You can go sailing in Auckland without owning a boat by crewing in club races, taking a course, chartering, joining a syndicate, or sharing a yacht through a company like YachtShare. The right choice depends on whether you want to learn, race, or skipper your own trips on the Hauraki Gulf.
Updated October 2026 · By the YachtShare team, Westhaven Marina
Auckland is one of the best places in the world to sail, and you do not need to own a yacht to enjoy it. Here is an honest look at each option, what it costs you in time and commitment, and who it suits.
Auckland's yacht clubs run racing through much of the year, and many boats are short of crew. The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron runs a midweek Wednesday series for keelboats and multihulls, racing fortnightly during daylight saving, and points would-be crew to its Crew Finder group. Ponsonby Cruising Club runs its Thursday afternoon Rum Race series, where crews are welcome, and says members are frequently looking for crew of all abilities. Royal Akarana Yacht Club runs a Thursday evening twilight series in dinghies over summer, with boats available to hire.
Pros: very low cost, a fast way to learn, and a great social scene.
Cons: you are crew, not skipper. You go where the race goes, on someone else's schedule, and you will not be taking the family to Waiheke for the weekend.
Suits: people who want to learn quickly, love a bit of competition and enjoy the club atmosphere.
If you are new to sailing, a course is the best place to start. Ponsonby Cruising Club runs learn-to-sail classes, and Coastguard Boating Education offers its Day Skipper course, covering boat handling, navigation, rules of the road and emergencies, online or in a classroom. Our sister company Yacht Training runs IYT-certified sailing courses on the Waitematā.
Pros: you build real skills and confidence, and come away with a certificate.
Cons: a course is a beginning, not a way to keep sailing. Once you have finished, you still need a boat.
Suits: beginners, and anyone returning to sailing after a long break.
Several Auckland operators charter yachts by the day, weekend or week. On a bareboat charter you skipper the yacht yourself, once the operator is satisfied you have the experience. On a skippered charter, a professional skipper comes with the boat.
Pros: no ongoing commitment, and good for a one-off holiday or special occasion.
Cons: paying by the day adds up quickly if you want to sail often, peak summer dates book out early, and you may be on a different boat each time.
Suits: people who sail once or twice a year, or visitors to Auckland.
In a syndicate, a small group buys a yacht together and shares the running costs and time on board. Fractional ownership schemes work in a similar way, with a management company often handling the paperwork and maintenance.
Pros: you own a real share of a boat, and your costs are lower than owning outright.
Cons: you still need to put up capital, agree on maintenance and upgrades, and find a buyer for your share when you want out. A clear written agreement between owners is important.
Suits: people who want ownership and are committed to sailing for several years.
YachtShare was founded in 1998 as New Zealand's first boat sharing company. Members share a yacht or catamaran berthed at Westhaven Marina, in downtown Auckland, with a maximum of eight members per yacht. The fleet of eight yachts and catamarans runs from 32 to 50 feet.
Pros: you skipper your own trips, from an afternoon sail to a two-week cruise. The monthly fee covers the berth, all maintenance, valet cleaning between outings and online booking 24/7. There is no boat or share to buy, and nothing to sell at the end. Membership runs for 12 months, then you renew or leave.
Cons: you share the yacht with other members, so popular dates need planning, and you need to pass a sea trial to show you can skipper. Fuel is extra.
Suits: people who can skipper (or are working towards it) and want to sail regularly on their own terms, without the cost and hassle of ownership. Two families can share one membership, as long as every skipper is approved. See owning versus sharing for a fuller comparison.
Whichever way you get on the water, check the MetService marine forecast and log a trip report with Coastguard before you go. More questions? Read our FAQs or see how it works.
Planning note: club programmes, course details and charter terms change from season to season. Check directly with the club or provider, and always check charts, forecasts and local notices before you head out.
The best way to find out if yacht sharing suits you is to step aboard. Book a viewing at Westhaven and we will show you the yachts and talk you through the plans.
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