Issue date
A new Auckland University of Technology survey seeks to capture information about rescues and assists. Photo / Supplied
Survey seeks stories from yachties, boaties who've helped others
If you’ve spent time on the water, chances are you’ve come across another boatie in need - whether it’s towing someone back to shore, lending gear, or offering help in a sticky situation. Now researchers want to hear about those experiences to better understand the role recreational sailors play in keeping each other safe.
The survey, led by Auckland University of Technology, seeks to capture those often unseen rescues and assists, from preventing drownings to helping reduce risk when things go wrong.
Yachting New Zealand's general manager for community and development, Raynor Haagh, said the study is an important way to recognise the contribution of ordinary boaties.
"There’s the maritime law and then there’s the right thing to do: the unspoken rule of boaties helping other boaties in distress," Haagh said. "Your input can help identify areas for improvement and, ultimately, save lives."
Anyone aged 18 or over who has used a recreational watercraft in New Zealand in the past five years is invited to take part in the online survey at this link . It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and is open until 31 October 2025.
The 37th Aviemore Classic is set to feature a Farr 6000 and an all-girls crew. Photo / Timaru Yacht and Powerboat Club
Trailer yacht fleets set for 37th Aviemore Classic
The 37th Aviemore Classic returns to Lake Aviemore over Labour Weekend (24-26 October), with New Zealand’s premier trailer yacht regatta again combining competitive racing with stunning Mackenzie Country scenery. The regatta, hosted by the Timaru Yacht and Powerboat Club, will feature up to nine short-course races to decide national and South Island champions, including the Noelex 25 South Island title.
"What keeps me coming back is the memories and the strong family spirit that has grown over time," said organiser Anna Miller. This year's regatta will include a Farr 6000 racing on Saturday and Sunday, with an all-girls crew - guided by a regatta committee member - also being planned.
Worser Bay Boating Club turns 100 in 2026. Photo / Supplied
Worser Bay Boating Club to celebrate centenary in style
Worser Bay Boating Club plans to mark its 100th year in 2026 with a full weekend of celebrations and a packed season of special events.
Festivities will begin on Friday, 30 January 2026, with an opening ceremony to unveil their RŪNĀ curriculum, followed by an evening cocktail function launching the commemorative book The Worser Way: A Century of Sailing at Worser Bay Boating Club 1926-2026.
Saturday features youth sailing, club racing, and a keelboat finish outside the clubhouse, ending with a BBQ and drinks, while Sunday's official centenary day includes a semi-formal lunch with guest speakers. The milestone season will also include major regattas such as the Optimist North Island championships, the Wellington centreboard championships, the New Zealand wingfoiling national championships, and the Starling national championships.
Capital clubs renew rivalry in Interclub Series
Three Wellington clubs have kicked off the season with the annual Interclub Series. Evans Bay Yacht & Motor Boat Club, Lowry Bay Yacht Club and Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club continue their friendly rivalry with three joint races - one at each club - timed to coincide with their respective opening days.
This year's first race at Evans Bay saw 17 boats on the start line, battling gusts of up to 33 knots in a spinnaker and non-spinnaker division.
Waikawa Boating Club took out the Marine category at the Port Marlborough Marlborough Environment Awards. Photo / Waikawa Boating Club
Waikawa Boating Club wins top environmental award
Waikawa Boating Club was named Marine Category winner at the Port Marlborough Marlborough Environment Awards late last month. In its entry, the club highlighted its journey to achieving Yachting New Zealand's three-star Clean Club accreditation and shared plans for further sustainability initiatives.
The event included speakers from Marlborough Environment Trust, Port Marlborough, the Department of Conservation, and Marlborough District Council discussing ways to collaborate to protect the Marlborough Sounds, with judges recognising Waikawa Boating Club's leadership in environmental stewardship.
More than 40 volunteers joined Nelson Yacht Club's pre-season working bee. Photo / Nelson Yacht Club
Nelson Yacht Club ready for action-packed summer
It's been a busy few weeks at Nelson Yacht Club as preparations ramp up for the new season. Recent staff training sessions focused on good coaching, best practice, and refreshing skills ahead of summer, while the club's new leaders in training celebrated completing their coaching qualifications.
The first week of sailing brought breezy conditions and included a visit from Glenis Paul of the NZ Marine Studies Centre, exploring local marine life with an underwater camera and plankton net. A strong turnout of more than 40 volunteers also joined the pre-season working bee, tackling painting, building new shelves and wingfoil racks, fitting umbrella brackets, and laying artificial grass for easier rigging.
Waitara Boating Club is hosting a regatta workshop later this month. Photo / Supplied
Waitara Boating Club to run regatta planning workshop
Waitara Boating Club will host a regatta workshop on 14 October covering what tasks are needed for a regatta, who will do them, and when each item fits into the timing plan - providing valuable insights for anyone looking to improve event delivery.
The club is situated near the mouth of the Waitara River, 20km north of New Plymouth, with sheltered waters on the river allowing sailing in most conditions.
Club members sail Optimist, Starling, ILCA, OK Dinghy, Hansa 303 and open dinghy classes.
The biennial Life Education Trust Duck Race was held last month. Photo / Supplied
Gisborne Yacht Club backs duck race fundraiser
Gisborne Yacht Club played a key role in the biennial Life Education Trust Duck Race on 13 September, providing vessels, maritime support and people-power to ensure no duck was left behind.
The event is a major fundraiser for Life Education Trust, supporting health and wellbeing education for tamariki across the region - from Potaka to Wairoa, and Matawai and Mōtū to the city.
The 2026 Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta will include two new features. Photo / Live Sail Die
New look for 2026 Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta
The 186th Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta returns Monday, 26 January 2026, with a refreshed format and exciting additions. Fleets including keelboats, dinghies, foiling craft and classic yachts will race across Waitematā Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf.
New features include a sail past parade from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and the regatta’s first-ever after party with live music. The event celebrates Auckland's maritime heritage and remains one of the world's most diverse sailing gatherings.
Ponsonby Cruising Club turns 125 with party and racing
Ponsonby Cruising Club celebrates 125 years tomorrow (Saturday, 4 October) with a free party at its Westhaven Marina clubhouse, featuring live music from 6 pm and bar and kitchen open.
The day also kicks off the two-handed Summer Harbour Series with the first race of the season. Founded in 1900, the club is home to the famous Lipton Cup and a range of sailing events across Auckland Harbour.
Winners were crowned in six classes at the STACK Winter championships at Murrays Bay Sailing Club. Photo / Murrays Bay Sailing Club
Winter champs STACK-d with talent!
The 2025 STACK Winter Championships at Murrays Bay Sailing Club delivered an unforgettable weekend of racing on 27-28 September, with sailors tackling light and shifty winds across all fleets.
In the O'pen Skiff, Joseph Reynolds (Manly Sailing Club) took first place, with club teammate Ruby Peters finishing third overall and first among the girls. Murrays Bay Sailing Club dominated in the Optimist white fleet, with Carter Smith first overall and Astrid Thirkettle the top girl. The Optimist open fleet honours went to Kohimarama Yacht Club's Jeffrey Chenglin Du and Holly Robson.
P Class winners were Lauchy Wills (Howick Sailing Club) and Zofia Wells (Glendowie Boating Club), with the Starling title going to Callum Hyde (Murrays Bay Sailing Club) and the girls’ title to Oak Galbraith (Christchurch Yacht Club). The ILCA6 crowns were claimed by Murrays Bay duo Sam Clarke and Anna Prada, while Jasper Camenzind (Royal Akarana Yacht Club) took out the Waszp title.
