Most of you are now aware that there could be something fishy (smelly) going on behind the scenes in terms of the negotiations concerning what classic CYA vessels can (or will be invited) to berth at the new Heritage Basin on Auckland’s Waterfront.

The link (below) to the original WW story has been clicked on 27,538 times – + we have had dozens of emails and calls of support – and only 2 negative comments.

https://waitematawoodys.com/2021/08/04/why-you-should-hold-off-paying-your-classic-yacht-association-subscription/ 

The Classic Yacht Association is at a cross road and the decision the executive committee and its sub-committee, who are currently negotiating on behalf of (supposedly) all members will determine the future of the CYA. The wrong decision i.e. one of segregation, could propel the CYA back 12 years to when there were two clear fractions – sail and power, and both pursued their on path. 

Strong action is needed to gain the attention of the CYA executive committee –  so woodys I ask you to consider two options. 

(A) Email the CYA Chairperson  – Rachel Orr – and ask this question “ Hello, Will access to the new Heritage Basin marina be open to all CYA registered boats, yes or no?” email address      chair@classicyacht.org.nz

(B) If you are a member of the CYA, in the last 24hrs you will have received your annual subscription renewal email – consider holding off payment until as members we receive confirmation that when and if the new Heritage Basin marina goes ahead – all CYA registered vessels will be eligible to apply for access and while there will be standards and contractual terms to be met, these should be based on the likes of standard of presentation, not by method of propulsion or length or age.

Thank you for reading today’s post, I’m sorry there is no boat story – I’ll make it up 🙂

Remember – it is all about the boats, not the people.
Ps – there is some urgency to this story, due to the Covid lock-down the next CYA Executive Committee meeting could be differed (scheduled for 7-09-2021) and that might just be too late………………..

UPDATE 16-08-2022

BIGOTRY – ALIVE & KICKING AT THE NZ CLASSIC YACHT ASSOCIATION If you’re a CYA member, you probably like me received a membership invoice over the weekend. Even if your are not a member and you have a passion for classic wooden boats, you also need to read this.
By now some of you will be bored to death with my crusade to get equal status for all CYA members, regardless of what type of classic vessel you own. The CYA had a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a world class waterfront display of New Zealand traditional wooden vessels on the waterfront – to be known as the Heritage Basin. Sadly depending on who you believe either one of the two things below has happened:

1. The CYA committee let Panuku dictate that only yachts were to be berthed in the new marina – if this is the case someone needs to ask Panuku why they have such a narrow view of NZ’s maritime heritage.

2. If the above is incorrect, then a small group of narrow minded individuals are acting on behalf of approx. 5% of CYA members. – how can this be?

At last months AGM, the out going chairperson – Rachel Orr said the following about the vessel selection:
“We won’t fulfil the needs and desires of all our members. Not all vessels will be able to be there, but really as an association we never promised that to you. We are just an association of members and sometimes we do have to look after your premium vessels” Well woodys there it is – proof that the CYA doesn’t treat all members the same and if your vessels deemed ‘premium’ you could receive substantial preferential treatment.
Also at the AGM Chad Thomson told the meeting that “there was always an intention to have launches accommodated else where” i.e. at Hobson Wharf, sorry Mr Thompson, at the 2021 AGM you told the meeting in regard to the new Heritage Basin marina – “the intention was to have NZ designed yachts and launches that fitted the dimensional requirements included”.

The reality is if you own a classic – launch, cruising yacht or work boat,  the majority of your membership fees are used against classic YACHT racing for a very small number of CYA members. 
Where do I sit – post the AGM I’m just tired of banging against a closed door. The NZ classic YACHT association can do what ever it likes, but if you think as a classic – launch, cruising yacht or work boat owner that they have your interests at heart – read Rachel Orr’s comments again.

The first question of the day is  – does the incoming CYA committee have the motivation and ability to address the historical neglect that launch, cruising yacht, work boat and non boat owner members have received or will they continue to overlook the wants and needs of approx. 80% of the membership? 

The second question of the day is – is there a desire, a passion – to be an inclusive classic boating group where all members are treated as equals in terms of opportunities to participate and funds spent or is the reality that there isn’t the resource (people) and/or funds to achieve this.
Going forward there is a world-wide shift to classic boat ownership and usage – the big growth in numbers is in motor vessels and cruising yachts – we have already seen it here. So is the CYA equipped to capitalise on this, or will it become an association that organises yacht races for classic sailing yachts, mostly owned by trusts? Eg OGA – the UK based Old Gaff Association – whose mission statement is “to promote the use of the Gaff rig.
All food for thought – how the new CYA committee navigate the next 12 months will ultimately determine its destiny.