The Ponsonby Cruising Club is one of the New Zealand yacht clubs offering racing specifically for women. Others include the Royal NZ Yacht Squadron and Bucklands Beach Yacht Club.

Of course, women can take part in any sailing event, but if you want a safe place to learn or advance your skills, this is a great, friendly opportunity. And all you need is warm, dry clothes.

There are three ways to get a crew position:

1. Enter your own boat (or persuade a boat owner to lend you theirs - one male is allowed on board as a supervisor/coach).
2. If you know somebody who is taking part, join up as a crew member
3. Come down to the club 1-2 hours before racing starts. Hopefully, somebody aboard one of the other boats will need you.
   

It doesn't matter how experienced you are - or aren't. This is a place to learn.

If you are new to the sport, also read our article about getting into sailing.

Racing with the PCC takes place every second weekend through winter and every second Tuesday evening in summer.