The Indian News | Page 8
May 15, 2018
Community
A slice of Haven right under our nose As we reported in our previous issue, Westhaven Marina Open Day always attracts a strong turnout of Aucklanders and their families. This year also was no exception and was blissfully favoured by beautiful weather. Hundreds of curious people turned up to know about marina and wanted to find out more about boating and other facilities available. Westhaven Marina, was built in 1940 even before the Harbour Bridge existed, is one of the three owned by Panuku Development Auckland on behalf of Auckland Council, which is charged with implementing the Westhaven Plan. First published in 2013, the Westhaven Plan details 12 key projects that aim to both create and maintain a world class marina and also to open up the spaces around the Westhaven for the Aucklanders to enjoy. This include the very popular Westhaven Promenade to which everyone is welcome to visit and explore. Westhaven Marina is one of the biggest marinas in the world, actually it’s world’s fifth largest and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and it is the heart of boating in Auckland. There are nearly 2,000 vessels of all types, four yacht clubs, several sailing schools and it is the hub of Auckland’s marine industries. There are many opportunities to become involved in boating, even if you don’t have your own boat. So, you can book a ticket on a charter boat at the ‘Z’ pier charter base for a day’s fishing. Operators such as Red
Boats can offer fishing trips and cruises for less than $50 per person. You can also learn to sail with one of the sailing schools, such as the Ponsonby Sailing School if you like small boats, or with a sailing school such as Sailing Away if you prefer larger boats. Alternatively, you can join a yacht club and learn the ropes with a friendly racing crew. If you aren’t quite ready to go boating, Westhaven is fun place to visit and explore for a walk or bike ride on the Westhaven Promenade. Many New Zealand children learn about boating from a young age. There is a big focus on safety, and always wearing lifejackets around the water. Saint Marys Bay is our public pontoon which different organisations use for their programme. This slows down during winter but over the warmer months it is used nearly every afternoon and weekend. The Pontoon is also used by clubs such as Sailability, Radio Control Yacht Club, Learn to Sail Ponsonby Cruising Club and Dragon Boat Racing. Plenty of car park is available on marina site. The final marine car boot sale of the season will take place on Saturday 19 May and Marina invite you to join! You can make money from your unused and unwanted boat gear. Boating equipment including clothing even collectables that are reasonably priced sell well. Some of our sellers have made $1,000 or more, and attendance is free - plus you’ll get a free bacon buttie for breakfast!
From dinghies and outboards to life jackets, wet weather gear, deck gear, fishing rods and tackle, there are all sorts of treasures up for grabs, and the opportunity to save significant $$ on your season’s boating.
FREE BBQ - Attendance is completely free, and we’ll even serve up a complimentary sausage sizzle. PLEASE JOIN US! The event runs from 9am-11am on Saturday 19 May in the carpark south of the marina office (take the first entrance on the left after the roundabout). If you’d like to sell, please Email: zoe.hawkins@panuku.co.nz for further details.