Cruising
An extensive programme of racing is organized throughout the season, balancing serious offshore races to Nelson, Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds, with the club’s annual round the buoys Marley Mark Ellmers series for two-handed races.
These races give time to socialise at various destinations, go fishing or just “get away from it all”.
Other popular races are the ladies’ series, two-handed open race, and a his-and-hers race around Mana Island.
Skippers are always looking for crew, allowing those who don’t own a boat, or who don’t wish to race their boat to participate.
Education and safety
As with all water activities there is a need to be conscious of the dangers. The club promotes safety and education, and organises various training and coastguard courses throughout the year. We recommend that members avail themselves of this training including Coastguard courses (Day Skipper, Boatmaster, Costal Skipper and the many others available).
Safety pamphlets are available from the club on request or also available from respective website's in PDF format. If in doubt ASK, we have a great depth of knowledge and experience within the club and members are only too pleased to share anecdotes, knowledge and advise (fishing GPS locations often excluded).
The club broadcast weather information on channel 63 during the weekends, and maintains a listening watch during office hours.
For VHF coverage other than Maritime radio Channel 16 we also encourage members to use Marlborough Marine Radio Association inc. for “trip reports”. Trip reports are a safe way of ensuring your important details (intended location, time of return etc) are known and monitored and if in the unlikely circumstances of experiencing trouble, appropriate help is dispatched. Marlborough Marine Radio watch on channel 01, 05, 63 and 66. There is a membership fee of $67.50 per annum (Commercial vessels $85). Application forms are available from the club.
Marlborough Marine Radio: 03 573 8851.