Star-studded line-up returns to their roots for YTP Alumni Regatta

Elana Connor on board Windfola. Photo / Elana Connor. Hunia Mackay, National Advisor Maori, VOYCE Whakarongo Mai, with Elana Connor.

and ended back in the city in May. During the voyage she raised $43,000 to create a new scholarship for foster kids aged 16-18, to take a 10-day voyage on the tall ship, Spirit of New Zealand. During the trip, Elana also held ‘Open Boat’ days for children in foster care at each of the 22 ports visited and she spoke at 19 sailing clubs.

Another reason Elana set out on her adventure was to demystify yachting and make it more approachable to women.

Elana: “Woman to woman, part of the reason I did this is because I found I was waiting to make a decision in my life, hoping I’d meet someone who wanted to do things with me. Well, I haven’t met that person. I had a big wake-up a few years ago and I was like: What am I doing? When am I going to realise I am the person I’m waiting for?”

Unsure what the future holds for the next leg of her odyssey – Elana was planning on heading to the Indian Ocean, but the pandemic continues to interfere – she is happy to be stranded in New Zealand and says she loves it here. Elana added the RNZYS to her speaking series.

Matt was extremely effective in supporting me through the sale of a property through difficult personal circumstances. His ability to navigate through the challenges that presented that were unique to selling our home, as well as his ability to connect with potential buyers, was extremely effective in achieving a very pleasing result. Matt will most certainly be my first call when I decide to sell my next home.

- Paul B.