We need your help!
“Strengthening New Zealand’s oldest yacht club for future generations – a hub for community connection, education, sport & recreation on the Nelson waterfront”
As a club, we have been rising to the massive challenge to raise sufficient funds to complete a programme of seismic strengthening on our main building. By doing so, we hope to secure the future of this well-loved community facility, that over 5000 people a year engage with. We also hope to ensure the sustainability of the Club for future generations, at our fantastic location on Nelson’s waterfront.
Publicity for our fundraising efforts started with an article in the Nelson Mail / Stuff on the 7th February 2024: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350164665/nelson-yacht-club-needs-500k-fix-earthquake-issues
Due to funding availability, and resource consent requirements, the project was split into two stages.
Stage 1 – The Superstructure, was completed in 2024-25, with the contractor MOORE installing new steel posts, beams and bracing elements from the storage level, through to the Aurora Lounge and the mezzanine. Club members then completed painting and re-construction of the structures in the storage area.
Stage 1 came in just under budget at ~$257,000 and was funded by:
- Investment of club funds ~$128,000
- Lion Foundation – $45,000
- New Zealand Community Trust – $32,418
- TDC Community Grants Scheme – $1500
- Donations & fundraising activities ~$50,000
A grant of $8463 from Pub Charity Limited allowed contractor Ground Anchor Systems to complete a sacrificial ground anchor test in April 2025 in preparation for Stage 2 [ground anchors and sub-floor bracing].
Unfortunately, after failing to reach funding targets, Stage 2 had to be postponed to the winter of 2026. However, every cloud has a silver lining, and after some incredibly useful Club members worked with the engineers to re-specify the sub-floor bracing elements, the budget has been reduced despite a period of high inflation. The remaining fundraising required is now ~$145,000.
Completing stage 2 will bring the building up to 67% of New Building Standard (NBS), ensuring this fantastic community facility is secured for future generations. It will enable the continuation of all the fantastic opportunities that the facility supports, such as Sailability Nelson and the Port Nelson Limited sponsored programme for high equity index schools that has seen up to 500 tamariki a year given the opportunity to have an experience of sailing at no cost.
Back in 2024, as the demolition started for Stage 1, we recorded this wee video giving an overview of the project.
Why is this project so important?
- Save a valued community facility, and to ensure the safety of its occupants.
- Secure revenue streams that underpin the sustainability of the club into the future.
- Part of a long term strategy to mitigate / adapt to the effects of sea level rise.
- It is an icon of the Nelson Waterfront and is in the Wakefield Quay Heritage Precinct.
- Opportunity cost – If we lose it now, we may never be able to replace it.
The Boat Storage Area is fundamental to the club operations, housing the safety boats and equipment that support both the club activities, those of Sailability Nelson, Nelson Bays Team Sailing, and the Nelson Triathlon & Multisport Summer Sea Swims.
The Aurora Lounge is used for club events and regional, national & international regattas. It is also a fantastic waterfront venue available to the wider community. There are many Nelsonians who have celebrated their wedding, or said goodbye to loved-ones in the lounge, and community groups such as the Haven Choir use it on a regular basis.
The mezzanine above the Aurora Lounge includes the club office, committee room, and the Control Room – the key lookout and safety coordination point for club racing and regattas. This is also used for coordinating the Tasman Bay Cruising Club Wednesday night racing.
Check out our YouTube Channel
We’re collecting stories from sailors at the club. From those just starting out like Taimārino through to those still sailing in their 70’s like Brian Wislang.
How did we get here?
In 2022, after completing projects to encase the piles, the club’s administration committee engaged AMK engineers to undertake an initial seismic assessment of the club’s main building, built in 1989. This encompassed the Boat Storage Area, Aurora Lounge, and Mezzanine.
After a desktop study and visual inspection, AMK advised that the building was likely to be below 34% of New Building Standard (NBS). AMK were subsequently engaged to complete design work to bring the building up to >67% NBS.
Drawings were completed, a building consent exemption was applied for and granted, and a tender process completed. 3 tenders were received from local contractors, all within 10-15%, and MOORE was selected as the preferred contractor.
The project was split into 2 stages, with Stage 1 – The Superstructure being completed in 2024-25. Stage 2 – The Ground Anchors is scheduled for the winter of 2026.
What next?
After a break for the busy sailing season including the 2025 Scott Construction ILCA National Championships, the fundraising efforts are recommencing. Commodore Justin Fletcher and Tim Fraser-Harris updated Nelson City Council councillors at the public forum on 3rd April 2025. The aim was to highlight the fantastic opportunities that the club provides for the community, and update on where we are at with the seismic strengthening project.
The recording of the council meeting is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnVQRY4iOpk with Justin & Tim speaking from approx 44 minutes in.
The re-specification of the sub-floor bracing elements, has meant a reduction in the budget for Stage 2, from $200,000 down to $140,000, which is fantastic. However, we now have the huge challenge of finding those funds to get the work completed during period specified in the Resource Consent, in April-May 2026.
Below is a selection of photos of some of the awesome activity that the club facilities support for the Nelson community.