BBYC CENTREBOARD DIVISION

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Centreboard

Our Centreboard Division is where junior sailors progress to after completing the Learn to Sail level three program at BBYC.

​Centreboard sailors learn how to race in a safe & friendly environment alongside other junior sailors of different experience & abilities, under the guidance of our experienced coaches.

Our Grangers Point Sailing facility is the location for all Centreboard activities. Sailors will be familiar with this location from their level three training which introduced the Centreboard program to our young sailors.

BBYC Centreboard program offers sailing for Green Fleet Optimist, Open Optimist, O’Pen Skiff, P-Class, Starling, and RS Feva fleets, with both Winter Series and Summer Coaching. 

​BBYC has various boats for hire as part of the Centreboard program & can provide onsite storage for those boats.

If you wish to purchase your own boat, our Coaches and other sailing parents are happy to advise you on your purchase to ensure you get the best boat for your sailor on the open market.​

Please check back for results shortly.

Sunday Coaching

Sunday coaching is tide dependant and as such will take place either Sunday mornings or afternoons, this is also aligned with the Learn to Sail classes. The alignment allows LTS kids to see a future sailing pathway & also assist families with kids in both programs. LTS kids mostly sail in the sheltered area of Little Buck’s beach while the Centreboard kids venture further into the Tamaki River area for larger racing courses or special destination sails.

Sailors get coached on the techniques & rules of racing and compete in a series of Club events over the season as well as destination sails such as up the Tamaki River, or around Browns Island. The sailors will also get the opportunity to try out different boats such as two-handed RS Feva’s & the “next” class of boat from what they currently are sailing.

Sunday coaching runs from September to May with some Winter sailing available for more experienced sailors.

Mid-week Coaching

Mid-week coaching is typically held on a Tuesday evening during the daylight-saving period, (last Sunday in September until the first Sunday in April) and is for extra coaching for keen sailors.

The coaching sessions run for approximately two hours on the water. If weather does not permit an on the water session “blackboard sessions” on the rules, sailing theory and tuning will be provided to sailors at the BBYC Clubrooms.

There is an extra charge for mid-week coaching.

Regatta’s further afield

BBYC is part of the Eastern Sailing Zone alongside the Howick, Glendowie and Maraetai Sailing clubs. We have regular Eastern Zone regattas that introduce kids to racing against more competitors & in bigger fleets but still within a local & relaxed environment.

The Centreboard sailors are also encouraged to participate in larger regattas throughout Auckland & also throughout the country as they progress in their sailing journey. BBYC (often alongside the other eastern clubs), will support sailors at various regattas with coaching, support boats & can arrange transport in some cases if required.

Racing Rules

Racing is governed by the racing rules publication – Yachting New Zealand Racing Rules of Sailing and Safety Regulations 2020-2023. Sailors intending to race seriously need a copy, which may be purchased from our BBYC office.

Centreboard Notice Board

This is located at the Club building’s entrance forecourt and is used to inform sailors and families of up-and-coming events, race results, changes in sailing instructions for the day, or change of venue as specified in the programme.

The Centreboard Division has its own Facebook page and regular communication is via WhatsApp to inform people about weekly sailing & other important events. You will be invited to join the WhatsApp group when you join Centreboard.

Suggested Clothing for Sailors

Proper clothing is essential, as energy loss through improper clothing has the effect of draining the sailor mentally and physically. We recommend warm clothing, wetsuit, Lycra product, spray jacket (a must), wet shoes, gloves, hat, buoyancy vest, sunscreen, lunchbox, and drink.

Additional spare clothing can be carried in a Patrol Boat and should be in a labelled plastic bag with drink and food.

Parents

Parents are encouraged to help out on the water on race days on the club patrol boats. Assistance is required with laying marks, on the start boat or providing encouragement on the water.

The Club wants parents to also enjoy the fun of being on the water with their sailor and enjoying the facilities that our Club has to offer.