Blake Fund stories from New Zealand

Published 20:03 on 16 Apr 2026

Henry Chandler writes:

Thanks to the NZ Sailing Trust and my Captain pulling off some shrewd negotiations, I was incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to race onboard Steinlager II and what a boat she is.

A dream to helm, with beautifully balanced weather helm and power that shouldn't be underestimated. The race itself was hugely enjoyable, and sailing in Auckland Harbour was an experience in its own right. The conditions were shifty and very gusty with the wind blowing over the city, which kept things interesting. We were well matched against a sporty Davidson 58 and pushed each other all the way to the finish, but fortunately we managed to take line honours.

Sailing on Steinlager II felt especially memorable for me. Growing up, the Blake Fund opened doors for me to compete in international events, which helped me improve as a sailor and deepen my love for the sport. Thanks to that support, I've been able to turn sailing into a career so racing on her really felt like a full-circle moment.

The experience also put into perspective the incredible feat that Sir Peter Blake and his crew achieved during the Whitbread Round the World Race. What an adventure that must have been!

I'd like to thank the Blake Fund for supporting me when I was younger, and I strongly encourage people to purchase lottery tickets and support the next generation of ESC juniors as they grow as sailors and grasp the opportunity to compete nationally and internationally.