If its hard to do, you're doing it wrong

Few New Zealanders have packed as much into their lives as Penny Whiting. Best known as a yachtswoman, sailing instructor and the owner-operator of the Penny Whiting Sailing School, she has also been a swimming champion, international surfing competitor, rugby coach, writer, celebrity speaker, mother of two, America's Cup and Whitbread commentator and Auckland City Councillor.

Born on the morning of the Auckland Anniversary Day regatta, Penny was destined for a life at sea. As the eldest of the family, she accepted responsibility from an early age, and while still in her teens she went into business with her brother Paul designing and building boats.

She went on to found the Penny Whiting Sailing School. In more than 40 years she has not missed one class. With help from her yacht 'Endless Summer', Penny has provided sailing tuition and sailing instruction to over 20,000 students, and is a familiar sight on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour.

Later Penny would use her skills as a communicator by becoming a persuasive city councillor as well as a radio and television yachting commentator.

Three generations on board Endless Summer: First row, from left: Jim Griffin with Logan on lap, Doc Williams with Skipper, D'Arcy Whiting, Mollie Whiting; middle row: Aimie Whitting, Katy Whiting, Russell Whiting (standing), Erin Whiting-Williams with Captain, Debbie Whiting; top-row: Tony Whiting, Robin Whiting, Grant Whiting, Carl Whiting, Margaret Wilson-Whiting, Pamela Whiting.