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RNZYS enjoys reciprocal rights with yacht clubs around the world

Story & picture by Debra Douglas A visit to one of the 52 international yacht clubs with reciprocal rights with the Squadron is on your bucket list. You’ve packed your passport, togs, sunscreen and a phone charger, but most importantly, have you got your paperwork?

“Prospective reciprocal guests must present a letter of introduction from the Squadron, as well as their current membership card, to gain entry to these clubs,” said Nikki Harkin, RNZYS Membership Manager.

“So, before leaving, contact me or Membership Services Coordinator, Faye Hallett, and we will provide the letter, basically saying you are a full and financial member in good standing.

“We require the dates you would like to visit the club and, if it is a residential club, we check what accommodation is available and state that all accounts and purchases will be settled at the time.

“We have had the odd rejection, but this was usually due to lockdowns, or if the club was holding a major event. Some clubs limit visits to perhaps three times a year.”

The Squadron also operates a similar system, offering a two-week time slot for overseas visitors. A standard template is sent out outlining the club’s protocol, operating hours, dress code and cell phone usage.

Nikki: “We do, however, get other reciprocal yacht club members who just walk in the door without a letter of introduction. They want to look at the America’s Cup and have a drink in the Member’s Bar.

“We are pretty relaxed about this, if they produce their club membership card, and as long as it is quiet and the Duty Manager agrees.

“Usually guests are in awe of the trophies upstairs and the feel of the place. Of course, they could become potential overseas members.”

One Squadron member who knows what it is like to be in awe of a yacht club is Stephanie Jones, who, with her partner and overseas member Clive Carrington-Wood, is back in New Zealand for the summer to be reunited with their 60ft schooner Happy Spirit II, moored at Lily Bay, Russell.

During New Zealand’s winter, while Clive was captaining a 37m commercial motoryacht in the Mediterranean, Stephanie left her base in Malta to visit New York.

“I was staying with a friend, who really wanted to visit the New York Yacht Club (NYYC), but he said it was impossible, as it was very exclusive,” said Stephanie. “I saw it as a challenge. I knew that, as a RNZYS member, I would have reciprocal rights and could take him as guest.

“I emailed Nikki, who sent me the letter of introduction. I also had to send a photo of our yacht, its registration details and give two weeks’ notice of our visit.“

Stephanie: “The club is fantastic, gorgeous. The ceilings were so high, like a cathedral, there was lots of oak panelling and leather chesterfield sofas. The library and the model room were stupendous. The club is something else!

“At the bar was a chap, who insisted on buying us a drink. He was a Wall St. banker and was joined by friends who were also bankers. They were quite sanguine about no longer holding the America’s Cup and picked up the final drinks tab.

“It was a lovely visit, thanks to the Squadron’s reciprocal service.”

• Clubs with reciprocal rights are listed in the Squadron’s Handbook and links to their websites are on the RNZYS website. Many clubs without existing reciprocal agreements with RNZYS allow Squadron members to visit. If there is a club you would like to visit, contact Nikki or Faye.