16/2/2009 Maraetai�s Chris Shirley is passionate about our marine history � and it�s a passion he wants to help pass on to future generations. Chris featured in the PC Times about 18 months ago when he was involved in a bid to purchase the historic schooner, Te Aroha, for use as a floating classroom. Chris, a Teacher,Sailing instructor and Commercial Master Mariner, is deputy chairman of the Te Aroha Historic Vessel Charitable Trust which was formed to purchase the 100 year old Te Aroha.�Unfortunately, that isn�t now going to happen. The boat is out of survey and it�s just not practical to bring it up to standard,� says Chris.Instead, he says, the Trust is headed in a new direction. Chris has also co opted local resident and branding expert Britta Saxer-Tidswell onto the Trust board.Her help with marketing and web design has been invaluable. �We�re now calling ourselves �The Floating Classroom� and we will charter a variety of vessels that can be used for teaching children about their maritime heritage and environment � says Chris. Starting September the Trust will intends to lease the "Maggie" from the Mission Adventure Trust on a Monday to Friday basis. Maggie is a 75 ft flat bottom Gaff rigged schooner, ideal for day trips involving up to 45 children. �It�s a boat we could take anywhere. We could bring it into Pine Harbour and work with the local Beachlands/Maraetai children or sail to Orere Point and teach there ,� says Chris."It really solves a big problem for teachers, parents and communities and that is the cost of transport to an Auckland venue. As the floating classroon develops we plan to be sailing the vessel up and down the east coast of NZ teaching the Coastguard Day Skipper Experience course along with practical hands on sailing and kayaking. The "Maggie" will then become a floating classroom for school children in the 10 to 13 age group to learn about all aspects of the marine environment from basic boating, to coastal navigation and natural history. The Trust is developing a marine adventure education programmes that fit into the New Zealand school curriculum. The Trust will give practical instruction in knot tying, raising sails, signalling and safety at sea. �This is all about our children and grandchildren�s future. After all, our grandparents sailed the Roaring 40s in boats like the Soren Larsen,� says Chris. The Trust aims to charter bigger sailing vessels like the Soren Larsen for longer trips of three to four days at a time.�Long term we want a fleet of vessels, including waka,� says Chris. The Trust also wants to provide opportunities to a those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to cruise on a sailing vessel. This may include children with disabilities or with long term illnesses. It also wants to provide holiday programmes in conjunction with local councils and is working towards a closer relationship with the Spirit of New Zealand which caters for secondary school children aged 14 - 17yrs. Enquiries Ph Chris Shirley 09 5365106 [email protected] refer www.nzoe.co.nz also check out www.youtube.com search nzoe look for floating classroom and general description of NZOE
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