User:NewWikiMasseyStudy/Mana Cruising Club

Mana Cruising Club, Ngatai Toa Domain, Paremata, Porirua, New Zealand
LATITUDE 41.06 S LONGITUDE 174.52 E

Mana Cruising Club Inc. was formed in 1959 by a group of dedicated boaties, with the goal of developing a friendly, family based club, while fostering safe boating. The club is is actively involved in all aspects of cruising, coastal and offshore. Members have sailed to all parts of the globe and are willing to pass on their extensive cruising knowledge.

Location
The club is based on the shore of the Porirua Harbour ,the only sheltered natural harbour on the lower west coast of the North Island. Adjacent to the club is the Mana Marina, owned and operated by Mana Marina(Paremata) Ltd. This is a 350 berth marina and includes a fuel wharf. Just outside the harbour is Mana Island, a Department of Conservation reserve. There are plentiful fishing spots within a short distance from the club, both around the island and in each direction from the marina along the coast. Further afield are the main cruising grounds of the Marlborough Sounds situated due west, approximately 18 miles from the marina accross Cook Strait. The Strait is a natural funnel for wind as it is the only opening in a 1200 mile land mass, resulting in strong winds and tides requiring care and planning for crossings.

Facilities
The club has the following facilities available to members to guests:
 * two storied clubhouse comprising wardroom, restaurant and function room.
 * breastwork comprising 140-metres of wharf, complete with mast derrick, power and water.
 * 30 tonne travelift.
 * 46 moorings located in prime sites throughout the Marlbourough Sounds, with two others located at Mana Island. The Marlborough Sounds moorings are co-owned with two clubs based in the sounds.

Activities
The Mana Cruising Club is actively involved in all aspects of cruising, coastal and offshore. The club has a full social calendar, including events in the clubhouse, and other venues such as:
 * organised theme nights, Children’s and Adults’ Christmas parties, mid-winter social, champagne breakfasts, guest speaker events and regular dance and dine social gatherings.
 * annual picnic in in the Marlborough Sounds
 * Annual fishing competition
 * prize giving, opening day.

For boats crossing Cook Strait, the club monitors VHF Radio Channel 63 and has a radio sched on Channel 63 at 1210 hours on weekends and Public Holidays.