taranaki youth sail
Taranaki Youth Sail (TYS) is the youth development programme of New Plymouth Yacht Club, providing coaching, racing and sailing opportunities for young sailors across Taranaki.
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From learning to race through to secondary school teams racing and match racing, we're here to help young sailors take the next step.
What is Taranaki Youth Sail?
Taranaki Youth Sail is a subcommittee of New Plymouth Yacht Club responsible for developing and supporting junior and youth sailing.
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Our programmes include coaching for Optimists, Starlings and 420s, along with Elliott 5.9 match racing.
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We're fortunate to have a fleet of 420 sailing dinghies and two Elliott 5.9 match racing boats, giving young sailors the opportunity to develop their skills across different classes as they progress.
Coaching
Build your skills on the water.
Regular coaching is available for Optimist Learn to Race, Green Fleet, Open Fleet and Starling sailors during the school terms.
Sessions focus on developing sailing skills, confidence and racing experience in a supportive environment.
Wednesdays
5pm–7pm during school terms
Taranaki Youth Sail also supports visiting coaching clinics across our sailing programmes, giving sailors opportunities to learn from experienced coaches.
Secondary Schools Team Racing
Sail for your school
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Taranaki has an active secondary school teams racing programme running from February through to the end of April.
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Weekly coaching takes place using Taranaki Youth Sail's fleet of six 420 sailing dinghies, with school teams getting the opportunity to develop their skills and compete in teams racing events around New Zealand.
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Schools currently involved include:
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New Plymouth Girls' High School
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New Plymouth Boys' High School
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Spotswood College
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Francis Douglas Memorial College
Junior Sail Camp
Two days of sailing, learning and plenty of fun.
Held every January at New Plymouth Yacht Club on Ngamotu Beach, our two-day Junior Sail Camp brings together Optimist and Starling sailors from throughout the Western Districts.
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The camp welcomes a range of abilities, from sailors fresh out of Learn to Sail through to those who have been sailing for several years.
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Alongside coaching and plenty of time on the water, sailors get to spend a night at the Yacht Club, meet other young sailors and build friendships that can continue throughout their sailing years.
A Yachting New Zealand sailing coach and instructors run the camp with support from Taranaki Youth Sail members and parents.
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And it's not all serious sailing. Novelty races and on-water activities help sailors become more confident with their boats while having plenty of fun.
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Safety is always paramount, with life jackets required and rescue craft supporting sailors on the water.
Supported by our community
Taranaki Youth Sail's fleet and development programmes have been made possible through the generous support of community funders and New Plymouth Yacht Club members.
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We gratefully acknowledge the support of New Zealand Community Trust, Toi Foundation, Pub Charity, Pelorus Trust and The Southern Trust.
