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You might not be ready afterwards to tackle the Volvo Ocean Race but Yachting New Zealand are giving the public the chance to have a go at sailing during the Volvo Ocean Race stopover in Auckland.
About 3500 people aged between 8 and 80 are expected to take up the opportunity to go sailing in the Viaduct Harbour between February 24 and March 17. The boats will be skippered by Yachting New Zealand staff and some public will even get the chance to sail with Rio Olympic medallists Alex Maloney, Molly Meech and Sam Meech as well as some of this country's most talented youngsters.
It's free and Yachting New Zealand will provide all equipment, including lifejackets and the Topper Omega boats which can accommodate four adults.
"You don't need any special clothes and we will do our best to keep everyone dry," Yachting New Zealand chief operating officer Andrew Clouston said. "It's a great way to experience sailing if you have never done it before and it's usually the most popular part of the race village."
More than 2500 people took the opportunity to go sailing with the have a go programme during the 2015 Volvo Ocean Race stopover but it was over a shorter two-week period. The first boats in the round the world race are expected to arrive into Auckland about February 27 and depart again on March 18.
Anyone interested in going sailing needs to register on site at the race village. Look out for the blue container in the plaza next to the Viaduct Events Centre.
