OOH announce New Zealand return
We are pleased to announce that Oceans of Hope UK will be returning to New Zealand in 2019. We have been working with our friends at MSNZ and NZ Sailing Trust to encourage people with MS to come sailing on possibly our most testing Challenge to date!
After the success of our magnificent voyage on board the tall ship Spirit of New Zealand in 2018, we are now accepting applications for our newest adventure. This year we are on board two 80ft maxi class racing yachts based in Auckland, Steinlager 2, the world-beating race boat originally owned by Sir Peter Blake, and her sister boat, Lion New Zealand. Both vessels have world-beating pedigree.
The dates are 2nd to 6th December 2019, starting and finishing in Auckland. We will be cruising some of the bays and islands of the north island of New Zealand. These boats are equipped for racing and it will be a great opportunity for all levels of experience to learn and to overcome challenges together.
Announcing the launch of the challenge, Managing Director of Oceans of Hope UK, Robert Munns, commented: “We are incredibly lucky to have secured not just another event in New Zealand for the second year running, but aboard two world-class, thoroughbred racing yachts.”
Steinlager 2 and Lion New Zealand are both veterans of the Whitbread Round the World Race, which Steinlager 2 won in 1989/90, becoming the first yacht to win every single leg of the race.
“These two vessels are scarily good and we will be following in the footsteps of so many famous sailors.”
“Much like last year we will be cruising as much as possible during the week, weather permitting, but unlike the Spirit of New Zealand with its large living accommodation and communal spaces, these racing yachts are designed for speed.”
“If you can complete this then you can complete anything”.
Read our information sheet for more details! To apply, email your interest to: oceansofhopechallengenz@gmail.com