Kawau facilities get new lease of life - your chance to join new club

by Sail-World on 7 Oct 2014 The Yacht Club and facilities at Bon Accord Harbour which were mothballed by Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron at the end of last season are to reopen at Labour Weekend.

The Kawau Boating Club has been formed, and on October 7, signed a lease from the Squadron that will retain ownership of the property. Squadron members and local yachtsmen Evan Innes-Jones and Martin Farrand have spearheaded the drive to preserve the facilities, with some Kawau islanders and other Auckland boaties assisting.

The Yacht Club building was erected in the 1950s with volunteer labour on land donated by the Lidgard family. Steps are being taken to bring the fuel supply on the Wharf up to standard for the licence to reissue. A local builder, Brett Lewis, is project managing an upgrade of the building. The water supply will be available from the Wharf, and the showers and toilets will be open for the summer season.

The Squadron terminated the lease of the building to the Kawau Island Yacht Club at the end of last season. Because the Constitution of that Club provided for Squadron control, it was thought best to form a new Club. The Squadron will retain ownership and control of their other properties at Kawau including Lidgard House The new Club proposes to work closely with Squadron in fostering more boating activities at Kawau.

Faced with the likelihood that the mothballed facilities could be sold as a private bach, the Kawau Boating Club was formed to try and preserve them for the benefit of the public.The facilities are the only Club facilities on an island in the Hauraki Gulf, which are sheltered in all weather. The Club is seeking a manager for the summer season and plans to have a bar and cafe operating at Labour Weekend.

Bon Accord Harbour is a logical venue for youth yachting events. The Squadron has had plans for many years to provide more accommodation.The Kawau Boating Club invites other boating clubs to stage events at or to Kawau.

The Club's urgent need is to attract members to assist with the costs of upgrading and carrying out maintenance.

Annual membership is $90-cheques can be sent to the Club with your name, boat name and contact details to 15B Wilding Ave Northcote Pt Auckland 0627