Radio Sailing in New Zealand
The New Zealand Radio Yachting Association was formed in 1994 to accommodate the needs of those interested in radio controlled model yacht sailing in New Zealand.
RC yachting is an interesting hobby for those with previous experience in sailing full sized yachts as well as those with no experience in sailing at all but with the desire to learn how to sail and or race a sailing craft.
As well as the fun of sailing these yachts many skippers enjoy the challenge of building and maintaining them.
The yachts we sail in most instances are not models or scale versions of full sized yachts but specifically designed craft for racing. The radio controls both the rudder and sails so it is much the same as sailing a full sized yacht.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a mid-week skipper who sails locally with mates or a top end competitor who spends their time planning the next national event, the one thing in common is that if there is another boat on the water there will be a race. That’s what we do, whether for fun or competition the sailors are a great lot who thoroughly enjoy the sport as well as the comradeship of their fellow sailors.
Getting Started
To get started we suggest you contact the local club near you before any decision is made about getting a boat, just introduce yourself and a trial sail is sure to follow. Our members sail most classes of yachts including: International One Metres, EC12’s, Marbleheads, Canterbury J’s, DF95’s, DF65’s, and others – very few clubs sail all the classes. Deciding which yacht to start with can be quite an experience, but club members are usually quite knowledgeable about what is available, how to get hold of all the bits needed and even how to put them together if required.
Get involved now in the sport of Radio Controlled Yachting.
New Zealand Radio Yachting Association
The NZRYA (New Zealand Radio Yachting Association) is an Association consisting of Member Clubs, Owners Associations and Individual Members, which is administered by an elected Council, comprising a Chairman, a Secretary, a Treasurer and three Council Members. The association was formed in 1994.
The affiliated clubs are:
- Christchurch Model Yacht Club
- Cromwell Radio Yacht Squadron
- Gulf Harbour Radio Yacht Club
- Kapiti Radio Yacht Club
- Kerikeri Radio Yacht Squadron
- Nelson Radio Sailing Club Inc
- New Plymouth Radio Control Yacht Club
- North Shore Radio Yacht Squadron
- Otago Radio Yacht Club
- Pegasus Radio Sailing Club
- Tauranga Radio Sailing Club
- Waiheke Island Radio Yacht Club
- Waikato Radio Yacht Club
- Wattle Farm NMMS
- Wellington Radio Yacht Club
- Westhaven Radio Sailing
The yacht classes are:
- Canterbury J Class
- DragonFlite 95
- DragonForce 65 (DF65)
- EC12
- International One Metre (IOM)
- Marblehead
- Mini 40
- The ¼ Scale Zephyr
The NZRYA is a DM (Division Member) of the International Radio Sailing Association. The IRSA comprises Member Countries and is managed by a ten member International Permanent Committee.
How to join NZRYA
To join the NZRYA, join one of the affiliated clubs or if over 100km from a club, you can register directly with NZRYA. You can then register your boat(s) (either new or second hand), and will become a member of the class association. NZRA Membership for individuals is $10 per year and is paid through your club.
Affiliation
NZRYA is affiliated to Yachting New Zealand.
