Newcastle and Hunter Trailer Yacht Association

NHTYA is a non-profit organisation, its aim to encourage all aspects of trailer yachting by organising and promoting sailing and social events for members and their families.

The Association consists mostly of trailerable yachts, more commonly called “trailer sailers”. Boats in our fleet range from the smaller trailer sailers up to the sportier racing trailer sailers. Our Club offers a very active racing and cruising calendar covering all of Lake Macquarie together with surrounding venues. The calendar extends throughout the year at approximately fortnightly intervals with exception of July when off-water activities are planned.

Within its ranks, the Club has members who can offer the novice sailor assistance with rigging and sailing his or her boat. Knowledge of safely navigating Lake Macquarie, acquired over the years, is readily passed onto newcomers during our many fun-filled cruising weekends.

Weekend cruise events take in places such as Wallis Lakes, Myall Lakes, Pittwater, Sydney and, of course, Lake Macquarie. Cruisers are encouraged to bring along refreshments (including liquid refreshments) to share during the Saturday evening gathering, often around a fire or just in good company.

Races are organised to suit trailer sailers, using navigation marks to determine the course. Races usually start from Rathmines Bay. Racing is non-spinnaker and held monthly, with the exception of June, July, December and January, and is a staggered scratch start. This means the slower boats start earlier than the faster boats thus reducing hassles at the start line and, in theory, all boats should finish at about the same time. With the Club’s excellent performance based handicapping system, all entrants are potential winners.

It is a condition of the Association that all yachts hold comprehensive or third party property insurance with public liability.