NZ’s queen of sailing Penny Whiting: 45 years on the water

NZ’s queen of sailing Penny Whiting celebrates an extraordinary 45 years on the water

December 8, 2011

Few Kiwis have packed as much in to their lives as Penny Whiting - destined for a life at sea, 2012 marks her 45th anniversary of teaching sailing and at age 62 she is showing no signs of slowing down.

Whiting, best known as a yachtswoman and the owner-operator of the Penny Whiting Sailing School, is recognised as one of New Zealand’s top sailing experts, having been awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to sailing in 1993. Whiting has also authored several books on how to sail, which feature great advice on sailing – and Whitings secret recipes, ideal for cooking in a galley.

Since her MBE, Whiting has continued to skipper her crew passionately on and off shore with her involvement in the Spirit of Adventure Trust, Auckland Maritime Museum, Young Mariners of NZ, Auckland Zoo and Waterwise, which teaches practical water safety in schools.

Whiting says Kiwis have traditionally been a nation of sailers, and this summer she wants to encourage men and women to rekindle their love of the sea, and ensure they have the right skills to feel confident sailing.

“I believe anyone can learn to sail and everyone should be able to enjoy time out on the water with safety and confidence,” Whiting says. “I’ve taught over 33,000 people to sail and I see people complete my course confident, competent and capable of crewing any yacht,” she says. “ My motto is if it’s hard to do, you’re doing it the wrong way!”

For more information about the Penny Whiting school visit: http://www.pennywhiting.com/

ENDS

© Scoop Media