Port Chalmers Yacht Club is a friendly local club which encourages participation by all yachties, both racing and cruising.

Club Activities

We run a mixed programme of club races and open events. Our aim is to foster friendly competition in and between, all classes and types of yacht. Racing is open to all, with most races being run as mixed-fleet events. At present the bulk of our "home" fleet is trailer yachts & keelers. There are a few centreboarders based at the club, and boats from other clubs join in our events regularly.

In particular we have an arrangement with the Otago Trailer Yacht Squadron so that many of their events are based from our clubhouse, with the two clubs sharing race administration duties. This has resulted in increased fleets which means everyone enjoys their sailing more.

Our sailing calendar runs from late September to early April, with something programmed for most weekends. Most club races are held on Saturdays, and will typically be either short-course racing or point-to point races. Racing is open to Members and non-Members alike, on payment of the entry fee, but please ensure your crew's details are recorded at the clubhouse for safety.

Our major annual events are:

Otago Anniversary Regatta, held on the closest Saturday to the province's anniversary (23rd March), and part of the Otago Yachting Association's Otago Harbour Regatta Series
Otago Keelboat Champs
Classic Boat Day celebrating all kinds of "older" boats, and including rowing and motor boat racing as well as sailing.

Matua Cup Series

This a series of point-to-point races which extend beyond the harbour. The usual course is from Careys Bay, around the Landfall Tower beacon off the harbour entrance, and returning to Careys Bay - a distance of just over 14 Miles, which typically takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. As well, one race extends across Blueskin Bay to Warrington and return, a distance of about 25 Miles.

Short-course racing

Our usual sailing water for this is Portobello Bay, just across the harbour from the clubhouse, where there is enough depth for most boats even at low tide. Usually two or more races are held "back to back" ie with the second starting as soon as the first is finished rather than at a pre-determined time.

Regatta series

Following long custom, the club does not run events on days when other clubs based on Otago Harbour are holding their annual regattas. Instead we encourage our sailors to sail in these regattas, which along with our Anniversary Regatta form the Otago Harbour Regatta Series. For the last two years, the overall winners of the Series have been members of PCYC.

After racing there is a convivial session in the clubhouse, where races can be resailed and the world generally set to rights.

Prizes

For major events prizes are awarded on completion of racing.