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The basics are done right, and they’re done well at Waiuku Yacht Club.
Banner image by Jo Ottey. See more of Jo's photos here.
Perhaps that’s the secret to success at the “hidden gem on the Manukau.”
Committee members are thrilled with the past weekend’s events that marked the 60th anniversary of the friendly family club, and celebrated valuable members that have contributed to six decades of sailing.
Club patron, 98-year-old Olive Watson (pictured below) cut the cake to mark the occasion, before handing in her resignation to remain a life member.
Photo by Shana Dawson
“It was really special, and Olive has been great – we are very fortunate,” says club captain Alan Dawson, who has also just been named a life member of the New Zealand Finn Class Association.
In conjunction with the celebrations, two hotly contested races saw Waiuku Yacht Club reclaim the Manukau Shield – a competition held annually between all clubs on the Manukau harbour.
“It was a fantastic day. We had about 30 boats out from different clubs. And we haven’t had the shield for a few years, so it’s nice to see it hanging back on the wall again” says Alan.
He commended race officer Kim Admore for getting the races underway in light and shifty conditions.
“What also made it really special was the mixture of past and present members. It was really great to see.
The race day had additional spectators thanks to the Volvo National Sailing and Boating Day that drew people in to check out the club.
“It definitely generated a bit of interest. It was really good to have it so publicized – we got our local papers involved, and certainly had a few more people come to check it out,” says committee member Geoff Letcher.
He says it was a significant weekend for the yacht club, and great to have so much support and participation.
Photo by Jo Ottey. See more of Jo's photos here.
“We really are a hidden gem here in Waiuku.”
Home to the Finn class, the fleet also included Hartley 16s, lasers, jolly boats, optimists, and starlings.
Alan says the club is going strong at the moment, with plenty of learn-to-sail kids coming through on the back of the America’s Cup.
Next on their club agenda is a trip down to Clarks Beach and overnight stay at the clubrooms, before sailing back to Waiuku.
“It’s a 13km sail, but we do it when the kids have gone up through the learn to sail programme, it’s always lots of fun,” he says.
Photo by Jo Ottey. See more of Jo's photos here.
Making the most of the Manukau sailing waters is essential to Waiuku Yacht Club.
“We’re a bit different here, the tide comes in and it lifts up – so you don’t have the same flow as you do further down the harbour,” says Alan.
With numerous reasons to be proud of their strong club, there is no doubt members are already looking forward to another 60 years of success.
