary, as well as rigging practice, sailing theory and knot tying.
“The group caters for girls aged 8 to 19 years and term fees are only $55 for the first term and $75 thereafter. Girls are welcome to come along for a couple of free try-outs before signing up.”
Check out the Facebook page “Pakuranga Young Mariners” or visit www.youngmariners.org.nz for more information.
If you are keen for a free try-out contact club secretary Diane Moriarty at ratpak.secretary@gmail.com.
