Click the image above to view slideshow

From beginner sailors to national champions – keen boaties of all ages and abilities are getting a taste of sailing and boating at Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club's open day today.

Tauranga sailors Zak Merton, 17, and Sam Barnett, 17, are training with Auckland sailors Eliza Wilkinson, 17, Kate Stewart, 15, on Tauranga Harbour today. Photos by Zoe Hunter.

Starting at 10am, TYPC opened its doors for Yachting New Zealand's first Volvo National Sailing and Boating Day.

The nationwide event is expected to see hundreds of people take part in the sport at open days and have a go sessions and fun events for all of the family at various sailing clubs around the country.

In Tauranga, TYPC commodore Gary Smith says about 40 children – and adults – are learning to windsurf so far.

'We've got people from learning to sail…to national champions and guys who are going to the world championships – and they're all down here together.

'You don't have to start as a kid…it's for the whole family.”

Sailors on Tauranga Harbour today.

The event follows a winning effort from Tauranga sailors Zak Merton and Sam Barnett at a recent international regatta in Auckland.

Having bagged a win at the first half of the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship selection races – Zak and Sam, age 17, are at the open day training for the second half of selection races in the 420 class.

Zak and Sam are training together with Auckland sailors Eliza Wilkinson, and Kate Stewart on Tauranga Harbour today.

Eliza Wilkinson, 17, Kate Stewart, 15, are placed second best female team in the youth worlds so far and are close enough to win their class in the second half of selection races.

'We get out and practice skills and techniques…making sure we get everything fine-tuned so we don't make any mistakes,” says Zak.

'We're also working on speed,” says Sam, who reckons racing against the girls will help them with speed testing.

Zak has been sailing for seven years, while Sam has five years' experience. The pair have been sailing together for two years after meeting at Otumoetai College.

'I just really enjoy it and once I put into it I couldn't stop,” says Zak. 'It's the best feeling…definitely give it a go. It's a sport for life.”

Sam's parents encouraged him to start sailing and since then he 'can't stop”.