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Sailing....Have A Go is a Yachting New Zealand project that has been made possible by the Team NZ 2000 Trust. It is the common vision of the Trust and of Yachting New Zealand to establish nationwide opportunities for young people to experience the pleasure of sailing in a safe and well managed environment. Yachting New Zealand aims to enable their transition into yacht clubs and encourage their continued involvement in the sport.

Olympians Barbara KENDALL and Dean BARKER have offered their support as Ambassadors to the programme and The Sir Peter Blake Trust has given Yachting New Zealand permission to use the images and quotes of Sir Peter as inspiration for our young participants.

Each region will have six Optimists and three Cadet dinghies which will be transported together with one coach boat in an enclosed trailer to a participating Yacht Club. This will give twelve intermediate school children the opportunity to participate at any one time.

Sailing.... Have A Go will offer a number of programme structures delivered by a qualified instructor but the one day 'challenge' should prove the most popular. The day will be full of sailing games and activities which will focus on having fun but also teach team work, discipline and give self confidence.

The scheme aims to introduce approximately ten to 15 thousand into sailing over the next five years and while not all will be retained, it is anticipated that many can be encouraged to join a club and the sport for life.

The response from clubs and schools has been very positive and we already have bookings for February and March 2006. If anyone requires more information on this programme then you can contact sabra@yachtingnz.org.nz.

Yachting New Zealand's past President Geoff Thorpe will be making a presentation on Sailing...Have A Go during the Connect To Sailing Seminar being held on the 8 November 2005 during the ISAF Annual Conference. The Connect To Sailing Seminars being held on the 7 and 8 November 2005 are open to all, and a small buffet breakfast will be served during the seminar due to the early start. If you are interestde in attending then please contact the Connect To Sailing team to let us know.