WATCHMAN ISLAND YACHT CLUB
History
The Watchman Island Yacht Club was formed in 1992 by a group of well known Auckland yachties whose number included Bruce Marler & Geoff Bullock , past Commodores of the RNZYS & RAYC and others who had sailed to the highest level in the past but now sought more relaxed & social sailing.
The concept was simple, sailing for fun. Four regattas a year sailed in and around the Watchman Island, any size or style of yacht, no extras, no protests and new entrants usually won the race thanks to a generous handicap.
Social gatherings on the beach at Herne Bay were great affairs with marquee’s, bands and often a dress up theme.
In addition, the constitution of the Club provided for an ongoing interest in the preservation of the Watchman Island itself, the iconic Islet which stands sentinal to the West of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Before long the Club Patron, Charles St Clair Brown arrived on the scene and offered the boat shed below his house in Marine Parade as a location for the WIYC Club rooms. With a splendid aspect to the west and a clear view of the Watchman this site proved ideal for the Club.
In the late 1990’s Des Townson lent the Club three Electron Yachts to sail and the love affair between these beautiful little radio controlled yachts and Watchman Island Yacht Club began. Members were quickly buying one or more of their own Electrons and the fleet numbers sailing from the Club rooms grew to the point where regular sailing was moved to Westhaven for both summer & winter series, ocean races, endurance races & match racing.
The Club rooms continue to host Christmas parties, AGM’s and other important events in the WIYC calendar.
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