Sailing FAQs

For normal club daytime events you don’t need to bring much – you don’t have to go and buy expensive kit for sailing in Auckland. Before you go, check the weather, and dress appropriately. This is the recommended minimum kit for a normal Auckland evening:

• Shorts or light, quick drying trousers (not jeans, they get wet and cold)

• Layers of: a lightweight top, a long sleeved top (because it’s always colder on the water than on shore) and a waterproof jacket to keep the wind out and the rain off.

• A peaked cap for sunburn (or a fleecy hat if its cold and wet).

• Shoes that don’t have black soles (they mark the boats) and won’t fall off (so jandals aren’t a good choice). If possible get ones that cover your toes so you won’t stub them. The best things to wear are deck shoes, neoprene shoes or trainers. If you don’t have anything suitable, bare feet are normally OK in warm weather, although you risk getting some bumps and scrapes!

• …and most importantly of all, a couple of beers for the fridge.

You only need your own sailing wet weather gear if you’re doing long distance races or night races. Not everyone wears a lifejacket on the boat, and for your first few goes you certainly don’t need to go out and buy your own! Just ask the owner if you can borrow one.

Although the majority of our events are races, this doesn’t mean that everyone takes it too seriously. Most boats are pretty relaxed (after all, we do this for fun), so don’t worry! Every boat does things differently, but this is a pretty normal way of doing things:

The owner and crew meet up on the boat about an hour before the start of the race (make sure you get directions and the pontoon gate access code from the owner so you can get in!)

You’ll be shown what to do, and given a suitable job depending on your experience. It may even just be sitting on the side and watching if you’re new to sailing. Make sure you say if you want to do more or less than you’re asked – no one wants to make you uncomfortable.

Enjoy the race!

After the race, help pack the boat up, enjoy a beer on the boat (you’ll definitely get invited back if you bring some with you!), then head up to the clubhouse for a drink and the prize giving. This is a great chance to meet the opposition, find out how well you did, and grab some food.

Sailing is a cheap sport – for the crew, at least! If you are not a crew member yet, you pay the office a 10-dollar donation each time. On many boats, you won’t get asked to pay anything, while others will ask for a small contribution towards entry fees (especially if the skipper arranges food or drink for you). Ask them when you get on board. Normally this won’t be more than ten bucks for an evening. The only other cost you’ve got is any food or drink you buy in our bar!

There are plenty of benefits – see our membership page for more details.

It depends entirely on what you agree with the boat owner. Some people promise the owner that they will do every race in a series (which is a nice way of improving your skills, because you get loads of practice). At the other end of the scale, if you just show up once with no warning to try it out, you’ll be more than welcome. No commitment is required. Most crews try out a few boats, see which one they enjoy the most, then sail when they can. Beware, it can be addictive!

There are loads of people who can help you out. Check out our contacts page, give us a call or fill out the form below. If you’re in the area, pop into our clubhouse and we’ll do our best to make you feel welcome.