A pretty little sailboat will help put wind in the sails of the R Tucker Thompson Training Trust thanks to a donation by a Bay of Islands resident.

A West Wright Potter 19ft sailboat has been given the trust to auction to raise funds for the youth development voyages.

The person offered it to the trust knowing that all the proceeds would be directed towards delivering the trust's promise to Northland youth. The trust decided it would auction the boat, named Puffin, to help subsidise students to come on their winter sail training voyage.

"We are extremely grateful for this wonderful offer," executive trustee Jane Hindle said.

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"We hope that someone out there will appreciate this sweet little boat and make an equally generous bid, knowing that the money is going to a really good cause, back into developing our young people."

Bidding for the West Wright will be conducted on TradeMe, where full specifications are available, with the auction running until March 9.

The Potter 19 is deceptively spacious inside and offers ultimate flexibility, Ms Hindle said. It has four sleeping berths and seating for five, and provides comfortable overnight cruising. With a retractable keel, it is perfect for going ashore yet can be easily taken home on its trailer for storage.

Extremely stable, the sail boat has closed cell foam flotation fore and aft, and is virtually unsinkable.

"She is the ideal boat for a couple or young family looking for a practical and versatile family holiday option."