Russell Boating Club

About Us

Our History - Fifty years for the club - one hundred years for the building

Opening in 1971, we are a small friendly boating club located on the water’s edge in Matauwhi Bay, Russell. The RBC building in Matauwhi Bay was built in 1921 making it over 100 years old. During its early years it was used as a boat building shed and fish processing factory before being taken over by the Russell Boating Club in 1974. A stroll around our clubrooms, where you can check out the memorabilia on the walls, will teach you much about the characters and stories from our past. This includes photographs, flags, trophies and more. You will quickly gather that although the history of the club is closely inter-twined with the history of the Tall Ships race, there is much more to us than that.

A document titled ‘Russell Boating Club - the first 20 years’ was compiled by Don Beattie in 1990. It gives a wonderful insight into the early years of the Matauwhi Bay building and the formation of the Russell Boating Club in 1971.

Slipway and Dryout Facilities

The Club operates a Slipway and Dryout facility for its club members. The slipway is capable of handling boats to 7 tonnes in weight and 13.5m in length. To learn more about these facilities and how to make a booking, click the image below.

Slipway

Club House Facilities

Showers – Gold coin. Change available from the bar
Free Wifi – Available free in the clubrooms for members. Login (SSID) and Password available from the bar manager
Dart Board – Darts available from the bar
Pool Table – Cues, balls and rack available from the bar. Each game is $2
Books –lend, exchange or donate

Newsletter

The Club publishes a monthly newsletter called Mainsheet. To receive a copy, click on the Subscribe link on the home page. To provide content for the newsletter please contact our Mainsheet editor Mark Thomson.

Past copies of the Mainsheet are available here:

Open Mic Nights

On the first Sunday of each month the Club runs an Open Mic Night. It’s a fantastic night with many local musicians performing. The music starts at 5:30pm and runs until 8:30pm. The nights are hosted by two of our committee members, Helen and Scotty and to ensure they run smoothly we have put together a few simple rules.

Merchandise

A full range of items from t-shirts, long sleeve polos, caps and the club burgee. Please ask at the bar to see the range.

Committee

Our Committee meet monthly. The latest meeting minutes and an archive of minutes from the last few years is available HERE. Meet our committee members HERE.

Club House

The Clubhouse is usually open each day for members use. Members are welcome to hang out, read a book, use the internet, and socialise. Toilets and a shower are available for members use only.

Rent our Club Rooms

The Club house is available to rent for private functions, including Weddings, Birthdays, Private Parties, Funerals, Training and Corporate events. If you have an event in mind get in touch via Email or at the bar during Club nights to see how we can help.

Prior to a hire being confirmed you will be required to complete our hire agreement. This agreement is available in two formats, MS Word & PDF. The MS Word document can be completed electronically. Select the format that suits, complete the form and email to us HERE

Club House Hire Agreement

Club House Hire Agreement

Club Rules

Our club operates under these rules as part of its requirements as an incorporated society.
Russell Boating Club Rules - June 2024

All rules changes, financial reporting, committee/officers (Particulars of Officers/Trustees), Voluntary Organisation Details, etc, etc are available on the Government Business Register site. Enter “Russell Boating Club” or the Societies No 224335 in the search box.

Kitchen and Bar

Kitchen

On the 15th May, 2024, Alvaro will take over as the head chief of The Boat Club Bistro
From his home country of Brazil to the depths of the South Island where he has worked for the last 12 years, Alvaro has now arrived in the ‘Winterless North’. He comes highly recommended and is looking forward to providing irresistibly tasty meals for you!

Come along and try our new and exciting menu which includes some of your favourites and some new delights to ‘tickle your taste buds’ and have you racing back for more!

Don’t forget to check out the Specials for the latest Vegetarian option and more. Plus! A new kids menu so the whole family can enjoy a night out in our unique Bistro in the stunning Matauwhi Bay.

From May until October we will be open 3 days a week, Wednesday Friday and Sunday for dinner, so plenty of opportunity for you to come along and sample Alvaro’s outstanding dishes.

Welcome aboard Alvaro

Opening hours are from 17:00-20:30 for dinner.

Bar

From 10th May, 2023, our club bar will be open 5 days/week, Wednesday - Sunday from 17:00

Bar Rules

By law, we can only serve alcohol to members of the Club, their guests and members of other clubs with reciprocal visiting rights. Only alcohol served by the bar can be consumed on the Club premises. Please be prepared to show your membership ID if requested by the bar staff or committee members. The Club reserves the right to refuse service.

Volunteering at Russell Boating Club

We are a volunteer club and most activities that you see around you happen because a fellow member volunteered their time and effort. There are many small, medium and large tasks that members can contribute to help keep our club shipshape and on course. Why not join a sub committee to help develop special events like Short Ships, The Cricket Match or the Children’s Christmas Party

Quick Links

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Slipway and Dryout

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Contact

Club Privacy Policy

Racing Results

Racing Registration

Russell Boating Club Inc

46 Matauwhi Road, Russell, 0202, New Zealand.

P.O. Box 99, Russell, 0242, New Zealand

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