Christchurch Earthquake- Sailing clubs report on 'quake effects

by Jodie Bakewell-White, Yachting NZ on 10 Mar 2011
If the start of the Canterbury sailing season was disrupted by the September 4 quake, the end of the season has been, not surprisingly, worse affected in the aftermath of February’s devastating disaster which sees the local Club’s doing what they can to offer some normality to members.

The team at Yachting New Zealand wishes to express to Canterbury residents, and fellow yachties and boaties in the region that our thoughts remain with you at this extremely challenging time.

Naval Point Club Lyttelton escaped major damage to the despite the collapse of the bank behind the Clubhouse, but proximity to the quake’s epicentre means that Club members have suffered, and with the Lyttelton Tunnel closed to the public the port community is isolated, and while racing is back on attendance is down.

YNZ’s Regional Support Officer Kate Spackman reports on the yacht clubs in the region…

Waimakariri Sailing & Powerboat Club: Sailing is possible on the Waimakariri River, but not in the Brooklands Lagoon as the water quality is not good. Their race programme for the rest of the season has not been changed.

Stewarts Gully Yacht Club: Located further up the Waimakariri River, they are still sailing at this Club.

Estuary Clubs… 'All sailing on the estuary and the Waimak River is on hold until the water quality improves,' explains Kate. 'I would say the estuary could be out of action for a long time as there are so many broken sewerage pipes in East Christchurch.'

Mount Pleasant Yacht Club: Has postponed all sailing until the water quality improves.

Christchurch Yacht Club: Sailing won’t be resumed before water quality improves and the Commodore Nick Richardson adds that with Christchurch residents and Club members experiencing extreme hardship racing is unlikely to resume this season as a mark of respect. Read a report from Nick published on Sail-World here.

Pleasant Point Yacht Club: The clubhouse was destroyed in the September quake (pictured above) and the club now faces the decision whether to rebuild on the site again or relocate. The present site has sunk and is now flooding at a 2.4metre high tide.

Naval Point Club Lyttelton: Has changed their racing programme – the President Cup and Young88 South Island Champs will be held on the 12th & 13th March. Access to Lyttelton is via Dyers Pass Rd as the Lyttelton Tunnel has limited access.

Charteris Bay Boating Club: The Club is re-commencing sailing and coaching on 14th March.

Kate is trying to establish whether any Pigeon Bay Boating Club members have been over to the club to check on damage. And she reports that the Akaroa Clubs are okay.

The New Zealand Government has launched an appeal to help the people of Christchurch and the Canterbury region during this time of great need. You can help make a difference by donating to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Click on the banner ad below to make a donation now.

The donations will be used to help the communities, families and people of Christchurch and the Canterbury region.