Overview
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron traces its origin to the Auckland Yacht Club of 1871, became the New Zealand Yacht Squadron in 1901 and received its Royal warrant in 1902; since the 1960s its clubhouse has been on the breakwater at Westhaven Marina on the Waitematā Harbour. It is the home of the America's Cup: Team New Zealand, sailing for the Squadron, won it in San Diego in 1995, defended it in 2000, won it back in Bermuda in 2017 and defended it in Auckland in 2021 and in Barcelona in 2024. The club runs thousands of races a year, from harbour series to the 500 nm Three Kings Race round the top of the North Island, and is New Zealand's centre of match racing, hosting the national championships and the 2027 World Sailing Women's and Youth Match Racing Worlds. Its Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme, started in 1987, has trained more than 1,000 sailors, and the sailing school teaches adults from beginner level; members also have club moorings at Smelting House Bay, Kawau Island.
- Founded
- 1871
- Federation
- Yachting New Zealand
- Phone
- +64 9 360 6800
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere 111 · New Zealand – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Three Kings Race500 nm Category 2 race from Auckland round Cape Reinga and the Three Kings Islands and back, fully crewed and two-handed
- New Zealand Match Racing Championshipthe country's premier match-racing regatta, sailed in MRX keelboats in 2026
- New Zealand Women's Match Racing Championship
- Youth New Zealand Match Racing Championship
- Youth International Match Racing Cupinternational youth match-racing cup between yacht clubs
- 2027 World Sailing Women's & Youth Match Racing World Championshipsback-to-back world championships on the Waitematā, November 2027
- Secondary Schools Keelboat Championship
- Pied Piper NZL Championship
- Christmas Race
- Commodore's Cup
- Club Championships
- Winter Series
- Cruising Series
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
- RNZYS Sailing School – Learn to Sail (adult programme since 2015) ↗
- Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme (since 1987) ↗
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1840Auckland's founding is marked with a regatta on the harbour
- 1871The Auckland Yacht Club, the Squadron's origin, starts with 30 yachts and 120 members
- 1901Renamed the New Zealand Yacht Squadron
- 1902Royal warrant: the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron
- 1955Buys a clubhouse in Parliament Street overlooking the Waitematā
- 1966A Squadron yacht takes line honours in the Sydney Hobart
- 1987Youth Training Programme launched
- 1995Team New Zealand wins the America's Cup in San Diego for the Squadron
- 2000First America's Cup defence, on the Hauraki Gulf
- 2017Wins the America's Cup back in Bermuda — the only club to challenge and win it twice
- 2021150th anniversary; successful America's Cup defence in Auckland
- 2024America's Cup defended in Barcelona
Home harbour & location
- Position
- 36°50.14′ S 174°44.74′ E
-36.83561, 174.74560 - Address
- 181 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven Marina
- Radio
- VHF 13
emergency VHF 16 · DSC 70
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: RNZYS Sailing School – Learn to Sail (adult programme since 2015) and Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Training Programme (since 1987).
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: 111 · New Zealand 111. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron founded?
In 1871.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Three Kings Race, New Zealand Match Racing Championship, New Zealand Women's Match Racing Championship and Youth New Zealand Match Racing Championship.