ABOUT US
TRAILER YACHTS offer comfortable, safe day sailing, coastal and lake cruising and have the advantage of trailer portability, which eliminates mooring or berthage costs and minimises the risks of burglary, vandalism and storm damage.
The Waitemata Trailer Yacht Squadron was formed in 1993 and provides fellowship for owners of all designs of trailer yacht. Club members can offer advice on many of these. Members are often in a position to offer prospective owners the opportunity of a ’hands on’ experience of rigging, launching and sailing almost any design of trailer yacht before committing to a purchase.
From many seasons of successful cruising, members record through the monthly newsletter a wealth of information on destinations near and far, together with anecdotes, recipes, helpful hints, repairs etc.
The clubs emphasis is on family boating and fun races, but its affiliation to Yachting New Zealand allows its members to enter the racing events organised by other local clubs and also national competitions. Over the last couple of years, some members have moved into keelers, but maintain their enthusiasm for trailer yachts and continue to be active squadron members.
A typical summer weekend cruise will commence with a handy rendezvous on a Saturday morning [perhaps at Islington Bay, Rangitoto]. This allows those unable to launch on Friday night to catch the rest of the fleet. A decision is then made on a suitable destination for the Saturday night, taking into account the forecast weather, wind directions and tides. Those fortunate enough to get Xmas / New Year holidays may cruise together in the Bay of Islands, Lake Rotoiti, or even further afield.
The club encourages members to equip with VHF radios, for which the Hauraki Gulf’s reception quality has been greatly enhanced over the last 15 years.
To keep costs to a minimum the club does not have premises, but members enjoy fellowship at other clubs, on the beach, and during the winter months, shared meals at members’ homes and other land-based social events.
For further information on the club’s activities, contact the Club Commodore - Paul Watson on (09) 838 5652 or write to WTYS, PO Box 12773, Penrose, Auckland.