Mia, who was named Southland's adaptive sportsperson of the year for her skiing ability, was looking for a new challenge. Yachting New Zealand's Weta trimaran provided the 16-year-old Wakatipu High School pupil with just that. Mia, who has spina bifida, spent an hour sailing on Lake Wakatipu last Wednesday with Craig McCarthy, of Yachting New Zealand.
"She was a natural," Mr McCarthy said.
The Weta is New Zealand designed and has three hulls, which provide stability, making it ideal for those with physical disabilities.
One of only three yachts of its kind in New Zealand, it travels up and down the South Island in a trailer as part of Yachting New Zealand's Have A Go programme, which encourages children to take up the sport.
Wakatipu Yachting Club commodore David Stringer said the Have A Go programme was set up with money left by Sir Peter Blake and was a great way to introduce children to sailing.
Yachting New Zealand's Sailability programme allows sailors with disabilities to get on the water and Mr Stringer would not rule out also bringing it to the Wakatipu club some time.
