Picture this: you're standing on the deck of Steinlager 2, hands gripping the wheel that Sir Peter Blake once held as he steered this yacht to a clean sweep of the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Race. You're not just sailing - you're part of continuing history.

That's what the New Zealand Sailing Trust offers, turning two of our most well-known racing yachts into floating classrooms where young Kiwis learn teamwork and push their limits.

For my Gold Residential Project, I joined a five-day sailing adventure on Lion New Zealand, one of New Zealand’s most iconic yachts. The trip ran from 22 to 26 September 2025. We set sail from Auckland out into the Hauraki Gulf and towards the Coromandel, stopping at several islands along the way.

We were fortunate enough to have sailing commentator Matt Sheahan onboard Steinlager 2 whilst we were on delivery to Sullivans Bay with Kongs College. He captured the history of the vessel, announcement of Auckland as a stopover in the next Ocean Race, announcement of the new Aotearoa Ocean Racing team and we chatted about what the New Zealand Sailing Trust does.

"Having Stu on board as a mentor was incredible, and I also enjoyed the chance to share my knowledge with the younger crew members."

- Josh Wijohn

The 2025 New Zealand Millennium Cup opened with a day of thrilling competition, as some of the world’s most elegant superyachts took to the waters of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. With a stunning backdrop of volcanic islands and shifting breezes, Day 1 offered a mix of strategic long-course racing and intense short-course bursts, testing both raw speed and tactical prowess. The results have already set the stage for a closely fought regatta, where every manoeuvre and gust of wind could determine the ultimate victor.

The NZ Sailing Trust has once again proven its impact on outdoor recreation and youth development by winning the Te Tohu Whakaaweawe Kaupapa - Outstanding Event/Programme Award.

Amidst this bunch was Sir Peter Blake’s 1989 Whitbread-winning yacht, Steinlager 2, now owned by the New Zealand Sailing Trust. At 25m in length, it is likely the most comfortable boat in the fleet for an upwind race onboard. Steinlager 2 finished at 04:47.

Considered by many as New Zealand yachting royalty, Steinlager 2 will be sailing into the Bay of Islands and will be berthed at the Bay of Islands Marina Superyacht Jetty (adjacent to the Opua Wharf) from 18th August – 24th September.An Open Day on Saturday 14th September 1pm – 4pm is scheduled, and everyone is welcome to come aboard and see the full workings of this magnificent yacht. From Blake’s bunk to the Nav Station to the massive Barient primary winches known as the ‘coffee grinders’ that immediately demonstrate the intense physical work the crew endured in both the freezing Southern Ocean and the stifling topics.

Weekend plans sorted! Celebrate the Lunar New Year in style aboard the legendary racing yacht Lion New Zealand.

A yacht sailed by Sir Peter Blake is making a brief stop in Tauranga today, after setting sail from Auckland yesterday with a crew of 25 people, plus skippers.

Recently we attended a fantastic gender diversity training workshop delivered by inside out.

Perched on North Head and watching the memorable duel between Steinlager 2 and Fisher & Paykel NZ on their final sprint into Auckland during the 1989-90 Whitbread Round the World Race left an indelible mark on Charles Scoones. Now, 23 years later, he has the privilege working with both yachts in the NZ Sailing Trust …

We’re proud to help your group do good in your neighbourhood. Here’s your share of the $1 million we’re giving away. Ka pai.

Western Springs College-Ngā Puna o Waiōrea (WSCW) have been kindly nominated by the NZ Sailing Trust as the successor of any donations they receive as a recipient of the GOOD IN THE HOOD Z Energy Point Chevalier community fundraiser, which started on the 26th September 2022 and will run for approximately 1 month.

SAILING TRUST GETS NEW GM

A COLLABORATION between Eastern Bay funding organisations has seen a group of students go on a legendary sailing trip.

I am so grateful to the Oceans of Hope Trust for making these voyages possible, to the crew of Steinlager 2 and the NZ Sailing Trust, who are simply excellent, and to all my fellow sailors. To Ingrid who is the force behind coordinating the NZ journey: thank you. This was a true game-changer for me. If you are given the opportunity to join the Oceans of Hope Challenge: don’t hesitate. You will never regret it.             

Affectionately known as ‘Big Red’, Steinlager II is a yacht that fired the imagination of all New Zealanders as Peter Blake won the Fastnet race in 1989 and set off to race in the 1989 Round the World Whitbread. Winning every leg over the line and on handicap, her record was unprecedented – and still stands. She was voted “Yacht of the Year” in 1990 by Yachting Magazine and went on to claim numerous wins in races around the globe. Having then experienced life as a private charter until 2012, she returned to home shores when a group of determined New Zealanders saw a huge new potential for her.

‘The most inspiring experience I have been part of’ …….is my instant reply when asked about my Oceans of Hope Challenge, says Linda Kent.

Auckland Anniversary Day regatta: Summer sailing for new Kiwis