How we work with Schools
Sponsored schools
A number of lower decile schools in the region participate in this programme, in which we fund free sailing courses during the school day for up to six students hand-picked by their principal as deserving of the opportunity and unlikely to have the means to participate otherwise. This can be more a social intervention programme than necessarily the start of a long term sports career, and we have found it gives valuable life skills and opens kids eyes to wider opportunities.
Check out this TV news story from 25 June 2017: http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2017/06/bay-of-plenty-sailing-academy-trust-giving-underprivileged-children-the-chance-to-learn-how-to-sail.html
Each programme runs weekly for up to a term, using our gear, and either qualified volunteer or professional coaches. We are always looking for more sponsors for these courses so we can support more kids from more schools. In 2017 we have programmes running or planned for Merivale School, Greerton Village School, Gate Pa School, Brookfield School and Tauranga Intermediate. If you would like to provide this option through your school, be it in the Eastern Bay, Western Bay or Rotorua Lakes area, get in touch.
AIMS Games
This huge intermediate school sport tournament takes place in Tauranga each September, and has included sailing for the last few years. Our Far East Optimist fleet is available for charter for suitably skilled and experienced sailors needing a quality race boat for training through winter and racing at this event. Preference is given first to BoP kids, and then to those travelling the furthest. Contact Tina Kennedy through the 'contact us' page.
Team Sailing
Secondary school teams racing is a fun and social way to sail with mates without owning a boat. A school team comprises three skippers (who must have sailing skill) and three crew (who may be new to sailing).
You could say teams racing is to sailing what sevens is to rugby! The races are very short and there's an intense back-to-back round robin. Team sailing is also a bit like match racing – or croquet! Teams are as intent on making finishing difficult for the other team as on sailing fast themselves.
Schools train through the summer, then compete in each region and at a national competition in late summer every year. All teams use identical 420 class boats without spinnakers or trapezes. We charter boats to Bay of Plenty schools for training and regattas and can advise on coaching.
As well as race training of school racing teams, 2012 saw the establishment of development squads of younger sailors (years 7-10) using our two handed Topaz boats. We regularly sponsor a Bay of Plenty Team Sailing Regatta as a warm-up ahead of the regional and national regattas each April.
Schools interested in establishing a development squad and/or a racing team which can train in Tauranga after school or at weekends, should contact us – we’d love to help! If you think you will need a fleet of boats based elsewhere in the Bay, we may also be able to help, as we have in Rotorua and Whakatane. Contact Roger Clark on 027 683 8466, or email rest.rec@gmail.com for more info.
Fun Days
Give your students the opportunity to experience a new, exciting sport in our beautiful marine environment! A five hour fun sailing and/or fun windsurfing day for up to 24 students will be a fantastic and memorable break to the school routine.
Get in touch with your local yacht club if you would like them to organise such an event – or email us and we’ll talk to the right people! Contact Roger Clark for more information on 027 683 8466, email rest.rec@gmail.com.
