SETTING SAIL: A NEW CHAPTER FOR MANGAWHAI’S YOUTH
Photos Kerry Marinkovich Photography
The Mangawhai Harbour has always been a magical backdrop for locals and visitors alike, but recently, it has become the stage for a vibrant new community movement.
The newly formed Mangawhai Sailing Club (MSC) is now operational, marking the conclusion of a four-year journey to introduce organised youth sailing to the district. The story began in April 2021 with the Rotary Learn to Sail (LTS) project. What started as a proposal to the Maungaturoto & Districts Rotary Club quickly proved its worth, introducing over 100 local children to the sport within a few years. But a gap soon became apparent: while children were falling in love with the water, there was no formal pathway for them to develop their skills beyond the basics.
To bridge this gap, the Rotary pioneers teamed up with the Mangawhai Sailing Trust, which was delivering the Yachting New Zealand Runā curriculum. Their shared vision was simple but ambitious – to establish a permanent sailing hub in
Mangawhai. Following the success of the "Fill the Harbour with Sails" event on Waitangi Day 2025, the goal was clear. By February, the club was incorporated, and it has since gained charitable status.
The club’s momentum was unmistakable during its recent inaugural regatta. The harbour came alive with a colourful fleet of boats, including recent learners in Optimists and support vessels, creating a spectacle for spectators ashore. It was a day marked by sun, wind, and the competitive yet supportive spirit of the young sailors. Supported by local favourite Mangawhai Gelato, which provided prizes, the event was not merely about racing; it was a celebration of confidence, boat handling, and the sheer joy of being on the water.
Looking ahead, the club has ambitious plans to establish a permanent facility on the estuary foreshore. Working with the Kaipara District Council, they aim to build secure storage and, in the longer term, a clubhouse to support theoretical instruction.
But the MSC is about more than boats. It positions itself as a vital community asset – teaching water safety, fostering environmental stewardship of the estuary, and offering an inclusive, affordable recreational outlet for the region’s youth.
With the wind firmly in their sails, the Mangawhai Sailing Club is set to become a cornerstone of local life for generations to come.
www.mangawhaisailing.nz | secretary@mangawhaisailing.nz