Guest Post

Big Red

Steinlager 2, affectionately known as ‘Big Red’, was a yacht that fired the imaginations of all New Zealanders as Sir Peter Blake 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. Following this victory, Steinlager 2 was voted “Yacht of the Year” in 1990 by the Yachting Magazine and claimed numerous wins in races around the globe. There followed a time of a few name changes and ownership before being restored to her original colours and name in 2012.

Steinlager 2 represented a key time in New Zealand sailing history for many New Zealanders, which launched many sailing careers and maritime activities. Steinlager 2 and Lion New Zealand (Peter Blake’s 1985-86 Whitbread entry) are now part of the New Zealand Trust – set up primarily to preserve the yachts Sir Peter Blake sailed on and to ensure the next generation has the opportunity to experience the thrill of maxi-yacht sailing on these legendary boats.

The Trust works in partnership with charities and schools, offering programmes onboard these iconic yachts. At the core of the Trust is a passion extending back to the campaigns of Sir Peter Blake, which fired New Zealand’s imagination and appetite for adventure.

These programmes for New Zealand youngsters are only made possible by the support we receive from the older generations – people like you - who can see the difference our sailings make to a youngsters sense of teamwork, responsibility and leadership. You can help in a couple of ways – firstly by joining the NZST Sailing Club, contribute financially to the Trust, learn some new skills, and meet some new people at special activities throughout the year, such as family weekends and fun events. With regular news updates, invites to events and parties, your participation is helping New Zealand’s young people.

Secondly, a sailing experience from Auckland Viaduct is guaranteed to stimulate your senses for those who have an appetite for adventure. Sailing is truly a shared experience, whether you have no familiarity with boats or have sailed across oceans. Everyone is treated equally on board these vessels, and we encourage you to get involved!

Maybe you’d prefer to sit back and take it all in – enjoy the view and feel the wind in your hair – you can be involved as much, or as little, with crewing as you like. You’ll be embarking on a sustainable and unique travel experience. Sail to one of the Hauraki Gulf’s beautiful and less frequented “Treasure Islands” - Motuihe, Motutapu, or Rakino Island. By late afternoon the vessel will be tucked up at anchor, and you can go ashore to explore the island and stretch your legs. There is some fantastic history to be soaked up on these special islands.

The charismatic crew are not only experts at sailing and will cook you a tasty meal in the evening, followed by a screening of the wonderful and moving documentary “Blakey”. Then let the gentle lapping of the water lull you to sleep. The next day, after a leisurely breakfast, we return to the City of Sails and, if time allows, a sail under Auckland’s iconic harbour bridge. If you’d prefer a taster of what we do, then come casual racing with us on a Friday evening! Flick an email to info@ nzsailingtrust.com

One thing we promise – you’ll have invigorated your soul and created some very special memories, and made a fantastic contribution to the next generation.

Find out more at www. nzsailingtrust/nztravel