Marton's Rangitikei College students hope gala makes funds shipshape for Spirit of Adventure voyage

Rangitikei College's Sophie Ward set sail on the Spirit of Adventure last year. Photo/ Supplied

Students from Rangitikei College in Marton will swap school bags for sails when they take to the sea for the Spirit of Adventure in May.

Ten year 10 students have had help from their families, their school and the community to raise funds for the adventure, which will cost up to $12,000.

Leading the charge in their fundraising efforts is Rangitikei College prefect Sophie Ward, who went on the traditional 10 day Spirit of Adventure journey last year.

Rangitikei College assistant principal Sheree Osgood said that Sophie loved the experience.

"While there, she heard about the trophy voyage for the year 10 students and she came back wanting us to get some on it," Ms Osgood said.

"She didn't want it to cost them anything and has driven us to fundraise the entire cost."

With raffles, social events and support from local businesses, the aim is to raise enough to cover the course fee, transport and accommodation in Auckland, which is where they will depart from.

The five-day Spirit Trophy voyage pits four teams comprised of five male and five female students against each other. Activities in the programme include ship-handling, teamwork, problem-solving, debating, and water sports.

"It's going to expose them to different things and it's going to challenge them," Ms Osgood said.

"Some of our students have got pretty tough lives and sometimes they don't get beyond the limitations of our township, so hopefully it will give them confidence in themselves.

"Some teens can be pretty selfish too, so learning about others and working as a team will be important."

Ms Osgood said that they were confident of reaching their total and a gala day on April 7 should get them over the line.

The gala at the college will feature something for everyone with food stalls, face painting, bouncy castles, craft stalls and car boot sales.

The students on the trophy voyage are: Valentine Berkahn, Baden Cullis, Tianajean Harawira, Joe Lewer, Denzell Pei, Te Rere Rakatairi-Jetson, Lydia Robinson, Eseese Vaafusuaga, Ethan Watson and Ngamoko Wiringi.