KEELER DIVISION
The BBYC Keeler division offers a number of activities that take place all year round.
Not only are there the more traditional fully crewed racing events, there are also family cruising, rum racing, short-handed sailing and special events, such as national championships and regional teams events (Gold Cup, keel boat nationals).
There is certainly something for every yachtie, young or old, novice or experienced, at BBYC. Contact us at the club office for further details of events or to register your interest in crewing if you don’t own a boat yet.​
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To view Sailing Instructions for BBYC Keeler Events click here...
Friday Gin Run Racing is staged each Friday afternoon, all year round (except through the Easter & Christmas break). It is a chance for all who sail to step back and unwind after a hard week and have a few laughs in a laid back atmosphere. The mass starts at 3.30pm (summer hours) or 2.30pm (winter hours) off Grangers Point, an exciting spectacle, and three times a year we run ‘MAJOR’ Fun races with mark foy starts, where the slower boats go first. The finish of these races are renowned as a spectacle as the ‘greyhounds catch up to the rabbits’ all in the sight of the finish line.
Click here for Friday Afternoon Gin Run Race's 2022/23 Sailing Instructions and Course Details
Midweek Twilight Racing takes place during the summer months on Wednesday evenings, commencing late October and offers many divisions for trailer yachts to large keelboats, either fully crewed or short-handed, with or without extras. Results are read, and prizes are distributed each evening after racing at a fun social gathering at the Clubhouse. This is a welcome break in the middle of the working week.
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Click here for Midweek Series Summer 2022/23 Entry Form / Notice of Race
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Summer Cruising Series is sailed over weekends during the summer months commencing November and is a combination of passage races, fun rallies, beach activities and barbecues. It is a wonderful way to enjoy our beautiful Hauraki Gulf, to find new places to visit, to make new friendships and cultivate existing ones. The Series combines sailing, beach activities, BBQs and socialising.
While the cruising races appeal to the club sailor, they are also a great opportunity for new sailors and their families to find out more about their boats, improve their sailing knowledge and find out about the sailing rules. Interspersed between these cruising races are the more leisurely activities including a Xmas rally, fun beach activities which include Petanque, Beach Bowls, Beach Cricket, Model Yacht sailing, a Fishing Competition, Lady Skippers Race and a couple of Champagne Breakfasts.
This Series is open to all Club Members with a yacht, trailer sailer or launch. Other Club Members are invited to join in the social activities that complement the Cruising Races, including the Rally Weekends, when your mode of transport is of no consequence as long as it can reach the destination concerned. The prizes are very good, with both race prizes and spot prizes being similar and plentiful.
Click here for all the details for the Summer Cruising Series 2022/2023
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Single-handed Sailing Races are staged during the summer season offering a different challenge for boat owners and crew. Three single-handed races are held, with both extras and no extras divisions, the first being a sprint around Motuihe, and then the Waiheke weekend, two passage races and a barbecue on the Saturday night between races.
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The BBYC Two-Handed Sailing Race Series is also is extremely popular. with two races spread over Summer. Again, the social side comes through with a barbecue after racing.
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Click here for Single Handed Series Summer 2022/23 Entry Form / Notice of Race
Click here for Two Handed Series Summer 2022/23 Entry Form / Notice of Race
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SUNDAY AFTERNOON WINTER SAILING
Sunday Afternoon Winter Sailing is sailed on every second Sunday afternoon during the winter months, commencing on the second weekend in May. Racing is alternating Windward Leeward courses and Harbour Courses to provide a mix of sailing to keep the sailors entertained over winter. This series offers competitive racing over a number of divisions from trailer yachts to large keelboats, with or without extras. A complimentary ‘after race’ barbecue and prize giving is held at the Clubhouse.
During Winter Months Only - Click here for further information
REGATTAS AND MORE
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During the year BBYC holds championships for various keelboat classes including the Young 88 Owners Championships, Young 88 1-2-3 Series, Farr 1020 Nationals and Townson Chamionships.
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BBYC also shares hosting for the Auckland Regatta alongside the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.
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Our keeler's are also active in the Auckland Gold Cup series, which is a number of different courses throughout the year.
BBYC members and boats also take part in the annual Coastal Classic race which runs from Auckland to Russell in the Bay of Islands.
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Club boats also compete actively and with distinction in offshore races over recent years. BBYC cruisers are also seen in most ports in the Pacific during the winter cruising season.