Two young Bermudian sailors are competing and attending clinics on the other side of the world, courtesy of the America’s Cup and the event’s Endeavour Programme.

Twelve year-olds Ahzai Smith and Christopher Raymond flew to New Zealand on January 3 with programme coordinator Leah Collis where they are racing in three regattas.

Both students took part in the 2015/2016 Endeavour programme. And based on their performances and attendance at the Bermuda Sailing Nationals, they were chosen.

Instructors from the east and west nominated the pair.

Ahzai, of Warwick Academy, was the top performer at the Championship Fleet and Christopher, of Mount Saint Agnes, was the leading AC Endeavour performer in the Green Fleet during Nationals.

They flew from Bermuda to Houston and eventually to Queenstown in New Zealand.

Already they have taken part in the Wanaka regatta on January 7 and 8. And they will be in the fleet when races are held in Dunedin from January 21 to 23 and in Queenstown on January 28 and 29.

In addition, both students will participate in sailing clinics from January 13 to 15 in Queenstown and again on January 19 and 20 in Dunedin. The final sailing clinic will be held in Queenstown on January 26.

Ahzai said: “It’s all a bit unreal! We flew a long way to get here, and that was an experience in itself, but to be here in New Zealand, competing against such good sailors, it’s just amazing. “I want to thank the America’s Cup and the America’s Cup Endeavour Programme for making this dream come true, and to thank Leah for coming all this way with us to help.”

Christopher added: “I feel really lucky to be here and thank you to everyone who made this all happen. I’ve learnt so much so quickly, not just about sailing but about how great travel is and although I’m loving my trip to New Zealand, I can’t wait to get home to Bermuda and put what I’ve learnt into practice, and tell everyone about what’s happened down here.”

Tom Herbert-Evans, Community Sailing Manager, ACEA, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these two young Bermudians and I really hope it inspires them and gives them a lifelong passion for sailing. They will return to Bermuda with new friends, improved sailing skills and a different look on the world.

“The America’s Cup and the America’s Cup Endeavour Programme facilitated the experience with three regattas and a taste of outdoor adventure. I believe the students went bungee jumping earlier this week then on a three-hour outback cycle the day before”.

The two sailors are sailing in O’Pen Bic boats which have provided a challenge.

Their first competition was on Lake Wanaka in tough conditions with average winds of 18 knots and gusts up to 30 knots. Ahzai finished eighth on the first day and placed second in his age category at the end of the regatta.

Christopher finished 14th in the same age category. This was his second ever regatta and his first in the O’Pen Bic category.

Both students are working with a private tutor so that they can keep up to date with their school work while travelling.