A fleet of Optimists ready to be sent to the Vava'u Bluewater School in Neiafu ^Featured

The Opua Business Association in the Bay of Islands have been behind the initiative and it's seen a number of individuals and organisations come together with the goal of making a difference for the young people of Neiafu.  

The idea has been championed by Bruce Fuller, from Seapower, a long-time member of the OBA. Fuller's initial idea was for OBA members to obtain and refurbish old sailing dinghies, branding them in their company logos and sending them to Neiafu.  

The project really got traction when the Kerikeri Cruising Club upgraded their learn to sail boats and gifted seven Opti hulls to the OBA. These boats needed significant maintenance and refurbishment, but the OBA team really pulled together. 

The hulls were sanded and painted with help from the Bay of Islands Boatyard team. Keen local yachtie Jeff Knewstubb (Stubbie) donated his time to reassemble the boats.

All the local sailmakers - North Sails, Doyle Sails, and Wills Sailmakers - cooperated to provide the sailcloth, cut and stitch the sails, then add sponsor signwriting. Each boat sports a crispy, new sail. 

Cater Marine donated much of the required hardware with other members of the OBA providing sponsorship to pay the costs for new rigs. 

Fundraising activities organised by OBA with cruisers in Va’vau at the annual Blue Water Festival raised funds to purchase a container, which Bay of Islands Boat Storage supplied at cost. The container will be used to transport the Optis to Tonga and will then stay on the waterfront in Neiafu as a storage facility and base for the sailing school. 

Greg Just from Tropicania Café in Neiafu, an ex-pat New Zealander living in Va’vau, runs the Blue Water School, a no-cost local programme that teaches water safety and skills, and will ensure the local kids get to enjoy these boats. 

It’s been a labour of love for more than two years but there is just one piece of the puzzle missing: the funds to ship the container up to Va’vau. 

A fundraising event is being planned by OBA as part of the Opua Cruiser’s festival in November and they are also seeking donations from any organisation willing to help. 

"This is a fantastic local initiative from businesses in the Bay of Islands, supported by international cruisers, all working together putting time, effort and funds into supporting youth sailing development for one of our Pacific neighbours in one of our favourite cruising destinations," a spokesperson said. 

- OBA