PAGE Commodore's Message

Dear Members

As we move into the last month of our sesquicentennial (150th) year, the latest handbook is your tool to know what is happening around the club as we close out 2021 and move towards 2022.

Our vision of being the worlds leading international yacht club has not changed, and our team of volunteers and staff are committed to providing each member with exceptional experiences on and off the water. As a yacht club, first and foremost what we do on the water is our core, however the social events and comraderie amongst members is vital for our longevity ensuring something for everyone. This handbook contains club rules, key contacts, and details of all on water activities. The first section lists the Flag Officers and General Committee who put in a lot of effort and hours whilst contributing their skills to give back to the club and our pastime.

Following the lockdown restrictions in Auckland for nearly four months, we have a very busy and exciting end to 2021. With so many events postponed until 2022 the Bridge to Bean race will hopefully be completed (third time lucky) in December. We have completed stage one of our reforestation and tree planting programme at our wonderful Kawau Island facility where we see future sailing events being held. The full calendar of yacht racing (with over 1500 race starts annually), cruising and motor yacht events continues, and continuously reviewed to see what we can improve on. We have also been working with many other clubs and organisations to ensure we can all fit in with what is now a compressed calendar.

As a leading club we must always look forward, whilst respecting the past, in order for us to continue to be at the forefront of all sports clubs and our own sport. Please do make yourself aware and respect the Club rules.

The next section in the handbook has our scheduled sailing programme and calendar with notices of race for all major club racing and regattas. This includes updated RNZYS sailing instructions, courses, tides, and sailing detail. Any changes to this sailing information is posted online so ensure you utilise the club website and app which will be right up to date.

The back of the handbook has a list of all members and a boat register (please check your details are current). Look out for your fellow members on the water and always fly your RNZYS burgee with pride.

Our thanks to all RNZYS sponsors and partners who play such a vital role enabling us to bring so many events to members. Without the support of these businesses and people we simply could not offer each member so much. I encourage you all to support these businesses where and when you can, just as they help us.

I would also like to thank each and every member for your continued support. We are a yacht club with our main objective being “Corinthian yachting” but also a like minded community; and lead the way in our sport, from our Youth Training Programme to club racing, to cruising and social events. Whilst firmly anchored for 150 years, if we follow through on our objectives the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron will proudly lead the sport in New Zealand for future generations. On behalf of the Flag officers, general committee and staff - please use and enjoy your club. I look forward to seeing you there or out on the water.

Aaron Young - Commodore