Set sail for the ideal Central City destination

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron offers a host of attractive benefits for businesses and individuals, and its newest Commodore is deeply involved in both the marine and business communities.

In the City of Sails, there is an opportunity to become a part of one of the more venerable associations located in the central city, and one which provides a range of attractive benefits for corporate and individual members. 

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, located in Westhaven Marina is an oasis of calm and civility, surrounded by water and the masts of the thousands of vessels that give Auckland its unofficial name.

And, the RNZYS is eminently accessible, explains general manager Hayden Porter. “You don’t even have to be a boat owner, although some interest in the water obviously helps.” 

That’s reflected in the club’s membership; more than 60 percent of individuals don’t own a vessel. “What we have found over the years is that a great deal of members join for the social and networking opportunities presented by the club. 

While we try not to mix too much business with pleasure, there’s no doubt that from the associations and friendships which arise from membership, plenty of business takes place between our members.”

Far from an association for old boys, the RNZYS provides a range of attractive benefits, particularly for corporate memberships. With nine function spaces, a boardroom, as well as the sort of facilities more commonly associated with a yacht club such as a restaurant, bar and lounge, the club provides an ideal venue for meetings, company retreats, parties, product launches and more.

One long-standing member is Commodore Steve Mair (pictured); in many respects, this highly successful entrepreneur has tied his business to the RNZYS. “Three of my businesses relate to the marine industry in one way or another,” he says. 

“We make components for the marine industry and a few other things – mind you, one organisation is a food importing business, so while some of the products might be used in the club, that one isn’t directly related.”

RNZYS and a growing career
A lifelong mariner, Mair is one of the youngest commodores (presiding officers) the club has ever seen and is deeply involved in the marine and business communities. 

He explains that the RNZYS provides a unique environment in which to conduct meetings, entertain clients and rub shoulders with a broad range of people from all walks of life, and all kinds of industries. 

“Of course, just being a member is one thing, but if you get involved and get stuck in, you’ll get a lot more out of it. We’ve got great people here and you are likely to forge life-long friendships and, no doubt, establish plenty of commercial relationships, too.”

The Kings College old boy got his start as a sheet metal worker in his parents’ company, building steelwork for the Bayswater Marina. By 1998, he purchased the company – which consisted of just three people – seeing in it interesting work and growth potential. 

It soon became not three people, but three businesses, each specialising in different areas of fabrication: export manufacturing of retail marine products, civil construction components and superyacht equipment. Along the way, Mair took a degree, completed an MBA and furthered studies in Lean Manufacturing, International Business, Governance and not-for-profit enterprises.

He says the RNZYS has always played a role in his business development, through the facilities on offer on the one hand, and the valuable associations with good people on the other. And he says there is a growing trend for younger members to join up (which he did in his late 20s). 

“While back then I was interested in competing in racing, the club quickly became a lot more. The club provides great support, particularly for growing businesses – the central location, the boardroom (free to use for full members) and the restaurant combine to provide and air of professionalism for team building, events or just casual meetings with clients and friends,” he notes.

Today, Mair is a Committee member and a Trustee for the Orakei Marina, New Zealand Maritime Museum and several other private Trusts.

A busy social calendar
Porter confirms that among its membership are many influential members of New Zealand society, while many of the country’s top companies also maintain corporate memberships. 

“Business focused memberships are increasingly popular, as they provide substantial benefits,” he confirms. Rolled into the corporate package is four individual memberships, eight hires per year of function rooms, a 20 percent discount on food and beverages, advertising in the RNZYS glossy magazine and a listing on the Squadron’s website.

Perhaps surprisingly, Porter explains that while many blue-chip New Zealand companies hold these memberships, they are entirely accessible to any company; he says there is substantial appeal for the country’s highly active start-up and small business community as they start at just under $500 per month and an individual membership starts from around $25 per month.

And if it is entertainment, community and broadened horizons that you’re after, RNZYS offers that in spades, both on and off the water. The Squadron has an active speaker series, attracting top-flight individuals from the business and sporting worlds, puts on some 1500 racing events every year, routinely hosts family outings and provides an unmatched opportunity for those interested in boats to get stuck in, crew and learn how to be a mariner.

But it is Mair who sums it up best. “For me, being a part of the RNZYS is all about the people you meet. That means lifelong friends and business relationships and a lifetime of memories and experiences.”