We have been offered the opportunity to take some of the Year 8 learners sailing in the Lyttelton Harbour through the CanSail Charitable Trust, on Wednesday 11th December from 12:30 – 3:15pm. 20 of our Year 8 Learners will be taking part in this wonderful opportunity.

Learners will be on board STV Fox II, a 54’ gaff-rigged ketch. Made of kauri and launched in 1922, Fox II is one of the oldest sailing vessels in New Zealand waters. It will be an amazing experience with all the learners on board taking turns at crewing the ship. Due to the age of the ship, there's not a winch in sight. Requiring several young people on each line, Fox II demands coordinated crew-power to haul on the sheets and raise the six substantial sails.

Three watches - foredeck, midships and stern - combine and compete to set, secure and control those sails as Fox II tacks and jibes, putting her crews through their paces. Port and starboard are soon second nature to the young helmsmen, eyes are peeled for wind changes and dolphins, ears are open for commands and points of interest, and the excitement on board is palpable. What an amazing experience!

Learners would be leaving the school around 11am and not returning until 4:15pm.

There is a cost of approx $10 per child for the sailing (this has been heavily subsidised by the trust).

We would like to thank the Charitable Trust who has heavily subsidised this event making it possible for our learners to attend.