Port Ohope Yacht Club, located at Port Ohope Wharf on Harbour Rd in Ohope, is a thriving and friendly sailing club that welcomes both members and visitors alike. The club sails most Sundays from their clubhouse, excluding the months of July and August. They typically meet at 12:30pm to rig up the boats and start sailing on the water at 1:30pm, weather permitting.
The club offers a variety of sailing programmes and activities for individuals of all skill levels and ages. They have a fleet consisting mainly of Lasers, including Laser Full, Radial, and 4. 7. Those who are interested in learning to sail or want to participate in social sailing can join the Thursday Social Sailing sessions, which have proven to be a huge success.
This programme has seen an average attendance of 6 to 9 Optis and a couple of Lasers, creating an enthusiastic and enjoyable environment for sailors. The club aims to build on this success and encourage participants to return for future seasons.
In addition to regular sailing activities, Port Ohope Yacht Club also organises an annual regatta over the Kings Birthday weekend. This highly successful event attracts sailors from across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions, including Taupo, Tauranga, Rotorua, and Hamilton.
The club is known for its commitment to supporting high school sailing and the local community. Volunteer coaches are available to train high school students, focusing on team building and improving sailing skills for interschool sailing in two-person boats. The club also supports the Waka Reremoana project, which involves building traditional Mori waka and educating students about Mori navigational systems, history, and traditions.
To become a member of the Port Ohope Yacht Club, interested individuals can find membership details on the club's website. The club's committee for 2023-2024 includes Graeme Reid as the Commodore, Graeme Tee as the Club Captain, and Heather Hourigan as the Secretary. The club also has a dedicated treasurer, Pam Pearce, and several committee members who contribute to its smooth operation.
Visitors and newcomers to sailing are always welcome at Port Ohope Yacht Club. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or looking to try sailing for the first time, the club's helpful members and supportive atmosphere will provide you with a great experience. For venue hire or more information, individuals can contact Sally Reid, the venue hire coordinator, or visit the club's website for details on upcoming events and programmes.
