In the recent July school holidays five students from Years 9 to 11 attended a sailing coaching camp in Rarotonga. During their years at Otago Girls’ these sailors have enjoyed racing as individual competitors, but this camp taught them a new style of sailing as a team.

 The races were short, only 7-15 minutes depending on the wind strength. They were fast paced and called for tactical decision making to ensure our team of three boats finished in a better combination than the opposing team. Just like our road code, sailing comes with its own set of complex rules. The girls learned how to use these rules to set traps for the opposition. At times, we were the ones caught in the trap and freeing ourselves into a manoeuvrable position added to the fun. Twenty New Zealand students were selected to attend the camp and at the end of the week they sailed against the much stronger Cook Island team. We experienced a mix of weather, and in our downtime enjoyed snorkeling, hiking, making friends and eating at the markets. Now home, the team is enthusiastic about introducing this sport to local schools and training against our new friends in Timaru and Wanaka. We welcome other students who would like to join the Otago Girls’ Sailing Team, but first we require they complete a Learn to Sail course at the Otago or Port Chalmers Yacht Clubs. Please see Miss Sutherland if this sounds like you.