‘Spirit of New Zealand’ Seeks Seven More Scouts

‘Spirit of New Zealand’ Seeks Seven More Scouts

The training ship Spirit of New Zealand is seeking seven more Scouts, including one male and six female Scouts, to make up a full crew complement for its five-day voyage at Easter. 

Scouting New Zealand has entered a partnership agreement with the Spirit of Adventure Trust to mount a ‘Scouts only’ voyage each Easter until 2010.  According to Scouts National Operations Manager Richard Uerata-Jennings, applications from Scouts throughout New Zealand have been strong, leaving just seven places to fill on the 40-crew compliment ahead of the 20 March training voyage.

“This voyage is open to Scouts from all regions and is likely to appeal especially to those who would not normally have the opportunity to learn about sailing,” says Uerata-Jennings.

While the Scouting Movement has a strong maritime association through its Sea Scouts, this commitment to an annual programme of training voyages presents a new opportunity for Land and Air Scouts to take advantage of New Zealand’s coastal environment.

The trainee crew is to be made up of a mixture of male and female Scouts and while a reasonable level of fitness is expected, no previous sailing experience is required.

Scouting CEO Chris Hooper says, “We are delighted at being able to work so closely with the Spirit of Adventure Trust and regard their commitment to these training voyages highly.  We are especially grateful at being able to offer Scouts an exceptional opportunity to learn the fundamentals of sailing on such an iconic New Zealand vessel.”

The voyage will also fulfil for each of the participants an important element in achieving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award as it qualifies as part of Scouts’ Residential Programme.  The Duke of Edinburgh Award in turn is a critical element in being awarded one of Scouting’s highest honours, that of becoming a Queen’s Scout.

About the “Spirit of New Zealand”
The "Spirit Of New Zealand" is a steel built barquentine, square rigged on the foremast. She is operated by the Auckland based Spirit of Adventure Trust Board and operates as a Sail training vessel for adults, Secondary School students and handicapped people from throughout New Zealand.  

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