The Bay of Islands is world famous for its sailing conditions, and Kerikeri High School has a history of successful sailors including Olympic gold medalist and America's Cup sailor Blair Tuke.
Our Sailing Academy operates from The Bay of Islands Yacht Club in Waitangi, a 30-minute drive from Kerikeri High School. Our coaches cater to all levels from beginners to experienced sailors looking to better their racing skills. The Sailing Academy has Lasers, RS Fevas, 29ers and 49ers. We also have access to keelboats for the students to navigate and explore the beautiful Bay of Islands on our overnight adventures which can include great fishing, stunning views, and magical night-time phosphorescence in the water. If the weather allows, we also use wind surfers and wind foilers, and take the opportunity to go Parasailing.
Sailing students have the chance to achieve their Yachting New Zealand Dinghy and Keelboat certifications as well as coaching qualifications. Sailors are encouraged to take part in local and national sailing regattas during their time in New Zealand.
Course Outline
Our coaches have developed semester courses that fit the needs of the cohort and expose the students to a range of sailing disciplines. A typical semester may include:
- A minimum of 18 days on the water, nine each term
- Centreboard dinghy sailing (Lasers, RS Fevas, 29ers and 49ers)
- Two nights, three days keelboat sailing trip in the Bay of Islands
- A sailing adventure on the Waitemata Harbour (Auckland) on an actual America's Cup yacht; taking the helm, steering a course, hoisting and trimming sails
- Windsurfing and windfoiling
- Parasailing
- Motivated students are also encouraged to take part in the wider school sailing programme as well as getting involved in local racing and national regattas
We suggest students enrol for one semester (two terms) in the Sailing Academy to take full advantage of our course programme.
