All activities / Sailing / Auckland
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Sailing in Auckland
A city built between two harbors on an isthmus, with the Hauraki Gulf and its islands starting where the marinas end.
Why here
Auckland treats sailing roughly the way other cities treat cycling. The Hauraki Gulf starts where the marinas end, the islands are an easy day sail apart, and the sheer number of boats means instruction is normal rather than exotic. November and December are late spring into summer with no cyclone risk, since the ex-tropical lows that reach Northland arrive from January to March. Two operators run from Westhaven, one a yacht club school teaching the Yachting New Zealand framework on keelboats, the other an IYT school running everything from a taster sail to bareboat skipper and ICC.
Best months
The Hauraki Gulf is sheltered by Waiheke, Rangitoto and the Coromandel, so it stays workable in conditions that would close open water. Summer brings a reliable afternoon sea breeze. Spring weather is changeable and a front can arrive quickly, so early November is less settled than January. Water is cool by subtropical standards and a layer is sensible. The gulf is busy with commercial traffic in and out of the port, which is part of what makes it good teaching water.
Getting there & around
Auckland Airport is about 40 minutes from Westhaven Marina, where both operators are based. The yacht club school includes a complimentary three-month membership with the course, so prior membership is not needed to book. Course calendars here go up late and neither operator publishes a firm November or December schedule far in advance, so contact them directly rather than waiting for dates to appear online. One stale record to ignore entirely: Penny Whiting Sailing School closed in November 2017 but still appears as bookable on several international directories.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate
Schools & guides (2)
RNZYS Sailing School
ClubRoyal New Zealand Yacht Squadron school at Westhaven running Yachting New Zealand Level 1 learn to sail, Level 2 race crew in Elliott 7s and Level 2 coastal cruising with Kawau Island trips.
Yacht Training Ltd
SchoolIYT certified school at Westhaven sailing the Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf, running taster sails, intro courses, international crew, bareboat skipper and ICC plus VHF and diesel engine courses.
Also good for sailing in November:
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