Three talented young sailors have been selected to represent their sailing clubs at Blake Inspire for Sailors, a six-day environmental leadership development adventure developed by Blake (formerly the Sir Peter Blake Trust) and Yachting New Zealand.
They are Cameron Evans (Year 11) Howick Sailing Club; Luke Townend (Year 11) Bucklands Beach Yacht Club and Sean Hancock (Year 11) Bucklands Beach Yacht Club.
The programme will run from July 7 to July 12 in Auckland where 30 teenaged sailors from yacht clubs across New Zealand will gather to learn about environmental issues facing New Zealand and the impacts they have on our marine and coastal environments.
Blake Inspire for Sailors enables delegates to come away with enhanced leadership capabilities and strategies to start driving positive change and action within their sailing clubs and communities, the organisation said.
Sir Peter Blake Trust (Blake) CEO, James Gibson, says the programme combines Sir Peter Blake’s passions of sailing and environmental awareness and protection.
“Like Sir Peter Blake, these students have a deep connection with the ocean through sailing and are passionate about protecting the marine environment for future generations. Together with Yachting New Zealand, we’ve developed a fantastic hands-on learning programme that combines adventure and education, with the aim of inspiring these young people to lead a sustainable future.
“Delegates will spend the week developing their skills with some of New Zealand’s environmental leaders and experts, as well as learning about Sir Peter’s legacy and spending time with some of New Zealand’s sailing legends,” says Gibson.
Chief executive of Yachting New Zealand, David Abercrombie says they are thrilled to be offering this exciting opportunity to members of yacht clubs.
“Sir Peter Blake had a huge impact on the sport of sailing and it’s great to see his legacy live on, especially in programmes like Blake Inspire. Yachting New Zealand have a long-term vision to help develop more young leaders and this opportunity to partner with Blake is going to help create outstanding young people.
“We want these students to go on to play an active role in their clubs and communities and foster the type of environment that grows the sport and the people around them.”
