Sir Peter Blake marine centre marks 20 years of learning

MERC is 20 years old. On March 12, 1990, 35 students from Murrays Bay Intermediate were the first to experience the newly built Marine Education and Recreation Centre at Long Bay.

After 12 years of planning and fundraising, it had finally been built.

Although activities started on March 12, 1990, the official opening was on March 24, 1990, and was attended by then mayor Ann Hartley and Governor-General Sir Paul Reeves.

Twenty years later, up to 150 students are using the centre every day for marine-related outdoor activities.

Over the years it is estimated that more than 200,000 people have enjoyed the MERC experience.

MERC receives no government support so schools need to fundraise to cover costs.

In 1998, Sir Peter Blake visited MERC with his son, James. He was so impressed that he consented to be a patron.

Just three years later, at the age of 53, the two-time America's Cup winner was killed by pirates on the Amazon River.

Another year on and MERC became the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Centre.

In 2006 James Blake returned and presented MERC with a mounted pair of his father's famous red socks to put on display.

After 20 years in Long Bay, MERC has enriched the lives of thousands of children. From snorkelling to learning to sail, MERC has been an experience they will always remember.

- © Fairfax NZ News