New Zealand Sailing Trust Board

The New Zealand Sailing Trust was established in 2008 to preserve the legacy of the significant sailing vessels of Sir Peter Blake and his teams and to use these sailing vessels to provide experiences for young New Zealanders that builds resilience and bring to life the values of leadership, courage and teamwork.

These yachts are available for schools, community groups, yacht clubs and business and corporates. We like to work in partnership with these groups to enable access to sailing these vessels as a key platform to enhance their own programme objectives. 

What we deliver:

• Leadership and Youth Development programmes – The experience of sailing on a Whitbread maxi yacht is unique in its demands, and provides a platform to nurture life skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, determination, courage and respect as each participant learns the various roles they need to perform in order to reach their destination. Learning to navigate, sail, cook and live on a maxi yacht leaves each group, at the end of their journey, with a great sense of achievement, increased resilience, skills and confidence.
• Environmental Leadership Journeys - The maritime environment is one of New Zealand’s greatest treasures which many of our young people have not experienced. Whilst onboard we instill a greater appreciation of the need to protect our marine environment.There are opportunities to visit a multitude of islands and marine and wildlife reserves.We have developed an environmental leadership programme in conjunction with the Blake Trust which is facilitated with a marine biologist on board.
• Business – Sail to your team toward building stronger relationships and pushing them out of their comfort zones.  From a day team building and community good day sail to a 3 day leadership voyage.

The leadership, perseverance, and teamwork of the original crew of Lion New Zealand and Steinlager 2 provide an incredible legacy rich with learning potential. Sailing on these yachts provides a perfect atmosphere for team building exercises and personal development.