Sunset Primary School kids give sailing a try on Lake Rotorua

For Sophie Lee Andrews' class of Sunset Primary School students, a sailing trip was a rare chance to be on an even keel with their teacher.

Most of the Year 5s and 6s had not been sailing before, but neither had Andrews until last week's sessions.

Groups of pupils from the Rotorua school enjoyed a taste of the sport at the Rotorua Water Sports Centre with Yachting New Zealand Have a Go instructor Maria Ferrario.

Image 1 of 22: Sunset Primary School on the water. Photos/Supplied

She formerly represented her country at sailing world championships, but has been based in New Zealand for the past three years.

Ferrario said her main goal was to introduce the children to "a great sport" with the help of volunteers from the Water Sports Centre.

"Teaching the basics brings a lot of kids through to the clubs."

She said it was also about helping them learn water safety and what to do when a boat tipped.

"Some kids won't go back to sailing but they will remember how to be safe."

Ferrario said the area of Lake Rotorua in front of the Water Sports Centre was suitable and safe.

Andrews said her class loved it, and she only had one or two pupils who were a little scared.

Andrews fell in the water, much to the amusement of her pupils, as she tried to move boats to help one of the scared students.

Her son Eden Andrews, 9, was one of the class members.

Eden said he'd had a lot of fun learning to sail.

"I liked moving the rudder and steering but I felt a little nervous.

"It was also fun racing to the toys and playing follow the leader."

Tepiriti Nukunuku, 10, said her favourite part was learning how to put the boat together.

"It was scary sailing and I felt like we were going to fall off, but I enjoyed it."