"The girls did an absolutely amazing job sticking it out in the rain when the boats were half filled with water while it pelted down."
Zoe says it is easily the favourite regatta out of all the ones she has attended.
Tauranga Young Mariners unit leader Jillian Pilbrow says nine clubs from Whangarei to Rotorua took up the challenge, which included about 120 girls.
It was a fabulous regatta that encouraged team building, she says.
"The event is fun and a really good experience. It's also a great way for the girls to network and meet others."
Tauranga Young Mariners has 20 members and they participated in numerous activities with a focus on water sports.
"It's a great opportunity for girls to try out different things that they may not normally." Jillian says.
"We also go camping and encourage families to come along and bring other siblings."
Jillian and her husband David became involved with the mariners in the late 1990s and took over running it in 2002.
Eldest daughter Kimberly progressed through the ranks and the couple continued after she left. Kimberly also helps out on occasion alongside brother Nicolas so it was still a family affair.
WANT TO BE A YOUNG MARINER?
For girls aged nine to 19. Contact Jillian, phone 577 0515, email Tauranga@youngmariners.org.nz or see www.facebook.com/TaurangaYoungMariners and www.youngmariners.org.nz