Seven mooring buoys have been laid in Wellington Harbour for use by the members of the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club and Lowry Bay Yacht Club. The buoys provide members with safe moorings for day stays and opportunities to fish, dive, swim and relax in some of the most stunning bays in Wellington Harbour.
Any defects relating to moorings should be reported to Chris Scott, Club Operations Manager (admin@rpnyc.org.nz) as soon as practicable.
| Location | Position | Block size | Capacity | Inspection report |
| Lowry Bay | 41° 15.355 S 174° 54.456 E |
3.2t | 20t | Report |
| North Somes | 41 15.211 S 174 52.002 E |
2.0t | 15t | Report |
| South Somes | 41° 15.7 E 174° 51.8 E |
5.3t | 38t | Report |
| Kau Bay | 41° 17.148 S 174° 49.701 E |
5.3t | 38t | Report |
| Ward Island | 41° 17.498 S 174° 52.319 E |
5.3t | 28t | Report |
| Seatoun | 41° 19.166 S 174° 49.994 E |
3.2t | 20t | Report |
| Scorching Bay | 41° 17.887 S 174° 50.090 E |
3.2t | 20t |
Conditions of use
- Users acknowledge that they occupy the moorings at their own risk in all respects. Neither the club(s) nor any officer of the club(s) are liable on any grounds whatsoever for any loss, damage, cost or expense arising from or incidental to any use of such mooring.
- The moorings are for short term use only (a period not exceeding 24 hours).
- Vessels must not be left unattended.
- The maximum vessel tonnage varies from buoy to buoy – either 20 tonnes or 38 tonnes – and is noted on the tag. These limits must not be exceeded.
- Coastal marine area regulations state that to empty or permit to be emptied any sanitary device or to dump any rubbish into the harbour is a contravention of the Resource Management (Marine Pollution) Regulations 1998. Take your rubbish back to port.
- Club members must allow other members to raft up alongside as long as the mooring doesn’t become overloaded.
Rafting up procedure
- Incoming boat prepares their own bow/stern lines prior to approaching the moored boat.
- Circle the boat on the mooring and ask if you can raft–up and what side they would like you to raft.
- Incoming boat puts down fenders and comes in slowly from astern and parallel.
- Receiving boat should have someone at the bow and stern to take lines.
- Once bow and stern lines are tied, put on two springs. It is important that springs are tight. Adjust all lines as required to have boats parallel.
- Yachts need to watch spreaders. Generally yachts lie better against yachts, launches against launches.
- The heaviest boat should take the mooring and be in the middle of the raft.
- When rafted up with other boats, be considerate to others and keep the noise down as sound carries a long way over water.
- Ask permission to cross over boats to reach another and use the foredeck rather than the cockpit if possible.
- When vacating a mooring, please make sure that the loop at the top of the pole float is left clear of the water. Feed the loop down the tube to allow the loop to stay clean and dry.