Wow, I guess it's been a while since I logged in here...
If they're interested in learning a few things perhaps more suited to the Variant, Manukau YMBC, near Mangere Bridge, is where the Auckland Hartley 16s and Noelex 22 fleets sail.
If you head over there on a sailing day, there's a pretty good chance of getting a ride.
Alternatively, flick the Variant and buy a Noelex 22, then you can race "like for like", plus drag the boat to lakes etc, which opens up an entire different sailing universe.
Not that I'm biased ;) but the noelex 22 is one of the best all-round boats out