Three of the best: Little boat clubs in Auckland

1. Murrays Bay Sailing Club

Club House, 513 Beach Rd, Murrays Bay, North Shore. Ph (09) 479 4180.

Murrays Bay Sailing Club caters to sailors of all levels, with particular emphasis on helping younger sailors achieve excellence in centreboard sailing and perhaps choose sailing as a sport for life. The club is smack-bang on the beach and has a proud history of producing top-quality sailors, many of whom are now household names. Week nights and weekends, there is a range of training and coaching options.

2. Pt Chevalier Boat Club
Raymond Rd, Pt Chevalier. Ph (09) 815 1379.

The Pt Chevalier Sailing Club runs programmes for kids, teenagers and adults. Learn to sail starlings, optimists and lasers. Each session has a briefing before and after to help students control their vessels confidently. There's a combination of adventure sailing and round the buoys. If the weather is bad, there are lessons in tying knots, and sessions on tides, wind and boat set-up. Pt Chev focuses on fun and confidence, leading to racing for those who are confident and keen. Beautiful pohutukawa-clad location.

3. Panmure Lagoon Sailing Club
100A Ireland Rd, Panmure. Ph (09) 570 2318.

Since 1963 small boats have sailed and raced on the Panmure Basin, which is an old volcanic crater connected to Auckland's Waitemata Harbour by a narrow channel and the Tamaki Estuary. The club concentrates on training junior and senior sailors and providing friendly competition on the basin's sheltered tidal waters. Easy access, a safe environment and a fleet of rental yachts make it a popular club for beginners and Sunday sailors alike.