This past Sunday, RAYC members, sailors, friends and family gathered together to welcome in the 2023/2024 summer season. We were blessed with some sunshine which is hard to come by these days, and set the tone for a great afternoon of activity.
Due to the ongoing sewage dilemma and rahui over the Waitemata Harbour, we couldn’t indulge in our usual opening day regatta. However, we had some fantastic games and onshore activities keeping everyone entertained.
Thanks to our incredible supporters Akarana Eatery, Doyle Sails, VMG Clothing, Hyundai NZ and Kiwi Yachting, we were able to put together some fun carnival-type games as well as a sausage sizzle, Hyundai-powered popcorn, and ice cream sundaes, raising just shy of $800 towards the start boat.
Formal proceedings for the afternoon started with members gathering together with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to bless our newest RIB to the fleet Akarana 5, which we were grateful to be able to purchase thanks to the help of Orakei Marine and Four Winds Foundation. Following this, new commodore Nick Hanson officially welcomed in the season, and with the help of RAYCs Junior Female Sailor of the Year, Jemma Oh fired the canon officially declaring the 128th season open!
We have a busy summer season ahead with major events such as BOP 380, 12ft Skiff Interdominions, Optimist and Starling Auckland Champs and RS Feva Nationals! We look forward to great sailing, epic racing, and plenty of sunshine and fair winds.
None of this racing will happen without our incredible volunteers who keep everything ticking along both onshore and on the water.
We are always on the lookout for new volunteers to join our small but mighty team – and can provide full training if required!
