Issue date
Lake Wakatipu Yacht Club has been successful in preventing a ferry development on their doorstep which would have a significant impact on the safety of their sailors and access to the water.
Queenstown Tourism Operators Real Journeys had earlier this year applied to establish a ferry service running across Lake Wakatipu from the main shore to Kelvin Heights. The proposed site of the Kelvin Heights terminal was adjacent to the main beach area where the club operates from.
This proposed terminal site is the site of choice for Yachting New Zealand’s Volvo Sailing… Have a Go! Programme and is regularly used by the Wakatipu Yacht Club as a launching area for boats. The area of the lake which the wharf would occupy is where the junior learn to sail programme operates, teaching young people from the community to sail. This location is critical as it provides a safe sheltered area to sail in south easterly to south westerly winds.
As well as posing a risk to access, having a ferry operating in this area means the path of the ferry would pass through the middle of the sailing area used by the junior fleet introducing a hazard to the young, often inexperienced sailors.
Yachting New Zealand supported the club in their submission and preparation for the hearing, we are pleased to be able to support to achieve this outcome.
