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Solo sailor Elana Connor completed the final leg of her figure of eight voyage around New Zealand to help raise funds for teenagers in care to go on a life-changing programme.
Connor sailed into Auckland's Princes Wharf on Sunday accompanied by a small flotilla of yachts, waka and the Spirit of New Zealand.
She set a target of fundraising $50,000 for New Zealand teenagers in care to go on a life-changing Spirit of Adventure voyage and has currently raised more than $43,000.
“I was extremely committed to completing this voyage for these vulnerable young people," Connor said. "More than 500 New Zealand teenagers ‘age out' of foster care every year, and their journey to independence is often fraught with financial instability, lack of opportunity and issues arising from past trauma and experiences in the state care system.
"Having gone through that specific transition myself from foster care, it’s a cause close to my heart. I want to show them someone believes in their potential and, ultimately drive better life outcomes.”
Connor spent part of her childhood in foster care and you can learn more about her remarkable and powerful story in this Yachting New Zealand podcast.
The American learned to sail as recently as seven years ago and, since then, she and her rescue dog Zia have sailed more than 10,000 nautical miles.
They found themselves stranded in New Zealand more than a year ago after international borders were closed due to Covid-19, putting their plans to circumnavigate the globe on hold. She then set her sights on sailing around New Zealand to raise awareness and funds to support the New Zealand foster care community.
Elana Connor and her dog Zia. Photos: Supplied.
The end of Voyage for VOYCE marks an impressive number of new milestones: 3000 nautical miles covered, 22 New Zealand ports visited, more than 1300 kids hosted on her boat and speaking with more than 1000 people at 19 different yacht clubs.
She has also faced many challenges during her voyage, including the death of her beloved grandma, significant storms and rough sea conditions, countless boat repairs and, more recently, a very determined rat that stowed away for weeks onboard her trusty 10.33m yacht, Windfola.
Outdoor education has been shown to grow self-belief, confidence and resilience for young people, and every cent raised on Connor's givealittle page, which is still open, will go to a new scholarship fund for young people to take part in the Spirit of Adventure 10-day voyage.
VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, an independent advocacy organisation for children and young people in care, will administer the scholarship fund, supported by the Spirit of Adventure Trust.
“I’m grateful for all the amazing donations and support the campaign has received so far," Connor said. "It is an investment in the empowerment, wellbeing and future of our care-experienced young people, and an investment in our youth is an investment in our collective future."
