A busy time for Opua Cruising Club

The Opua Cruising Club Car Park

The Opua Cruising Club car park is for the use of members, guests & visitors to the club. Please note, overnight parking is not encouraged.

If you must leave your vehicle overnight because it would be unsafe for you to drive home. You must collect your vehicle as soon as possible the next day.

Any vehicle left in the car park long term may be towed away at the owner’s expense.

The Dinghy Dock

If you are tying your dinghy to the OCC Dock please be respectful of other users. If you are chaining your dinghy to the dock, please leave line long enough so others can get in. We want everyone to be able to use dock safely.

Thank you and Seasons Greetings to everyone from the OCC Committee.

2025-12-18T01:24:44+13:0018 December 2025|Uncategorised|

In Memoriam of Martin Clark 1955-2025

Martin first started his sailing career at Bay of Islands College and I first raced against him sailing Cherubs at BOI Yacht Club in the mid 70’s.

We crossed paths again when he owned a farm west of Moerewa, where we went gathering a truck load of volcanic rocks. From there he went to manage the Averil Court Motel in Paihia and reacquainted himself with sailing. Firstly, crewing on Dave Krebs’s “Black Magic” and Ray Lemon’s “Gambler” in two Coastal Classics.

Martin then bought the Ross 780 “Screw Loose” and racing at Opua was never the same again. On “Screw Loose’’ he competed in two more Coastal Classics with his brother Peter, when in one race, they won the “Cockle Shell” Trophy for the smallest finisher.

The other race was affected by a severe overnight storm, when he took shelter at Kauwau Island only to venture out at the height of the blow. I heard a Pan Pan call go out in the middle of the night and immediately thought it was him… but no it was the OCC Commodore at the time, up on Mangawhai Beach!

Other accomplishments on “Screw Loose” were winning the Russell Cup.

His next boat was a classic, Peter Burling’s Elliot 5.9 “Icebreaker” which Martin, David Krebs and I raced against in the E5.9 NZ Champs in “Frivolous Fish”. “Ice Breaker” was very competitive with Martin’s daughter, Tanya and Mike Levings crewing.

Martin Clark 1955 – 2025

The following boat Martin owned was the green machine “Vertigo”, a tricky yacht to sail but Martin made it look easy, always competitive. At this stage, he was driving up from Whangarei every Wednesday to race, along with his support crew Karen and Lucie.

Martin was a real expert on yacht racing rules… most of which, he made up as required, but he delivered them with such confidence, no one ever argued.

He was a great Club member, a two year stint as treasurer and lots of meals from The Galley and rum across the bar.

We miss him dearly and know he is on a perfect reach to the next mark in a twenty knot breeze!

Andy Vanasche
Vice Commodore

2025-12-16T02:59:48+13:0016 December 2025|Uncategorised|

Commodore’s Party A Big Hit

 

Saturday nights Commodore’s Party delivered exactly what everyone hoped for — a night full of good vibes, great company, and festive cheer.

With music from vinyl-spinning DJ Vintage Vinyl (Mike Preece), the atmosphere was warm and nostalgic vintage classics from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s set the tone and had plenty of people bopping around.

The turnout was excellent, lots of members and friends came together, creating a lively, friendly, and inclusive crowd. Everyone seemed in high spirits, enjoying the night and each other’s company.

All in all, it was a perfect evening, one of those nights where everything just clicked: music, atmosphere, attendance, and camaraderie. A great success for the Club and a wonderful start to the summer.

2025-12-07T22:51:16+13:007 December 2025|Uncategorised|

BBQ in the Bay

Opua Cruising Club members and guests enjoyed a fantastic day out on Sunday for our monthly ‘BBQ in the Bay’, which this month was held at beautiful Motuarohia (Roberton) Island. The weather couldn’t have been better: clear blue skies, hot sunshine, and perfect conditions for getting out on the water.

Members arrived by boat, dropping anchor in the bay before coming ashore for a relaxed afternoon of great food and even better company. Everyone enjoyed a good laugh, soaked up the sunshine and explored the island.

It was a classic Bay of Islands day and a wonderful chance for our community to connect and unwind in one of the most picturesque spots in Aotearoa. A big thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make the event such a success. Remember, we hold these events monthly (see our website for details) and welcome anyone who would like to join us, so tell your friends!

2025-12-07T22:37:03+13:007 December 2025|Uncategorised|

Commodore’s Party 6th December

Join us at the Opua Cruising Club for a festive night of great music, great company and plenty of Christmas cheer this Saturday, 6th December from 7pm.

We’re thrilled to have Vintage Vinyl from Mike Preece bringing the atmosphere — an original 70s DJ spinning 100% authentic vinyl from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Think Motown, disco, classic rock, soul and all the nostalgia-packed tracks that get everyone on the dancefloor.

If you love real records, warm vintage sound and a proper old-school party vibe, this is the night to be at Opua Cruising Club.

2025-12-07T22:43:14+13:002 December 2025|Uncategorised|
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