Hobsonville Yacht Club brings fresh approach to Auckland maritime scene

Hobsonville Yacht Club in Auckland has looked outside the square to grow its membership, pushing the envelope of the traditional sailing club model. Despite being homeless following the developments at Hobsonville Point, its membership has surged as it works to make sailing, and adventures on the water, accessible to more people. 

As it prepares to move into a new clubhouse this year, shared with Westlake Boys Rowing and other community activities, it has 150 members - and is growing. 

Sonny Natanielu at the 2024 Auckland Wooden Boat Festival

One reason for this is its partnership with Sonny Natanielu (pictured), helping young people reconnect with their Pacific voyaging heritage while developing practical STEM skills in navigation, design, weather, and problem-solving. In November 2025 Sonny’s Moana Wayfinders Trust launched the Tagaloa Project, a 10-month programme training 10–15 Pacific participants to become qualified sailing instructors. 

The group brings real energy and life to the club and in turn Hobsonville Yacht Club has helped with coaching, access to their fleet, and weekly on-water sessions at Hobsonville Point. It has even invested in a Weta trimaran, a boat more similar to traditional style craft. Participants range from 12-year-olds to adults, and when the course is complete, the graduates will be ready to offer sailing lessons focused on Pacific communities, creating a sustainable, Pacific-led pathway into sailing

The club has also recognised that not everyone wants to sail - sometimes a kayak, Stand Up Paddleboard, or even a session out on a motor powered safety boat is preferred, and it offers adventures and excursions to anyone that is keen. 

Fees are low so cost doesn’t have to be a barrier  - once you are a member, which starts at $65 for a junior for a full year, a $5 fee to cover maintenance will get you out on a well maintained small boat, whether that be an Optimist, Open Skiff, an RS Quest, or one of the kayaks or SUPs mentioned above.   

“It’s been a big transition back to a sailing focused club and the introduction of a wider maritime perspective,” says Vice Commodore Hamish Litlin.  

Try sailing! Hobsonville Yacht Club will run a ‘Have a Go’ sailing activity  throughout  the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival. Come ready to sail and jump on board solo, or with experienced sailors. Look out for them in Jellicoe Harbour.