Aremango helps send sailors away

The development of budding sailors through their attendance at overseas regattas has been given a boost thanks to the Aremango Guesthouse.

Aremango Guesthouse, who won best budget accommodation at the 2011 tourism awards, have generously donated $2000 to help pay for three airfares for sailors preparing to race at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Teams Racing Championships in April.

On behalf of guesthouse owners Ross and Cindy Sutherland, Kelly Pick donated the funds to the Cook Islands teams’ sailing squad coach Junior Charlie who was thrilled to receive the support from the tourist accommodation.

A team of six local sailors will race in the regatta in three boats manned by two sailors.

Using the rules of sailing and their sailing skills, the local team will battle against New Zealand school teams over a short course at Algie’s Bay north of Auckland.

The regatta will be held over four days in April and each team will race up to 40 times.

The Cook Islands team racing squad is made up of Rarotonga and Aitutaki paddlers including Aquila Tatira, Josh Ioane, Patrick Kaukura, Dean Tetuaiteroi, Duane George and Luke Tukaroa.

The crew will be accompanied by coach Junior Charlie and manager Tony Heays.

The Aitutaki and Rarotonga sailing communities have been fundraising for the last two months to enable these up and coming sailors to compete.

The sailing community would like to thank the Sutherland family, Kelly Pick and other sponsors Island Car and Bike Hire as well as the New Zealand Teams Racing Association for their donations and support.