Sailing on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
We are so fortunate to be located on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. Spinnaker Bay apartments have beautiful views of the lake, and you can spend time watching the sailboats float by from their windows. Even better- they can take a sail yourself!
Sailing on Lake Wakatipu comes with inherent dangers associated with all water sports. Add to that the rather arctic temperatures of our lake, an average of 11-13 degrees year-round - compared with 22 degrees in Aucklands Hauraki Gulf during summer. You have an added layer of safety precautions that should be followed. And like all water sports, safety should always come first.
QLDC are ultimately responsible for our Lakes and all those that use them and have published a really good set of guidelines. Click here for the information and to download the PDF.
Yachting NZ also has some helpful information, although the local websites: Wakatipu Yacht Club (https://wakatipuyachtclub.co.nz/) and the Coast Guard - Queenstown (https://www.facebook.com/CoastguardQueenstown/) are your first stops for local information.
Traditional Sailing
Wakatipu Yacht Club should be your first port of call if you are interested in traditional sailing on the Lake. 100% staffed by volunteers, it has been running regattas and sailing lessons for over 45 years. Situated over on Kelvin Heights Peninsular, the clubhouses are 'rural' by big city standards but precisely as we locals love it - intimate and community based in probably the most beautiful location in New Zealand.
Coast Guard, Queenstown
Based out of the new Frankton Marina, you can find the volunteer unit which helps to keep our waterways and those playing and working on them safe. (https://www.facebook.com/CoastguardQueenstown/)
Emergency Channel 16
Local Channel 5For emergencies also try the National Coast Guard: https://www.coastguard.nz/areas/southern-area/units/queenstown/
Images Credits: Wakatipu Yacht Club