Young Leaders Take To The Sea In Blue Light Sailing Voyage
Press Release – Blue Light NZ
Eighteen young New Zealanders brave Hauraki Gulf waters in a five-day leadership challenge aboard an 80- foot superyacht.
Eighteen young New Zealanders from across the country have completed a five-day leadership voyage across the Hauraki Gulf, as part of Blue Light NZ’s sailing programme designed to build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills on the water, exactly why Kenny, who attends Rangitoto College, decided to sign up. “I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to experience something I have never done before. I also wanted to develop myself as a leader and thought this was a great opportunity to do so.”
Participants aged between 14 and 17 travelled from regions including North Harbour, Taranaki, Waikato, Whanganui, and as far as Christchurch to take part in the challenge. Spending four nights aboard the 80-foot yacht Steinlager 2, famous for being sailed by Sir Peter Black in 1989/1990, winning the Whitbread Round the World Race. The group worked together to navigate the gulf, read weather patterns, plan routes, and take on all the roles required to sail a vessel of that size. Kenny says a typical day involved morning swims, completing their assigned tasks, and setting sail to explore. A highlight was being able to take charge of the boat without the crew, and seeing how far the group came – from being strangers on Monday, to crewmates and friends.
The voyage took place during the final week of the first school holidays of the year, and the group faced an early challenge when Cyclone Vainau threatened to derail the trip entirely. With just enough of a weather window to proceed safely, the young leaders pushed through — navigating rough conditions and altered routes as a team.
As well as sailing skills, participants explored islands throughout the Hauraki Gulf including Motutapu island, Waiheke Island, and Kawau Island; hiking bush trails, exploring underground caves, participating in beach games, and learning about their unique history and the important environmental role they play.
Blue Light NZ partners with the NZ Sailing Trust to deliver the programme, which draws on research showing that activity-based, outdoor education is one of the most effective ways to help young people develop the skills to navigate life’s challenges.
Blue Light NZ intends to continue the Leadership Voyage programme for future cohorts.
Blue Light NZ would like to thank the NZ Sailing Trust team for keeping participants safe while giving them the space to face adversity and grow through the experience.
Blue Light is a New Zealand not-for-profit charity working in partnership with the Police to create positive connections between young people and their communities. Through its programmes, activities, and events, Blue Light helps young people find direction, develop life skills and leadership, and discover a sense of belonging.
With over 70 local branches nationwide, Blue Light takes a community-led approach, working alongside NZ Police to deliver meaningful cultural, sporting, and educational experiences that are alcohol, drug, and violence-free. While supported by the Police, Blue Light operates independently.
At the heart of Blue Light’s mission is the belief that empowering disadvantaged youth to reach their potential improves not just their own wellbeing, but that of their wider communities. For many participants, the programmes provide access to positive role models and new experiences that reduce the risk of offending and becoming victims of crime.
Originally founded in Australia, Blue Light is now active in New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands, and Scotland.
Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz