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Some major improvements and necessary maintenance work is planned at the Sandspit Yacht Club over the next two years as the club prepares for the next generation of sailors, fishermen and boaties.
Founded 65 years ago by a small group of like-minded boat owners, the club has evolved into a thriving organisation with more than 500 members spread across four active divisions.
Commodore Debbie Aldred, who has led the club for the nearly six years, says the club’s greatest strength is its people.
“The club is all about our members and it’s important that the atmosphere is welcoming, friendly and relaxed,” she says.
“I use the term ‘tribe’ because I do want everyone to genuinely feel like they belong.”
The club caters for a range of boating pursuits. Its Centreboard Division trains and races from Algies Bay and regularly hosts national regattas. The Sailing Division runs Friday evening summer racing, Saturday summer racing and a winter series, welcoming trailer yachts, multihulls and keelers. Members with launches and trailer powerboats are represented through the Power Boat Division, while sport fishers compete through the Warkworth Game Fish Club, which is affiliated with the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council.
The yacht club oversees the land-based operations at the marina, while the Marina Society is responsible for infrastructure on the water, including the 131-berth marina.
Aldred says maintaining facilities is an ongoing challenge.
Marine damage to piles in front of the clubhouse is expected to cost more than $200,000 to repair, although Aldred hopes the work will not have to be repeated for at least another 20 years.
The club’s finances are supported through income from an investment property at Brick Bay, and boat ramp fees, dinghy rack hire, haulout operations and membership fees.
The club is currently negotiating the purchase of a 473sqm section of reclaimed land, between the clubhouse and Lee’s Boatyard, where the haulout facilities are based.
“Sixty years ago it was just mud and rock,” Aldred says. “It’s now an important part of our infrastructure.”
With the clubhouse interior refurbishment finished, attention has turned to the next major project – the extension of the marina-facing deck. Fundraising has started to meet the $350,000 budget.
Work is expected to be finished towards the end of next year.
Aldred says the club’s experienced committee has remained largely unchanged over the past five years, providing continuity and stability.
She is equally quick to acknowledge the contribution of the club’s valuable volunteers. These include the executive committee who are all hands-on, the haul out team, the centreboard crew, member volunteers and gardeners.
“We couldn’t do it without them,” she says.
She also credits the wider community for its ongoing support.
“We are incredibly fortunate to be supported by the community. Together, our members, volunteers, sponsors, and local supporters are the wind in our sails, giving us the strength to navigate today’s challenges while ensuring the Sandspit Yacht Club remains strong for future generations.
“Absolutely nothing is easy, but the journey is made possible by the people who stand behind us.”
