The Waikawa Boating Club runs a summer racing programme from October, with divisions for more serious sailers, flying their spinnakers, and the more cruise orientated, who race the white sails division.

The events range from the Twilight Tuesday evening racing to the slightly more challenging Saturday offshore races. It transfers to the Winter Series on every second Sunday afternoon, for those who know how beautiful the sounds are in that season.

Other brilliant annual racing events are the Wineworks Sauvignon Blanc Yacht Race, from Marlborough to Wellington, and the Lawson's Dry Hills New Year Regatta.

The club aims to get new owners out on the water and enjoying their boats, and those with an interest but not a yacht can show up on a Tuesday evening, to put their hand up for a place in a crew.