The Black Ball Yacht Club (BBYC) was started in 2018 to recognize the mutual benefit of a sense of Community in the Blue Water cruising world and the greater Whangarei community.

The Time Ball that sits atop the Town Basin Marina, from which the club derives its name, is a symbolic connection between the area’s maritime history and its maritime future, as represented by the cruising community on the Hatea River.

The Black Ball Yacht Club’s primary purpose is to provide a mechanism by which the visiting cruisers can, through a coordinated effort, say “Thank You” to the local community that is so welcoming and generous with their hospitality. This is accomplished through donations to the BBYC Scholarship Fund, whose goal is to encourage local young people to get involved in the marine trades. Last year we partnered with Kamo High School, identified a deserving senior and sponsored her participation on New Zealand’s tall ship, the Spirit of New Zealand and their 10 day youth development program. Our efforts are low profile. We think that a behind the scene effort to share some of our advantages in life with a young person who is less fortunate than us, to be a good way to say thank you. Future awards are expected include apprentice scholarships, sail training, sea based environmental activities, educational opportunities, etc.

The club, with members representing over 11 nationalities, and its Scholarship Fund have received broad support, not only from the visiting international yachties, as seen from their financial support of the fund, but also from Kamo High School, the Whangarei Marina Management Trust who manage several of the river’s marina facilities, several local businesses and anonymous donations.

Please show your appreciation for the unique sense of community that Whangarei has developed by helping to ensure the involvement of future generations. Your support is very much appreciated.