Rarotonga Sailing Club

History

The original Clubhouse was erected on this site just over sixty years ago, in 1940. Since its formation, the Club has gone from strength to strength.

The first boats to race were converted Fishing Canoes with outriggers that had masts added, and very basic sails stitched up out of flour sacks. Ever trying to sail better and faster, sailors soon imported ready made sails, and their sailing skills advanced accordingly.

Many years and races later, after a hurricane destroyed much of the sailing canoe fleet, the RSC became one of the first clubs to build the newest boat of the day – the Sunburst Sailing Dinghy. Sunbursts became the mainstay of the fleet until 1994 when the first Optimist Class boats were obtained and provided the opportunity to get more children on the water. A fire destroyed the existing clubhouse, trophies, memorabilia, 8 Sunbursts and 12 Optimists in September 1998. Upsetting to members, this did however provide another opportunity for the club.

The re-designed and re-built clubhouse in which you are dining courtesy of Sails Restaurant and Bar, is part of the result, as are the other Sailing Club facilities on the site.

The RSC or its members now possess a wider range of craft than ever – about 12 Sunbursts, a similar number of Lasers, 12 Optimists, and the recent additions of 3 Sailing Canoes with more under construction.

Boasting a total membership of over 250 persons, the family-oriented club enjoys using their wonderful facilities at every opportunity. Thus, if people or children wander through looking like that may have been or are about to go sailing, fret not, they are just enjoying their club.

If you are involved in Sailing, or would like to know more about it, just ask a member or Sails staff who will be more than happy to assist