Sto Sales Manager Southland and Wanaka Yacht Club Commadore Jeff Mercer, is in full sail after releasing the proposed re-development plans for the Wanaka Yacht Club.

The exciting re-development looks to transform the 140m2 existing club house into a three level, 558m2 club house, including a grass-fronted lakeside café with mountainous and lakeside views. Membership has also boomed with America’s cup visit and Sir Russell Coutts’ Bic boat mentoring programme. Club officials Jeff Mercer and Craig Fahey could not be more delighted.

Fundraising is open, and community supporters have now stumped up $40,000 for 10 Bic Boats, with the final two provided by the Wanaka Masonic Lodge and Freemasons Charity.

Left: The Americas Cup on open display in Wanaka in October. 

Right: Wanaka Yacht Club Commodore Jeff Mercer with Wanaka Freemason spokesman Gordan Girvan.

Jeff has said even though the sport of sailing was associated with money, the Wanaka club was not flush with cash or flashy boats, "This is grass roots stuff. You will never see a blazer being worn here". All are looking forward to the middle of next year, when the club hoped to release its final club house re-development plans.

The club has had three major events lined up for January including Sir Russell Coutts competing in Wanaka’s annual New Year’s Regatta on January the 5th to the 7th.

Sto NZ would like to wish Commadore Jeff Mercer and the Wanaka Yacht Club a great 2018!