Join Nelson Bays Team Sailing
Take your sailing to the next level
If you enjoy sailing and want to develop your skills in a fun, team-focused environment, NBTS could be for you!
Who Can Join?
NBTS is open to secondary school students who attend participating schools in the region. We currently have teams from:
Garin College
Nayland College
Nelson College
Nelson College for Girls
Waimea College
Minimum Requirement
Sailors must have completed Learn to Sail Level 1. If you are new to sailing, courses are available through Nelson Yacht Club before joining NBTS.
Equipment You'll Need
Most sailors will require:
Buoyancy vest
Wet weather gear
Sailing gloves
Sailing booties
Sailors are likely to have most of this sailing gear already, but if not, nzsailing.com and Burnsco Marine carry a good range.
Coaching
To ensure the students are correctly instructed, safely and with respect for the boats, NBTS contracts a qualified coach from Nelson Yacht Club throughout the season.
Our coach for the 2026/27 season is Paige Langford. Paige is an experienced sailor having sailed 5 team sailing seasons, competing at 4 nationals and 4 interdominion events. She has also fleet raced in ILCAS and keelboats, and sailed in 29ers and participated in match racing. Paige has been coaching at the Nelson Yacht Club for 3 years and is the Clean Club Rep for Nelson Yacht Club.
What to Expect
School Training
Your school will have its own weekly training session during Terms 4 and 1. These sessions focus on:
Boat handling
Racing skills
Team tactics
Race strategy
Safety on the water
Sunday Racing
Throughout the season, sailors compete in organised inter-school racing in the Nelson harbour. Sunday racing is one of the best ways to improve sailing skills while enjoying friendly competition.
Regattas
All sailors have opportunities to participate in a regional regatta, with teams progressing to the national competition.
Safe environment
The wellbeing of our sailors is our highest priority.
NBTS has detailed health and safety standard operating procedures, which are updated on a regular basis, and as required by law.
Membership and Costs
Membership fees contribute to:
Coaching
Use of NBTS boats and equipment
Yacht club facilities
Repairs and maintenance
Safety equipment
Racing activities
Current season fees and programme costs are published each year before the seasons starts.
If you would like to find out more, please contact your school's team manager.
2026/27 Costs
Nelson Yacht Club Youth Membership | $120 |
NBTS Term 4 Membership | $350 |
NBTS Term 1 Membership | $350 |
Regional Regatta (Picton) | TBC |
National Regatta (Lyttelton) | TBC |
Additional Nationals Coaching | TBC |
Optional Holiday Courses: | |
October Holiday Course (Development) | $130 |
October Holiday Course (Advanced) | $130 |
Term 4 Holiday Course (Advanced) | TBC |
Summer Holiday Course (Development) | TBC |
For all other inquiries, please contact NBTS Secretary Priti Brixton on nbytra.secretary@gmail.com.
Please Note: this is not a “learn to sail” sport. Learn to Sail Level 1 (or equivalent) is the minimum entry requirement. You can do the Level 1 course at the Nelson Yacht Club |