All Hands on Deck!

This October, the R. Tucker Thompson Sail Training Trust will deliver something truly special: our first inclusive youth development voyage for rangatahi aged 16–21 with intellectual disabilities.

In partnership with Blomfield Special School, this 4-day sailing adventure will see young people step aboard our tall ship, hoist sails, take the helm, and live as crew. For many, this will be their first chance to take part in outdoor education that builds confidence, teamwork, and resilience — experiences too often out of reach.

We’ve called this pilot programme All Hands on Deck! because it takes all of us, working together, to make big dreams possible.

With the support of Sport Northland’s Tū Manawa fund and the mahi of the Blomfield team, around 80% of costs are already covered. Now we need your help to raise the final balance and, longer term, to make this an annual fixture for inclusive youth development in Te Tai Tokerau.

Your donation will:

- Back a student’s place on this pioneering voyage

- Remove barriers to outdoor adventure for young people with intellectual disabilities

- Lay the foundation for a yearly programme that changes lives

Every contribution, big or small, helps us set sail. Together we can empower these rangatahi to live rewarding lives through the magic of the moana.

Please join us — let’s make All Hands on Deck! a reality.