The Stewarts Gully Sailing Club, located in Christchurch, New Zealand, was established in 1950. Situated on the sheltered waters of the Waimakariri River, between the old railway bridge and the Kaiapoi river, the club is only a fifteen-minute drive from the city centre. With a strong focus on yacht racing, coaching, learning to sail, safety, Racing Rules, and social activities, the club is known for its family-oriented atmosphere.
To find the Stewarts Gully Sailing Club, visitors can turn east down Kainga Rd from just south of the old Waimakariri road bridge, pass all the houses, and turn left towards Riverlea Estate. Then, they can turn right at the reserve and follow the yacht club signs, going up over the river stopbank to reach the club.
For those interested in becoming a member, there are various membership options available, including Senior, Junior, Family sailing memberships, and Social memberships. To inquire about membership, individuals can contact Robert Smith at Ph 03 3129877 or email arsmith0@xtra. Co. nz, or Lindsay Russell at Ph 03 3136709 or lindsayrussell481@gmail.
com. Alternatively, they can visit the club on sailing days.
The Stewarts Gully Sailing Club offers a range of sailing opportunities for different age groups and skill levels. The club utilises Optimist dinghies for training younger sailors, Piccolo sailing dinghies, and a Sunburst dinghy for secondary school and adult sailors. They also offer a “Learn to Sail” programme, introducing newcomers to the sport and providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge.
The club's fleet includes various types of sailing dinghies suitable for the waters of the Waimakariri River. These include the New Zealand Moth, a single-handed 11 ft / 3. 3-metre scow, the Phoenix, a two-person 14 ft / 4. 2-metre single tr**eze dinghy, the Zephyr, a 3-metre dinghy, the Finn, a single-handed 14 ft / 4.
2-metre Olympic-style dinghy, the Laser, another single-hander Olympic-style dinghy made of fibreglass, the Europe, a single-hander 11 ft / 3. 3-metre dinghy, the 470, a two-person 15. 5 ft / 4. 7-metre single tr**eze Olympic-style dinghy, the Sunburst, a two-person 11 ft / 3-metre dinghy, the Starling, an intermediate/senior single-handed 10 ft / 3-metre dinghy, the P Class, a junior single-handed 7 ft / 2.
1-metre dinghy, the Optimist, a junior single-handed 8 ft / 2. 4-metre dinghy, and the Piccolo, a learn-to-sail plastic 10 ft / 3-metre dinghy suitable for larger children and adults.
The Stewarts Gully Sailing Club is dedicated to promoting sailing as a recreational and competitive sport, fostering a love for the water, and building a vibrant sailing community in Christchurch. With its diverse range of boats and programmes for all ages, it offers something for everyone, whether they are seasoned sailors or new to the sport.