Phoenix Yacht Club (PYC) is a members' club located in Gosport, New Zealand. The club owns and operates two yachts that are used for cruising, racing, and RYA (Royal Yachting Association) training. With a small annual membership fee and daily sailing fees starting at 36. 00 per person, members can enjoy sailing experiences with fellow club members without the need to fill the boat as with chartering.
The club offers a variety of sailing experiences, including yacht cruising, racing, and RYA training. Yacht cruising is a popular activity in which members can participate in single-day sails or longer trips around the Solent or even further afield, such as cross-channel sailing trips and trips along the south coast. Members can also brush up on their sailing skills while enjoying the pleasure of sailing. One of the highlights of the year is the summer cruise, where groups of members embark on an extended trip for 10 to 12 weeks, passing the yacht onto the next crew at agreed transfer ports.
The club has ventured as far as the Baltic, Mediterranean, Spain, and even around Britain via the Caledonian Canal.
For those interested in yacht racing, PYC participates in events such as the Round The Island race and enters a series of (mostly) Offshore races in the JOG (Junior Offshore Group) and RORC (Royal Ocean Racing Club) series. If there is enough interest and capable members available, the club may also enter the Fastnet Race.
PYC is also a recognised RYA Training Centre, offering members the opportunity to improve their sailing skills. With a number of RYA Instructors available, members can take part in a range of RYA practical courses, including Competent Crew, Day Skipper, and Yachtmaster Coastal and Offshore. These courses are typically five-day courses from Monday to Friday, with Yachtmaster exams being conducted by independent RYA examiner over the weekend following the preparation course. Additionally, the club offers non-certificated RYA skill training courses such as boat handling, navigation, and pilotage, as well as spinnaker training.
Phoenix Yacht Club operates as a non-profit-making private members' club. All activities, including yacht care and administration, are carried out by volunteer members. The club places a high emphasis on maintaining the yachts to a high standard, especially in safety critical areas. Before leaving the yachts, the skipper, and crew are expected to leave them in a better condition than they found them.
The club's commitment to high boat standards is confirmed by an annual inspection as an RYA Training Centre.
To ensure the safety and integrity of the club's activities, only club members (including their children and grandchildren) are allowed to sail the club's boats. Each sailing outing is led by a suitably qualified club member serving as the skipper, supported by a mate. This is based on the RYA training scheme, which allows a steady progression from “Day Skipper” through to “Offshore Skipper” qualifications. Members may obtain the necessary RYA qualifications through the club's training opportunities or elsewhere.
Phoenix Yacht Club welcomes new members and invites them to explore their website. Interested individuals can try the club for 30 days without committing to a full year's membership. Whether you have prior sailing experience or are new to the sport, Phoenix Yacht Club offers a vibrant community of sailing enthusiasts and a range of sailing opportunities in the beautiful coastal area of Gosport.