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The inaugural Volvo National Sailing and Boating Day is being hailed a success at the Opua Cruising Club (OCC).
On Sunday 16th February, the OCC opened its doors to the public, as part of a nationwide campaign backed by Yachting New Zealand to encourage more people to try sailing and boating.
OCC welcomed people of all ages and from all walks of life, encouraging them to come and have a go at sailing in crafts ranging from Optimist dinghies to performance racing keelers.
A number of OCC members volunteered their time and their boats to give people a taster of the sport. OCC member Chris Hornell, together with daughter Rebecca Hornell, even took keen participants out on a TP52 for the day.
The 11 ‘newbies’ on TP52 ‘Kia Kaha’ – none of whom had ever sailed before – enjoyed the trip of a lifetime aboard the 52-foot performance yacht, reaching speeds of up to 15 knots as they blasted out to Cape Brett and back.
One keen young novice, Hayden McKay, even tried his hand at helming Kia Kaha on the way home, and has been coined a “wannabe Dean Barker” by the Hornell family.
A total of 45 newcomers joined in with existing club members for a day of fun both on and off the water at OCC. OCC Commodore Ian Templeman said he was “very pleased” with the turnout, and added that “it was a really great day, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed”.
Perfect weather on the day – sunny with just the right amount of breeze – made for ‘Champagne sailing’ conditions. So it’s no surprise that many participants said they were keen to return and try sailing again
OCC Committee member Georgie Porter, who was instrumental in organising the day’s events at OCC, said: “It was a great day, and hopefully we’ll have some more keen sailors joining the club because of it.
“Thanks to everyone who helped out - Kia Kaha, Kantime, Saltshaker and Frantic for taking people out sailing, Bill and Julie for sorting out the dinghy sailors, and Cam ferrying everyone around in the OCC rib. It was definitely a worthwhile event, and we’re already looking forward to next year.”
For more information about OCC please visit www.opuacruisingclub.co.nz.
