Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

About

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) is a private yacht club based in Auckland that promotes sailing, yachting, and powerboating. The club hosts club racing and major regattas and is known for its involvement in New Zealand’s America’s Cup campaigns, being the home of Emirates Team New Zealand. More information can be found on their official website.

Founded in 1871 as the Auckland Yacht Club, the RNZYS was granted royal patronage in the early 20th century and has a long-standing association with New Zealand’s America’s Cup campaigns and other international yachting events.

Accommodation

The RNZYS offers club-owned historic accommodation at Lidgard House, located in Smelting House Bay on Kawau Island. Members receive priority booking for this accommodation and have access to nearby Kawau facilities, as well as limited moorings for member use at Smelting House Bay. More details are available on the members' benefits page.

Moorings and Anchorage

The RNZYS is based at Westhaven Marina in central Auckland, where it operates three member moorings at Smelting House Bay on Kawau Island. Westhaven serves as the club’s primary harbour-side location for on-water access.

Clubhouse Features

The clubhouse at Westhaven features a waterside location with a Members Bar and restaurant, as well as the Lighthouse Café. Additional amenities include a bottle shop and retail outlet, venue hire options, and various member services such as a member portal, parking, and member discounts. More information can be found on the members' benefits page.

Training Programs

The RNZYS offers comprehensive training programs, including adult Learn to Sail courses at various levels, the Mastercard Youth Training Programme (YTP), and courses covering essential safety skills. Volunteer training is also available for race support roles. Further details can be found on the training page.

Racing Activities

The club has an extensive racing calendar that includes events such as Rum Racing, Wednesday Series, Sprint Series, Commodore’s Cup, Club Championships, Winter Series, and major match racing events. The RNZYS is internationally recognized for its role in America’s Cup campaigns, hosting thousands of races each year. More information is available on the racing page.

Cruising Activities

The RNZYS organizes a cruising program that includes a Cruising Series and regular club cruises, including trips to Kawau Island. The club supports members planning coastal passages and overnight trips, providing priority access to accommodation and moorings to facilitate these activities.

Social Events

The club hosts a year-round social program that features both casual and formal dining options by the water. Regular member events and large club gatherings, such as Women's Day Out and the Corporate Regatta, are part of the social calendar. Members also receive published communications and opportunities for social networking. More information can be found on the social page.

Operational Details

The RNZYS operates year-round, with the membership year running from May 1 to April 30. Youth training programs and many on-water training activities follow a seasonal schedule, typically running from March to December, while racing and events occur throughout the calendar year. More details can be found on the membership page.