Issue date
Christmas came early for a couple of Northland clubs recently when the Ponsonby Cruising Club donated a couple of Optimists to both clubs.
Ponsonby recently upgraded their Optimist fleet and heard the Russell Boating Club and Tutukaka Coast Youth Sailing Club were on the lookout for boats because of high demand in the area.
Yachting New Zealand northern regional support officer Hayden Whitburn helped connect the clubs and the delivery was made last week. He's now looking to put together a register where other clubs can offload or sell equipment.
"It was a great gesture by the Ponsonby Cruising Club as the two clubs have been looking for boats for a while," Whitburn said. "The best part was when I travelled north last week and delivered them to the clubs and helped out with some coaching. The smile on the kids' faces said it all.
"You know the sport is on the up when the yacht clubs have more sailors than boats. That is a very good sign. We are now working on an online platform where clubs can upload equipment they no longer require or wish to sell/move on. It's fantastic to see clubs working together."
Ria from the Tukukaka Coast Youth Sailing Club was very appreciative to the Ponsonby Cruising Club and Yachting New Zealand for making it happen and said they are now in a good position to grow sailing in the local area.
If your club has equipment they would like to move on, please email hayden@yachtingnz.org.nz
