Sailing

Find information and resources for recreational sail boats, yachts and wind-powered activities in New Zealand.

Before you head out to sail, make sure you cover the basics

Carry the right combination of safety gear and dramatically improve your safety on water.

Carry essential safety gear

Make sure you have all the key safety equipment on board.

Lifejackets come in a variety of sizes, shapes and buoyancy ratings.

Wear a correct sized lifejacket

Take the right lifejacket for each person on board, and wear them.

Improve your chances of surviving in cold water before you go overboard.

Know your survival techniques

Learn to survive overboard with techniques and precautions.

Be prepared to change your boating plans if the weather starts to get rough.

Check the marine weather

Check the latest marine forecast and tides before you go out.

Courses for all levels

Learn the essential skills for your boating activities.

Coastguard Boating Education and Yachting New Zealand offer a range of training and education opportunities for all levels. Find more information through the links below.

Find a course - Boating Education

Learn to Sail - Yachting NZ

Going abroad with your boat

Recreational boats and yachts going overseas from New Zealand must be inspected for safety before they leave.

Taking your vessel overseas

If you would like to travel overseas, you need to register, undergo a safety inspection and notify the Director.

For a safe voyage abroad, your gear must be checked often, maintained, prepared, stowed aboard and fully functional.

Check your gear

Regular checks and maintenance of your boat’s onboard equipment will help ensure safe, trouble-free boating.

Check now

Related information:

A quick visual guide to rules and safety on water.

Know the rules

‘Rules of the road’ apply to all recreational vessels

Know and understand the rules before heading out.

See all rules

Boating clubs and organisations can organise racing, time trials, regattas and more in their local waterways.

Maritime events

Find the requirements, information and application details for planning a boat race, rally or regatta.

Get started