Cruising

Anyone can go cruising and the Cruising fleet welcomes participation from all vessels and skippers with cruising capability: dinghies, sea kayaks, motor boats, trailer yachts, Waka Ama and keelers. Each year the Cruising Fleet operates four major events and an active on-shore programme, aiming to encourage people to explore their local and wider seaboard safely, responsibly and enjoyably. Cruising yachts also take part in stress free racing as the Non Spinnaker Division (see programme). Banks Peninsula has 76 named bays and provides a rich cruising ground with a wealth of nautical history for prudent skippers. The Club owns and manages a number of moorings in Lyttelton Harbour and adjacent bays for use of members. Please note that a 20 tonne displacement limit applies to all Club moorings. Further afield cruises to the Marlborough Sounds, Golden Bay, Stewart Island and Fiordland open up a wider range of possibilities while several yachts cruise the Pacific islands each year, then come back to retell their stories at a social evening. All cruising vessels are encouraged to join the VHF Association which provides a voluntary radio service all round the coast of New Zealand, together with regular 'skeds' for cruising vessels to log in by VHF or SSB. Visiting vessels can seek temporary berths in Lyttelton, Purau or Diamond Harbour . Contact the Club office for more information (03 328 7029)