Young sailors learning how to handle a boat will be able to head outside Oamaru Harbour to more challenging waters, thanks to a $30,000 boat bought by the North Otago Yacht and Power Boat Club.
The 6.5m ribbed inflatable with a 60hp outboard will give the club far more flexibility, especially when training the 25 to 30 young sailors aged 9 to 16.
At present, the club's small 3.5m, 15hp inflatable can only be used in Oamaru Harbour, which restricts where learners can sail on club courses.
The new boat is capable of handling the open seas outside the harbour, which will offer young sailors a greater challenge and improve skills, Mr Thorn said.
''We need to be able to get to them quickly if something happens and tow boats in, as well as handle rougher conditions than in the harbour.''
The club raised half the money for the new boat, with grants from the Community Trust of Otago and Lion Foundation and support from Mortimer Auto and Marine.
The support boat can also be used for other events in the harbour, such as the annual Birdman competition.
The smaller craft will be kept for use in the harbour.
