All Aboard Lion New Zealand As the Iconic Yacht Tours NZ

Iconic Kiwi yacht Lion New Zealand is docking into Gisborne Port and inviting locals to a first hand experience on-board one of the nation’s most famous yachts.

Previously skippered by the late Sir Peter Blake in the Sydney to Hobart race in 1984, and the Round the World Whitbread race in 1985/86, the yacht will be starting the tour immediately after returning from its commemorative race, competing in the 2009 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race.

Starting in Bluff on January the 9th and finishing in Auckland on 17th February, the Lion Maritime Development Charitable Trust has designed the tour to incorporate a number of initiatives.

In addition to the public having the opportunity to view the yacht, speak with the crew and learn more about her racing history, the tour provides the opportunity for the public to find out more about their local sailing opportunities as well as to fundraise for local maritime related projects.

The Trust’s Youth Development program was recently launched with the aim of providing valuable life skills through leadership training programmes on board Lion New Zealand.

A number of local community groups in each of the stop-over Ports are involved with the Lion New Zealand tour, alongside the local sailing clubs and yachting associations.

Tony Stevenson of the Lion Maritime Development Charitable Trust said,
“For many people, Lion New Zealand is a national treasure. So the opportunity to see her up close is a great experience. The many skills that are required by yachtsman are great life skills and we are hoping to encourage more people, especially youth, to get involved in the sport.”

For more information regarding Lion New Zealand’s National Tour visit www.lionnewzealand.com.

LION NEW ZEALAND REGIONAL TOUR 2010
PORT DATE ACTIVITY
Bluff 09 and 10 Jan Public Days
Dunedin 16 and17 Jan Public Days
Akaroa 20 Jan Public Day
Lyttleton 22 Jan Public Day
Nelson 25 and 26 Regatta and Public Day
Wellington 2 and 3 Feb Public Day
Napier 7 Feb Pubic Day
Gisborne 10 Feb Public Day
Tauranga 14 Feb Public Day
Auckland 17th Feb

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Lion Maritime Development Charitable Trust is a non-profit organisation established with the following objectives:
• To promote and fund New Zealand youth to perform in maritime pursuits at a national or international level.
• To generate interest with a focus on development, maritime and otherwise, for youth and communities not associated with or having limited access to maritime pursuits.
• To conduct and participate in educational and social events for groups associated with or interested in the maritime history of New Zealand.

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