Issue date
Springing to action; Volunteer group from Lowry Bay Yacht Club to receive Yachting New Zealand Service Award.
Dubbed the Spring Chickens of Lowry Bay, the affectionate title for the energetic group from Wellington is said to reflect their spirit, not age.
With a host of support accompanying their nomination for a Yachting New Zealand Service award, the dozen or so club members, mostly over 65, are a highly regarded part of the Lowry Bay Yacht Club and its surrounding community.
Their nomination centres around major club renovations carried out this year along with the building and installation of six moorings in Wellington harbour. From identifying the compliancy needs of RMA cruising moorings through to pouring concrete outside in the Wellington winter, the group has navigated their way through funding challenges and technical difficulties to produce the moorings which now add huge value in providing a safe harbour.
As well as winning praise from Lower Hutt mayor Ray Wallace, the Coastguard, Police, and members of the neighbouring Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club, the Spring Chickens have also worked their magic in a revitalisation phase for their club.
Like many other yacht clubs, Lowry Bay had been faced with the hard question of financial viability due to dwindling membership and rising maintenance costs. The Spring Chickens came together and tackled challenge after challenge to transform the yacht club from the inside out. While not holding any official status around their group name, the members simply get on with each job through sheer determination and commitment to their club and a sense of belonging.
Through their efforts the members of Lowry Bay Yacht club now have a beautiful clubhouse which not only attracts new members but also presents a fantastic function facility. This has seen the club grow from strength to strength in retaining membership and establishing a strong financial position.
Yachting New Zealand congratulates the Spring Chickens of Lowry Bay for their continuous efforts to improve their club and encourage more members.
