Kiwi to head “Australian” sail training org

Kiwi to head “Australian” sail training organization

The Chief Executive of the Spirit of Adventure Trust, John Lister, was elected president of the Australian Sail Training Organisation (AUSTA) in Sydney on 6 December.

AUSTA represents both Australian and New Zealand youth development ships, such as Sydney’s Young Endeavour, Perth’s Leeuwin, the One ‘N All in Melbourne and various others based in Adelaide, Hobart and Brisbane. The New Zealand members are the Spirit of New Zealand based in Auckland and the R. Tucker Thompson in the Bay of Islands.

“It’s a great honour for the Spirit Trust,” said Mr Lister, “for me to head this organization so soon after the Trust receiving the ‘Sail Training Organisation of the Year’ award from the world body, Sail Training International, at its annual conference in Halifax. And since Young Endeavour won the same award in 2007, this shows how the sail training world based in Europe and America value the high standards shown by the ships operating in New Zealand and Australia.”

AUSTA’s members exchange information and run workshops relevant to the safe and effective operation of tall ships dedicated to taking young people to sea to learn leadership, team-building skills and self-reliance.

The Spirit of New Zealand runs 28 10-day voyages annually, as well as shorter voyages for 14-year-olds, the disabled, Navy midshipmen, Sea Scouts, police Blue Light leadership programme and student School Trustees.

Mr Lister is retiring in March after 14 years as the CEO.

The Spirit of New Zealand berths at Princes Wharf in Auckland later this afternoon after a $350,000 refit in Northland.

ENDS

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