The Macandrew Bay Boating Club has played a big part in Ross Whitburn’s life.
The club commodore’s grandfather, Syd, was a foundation member, and after growing up at the club, Whitburn followed in other members’ footsteps to become an electrician.
"It’s about all these people from different walks of life and they keep you on the straight and narrow," Whitburn said.
"There’s a culture. You haven’t just got one lot of parents; the whole club are your parents."
Through the years, the club, founded in 1922, produced top sailors, hosted America’s Cup winner Sir Russell Coutts on the water, won Yachting New Zealand awards and upgraded its facilities.
And now Whitburn will join his fellow club members today to reminisce as the club celebrates its centennial year.
It is shaping up to be a big weekend on the water for the club in general, hosting the South Island open skiff, Sunburst and RS Feva (dinghy) championship regattas in conjunction with the celebrations.
"We’re on a high at the moment."
People have travelled from across the South Island for the events, including Mark Milner, who grew up in Dunedin.
"It’s great when they come back," Whitburn said.
"He grew up as a kid learning to sail in Macandrew Bay . . . and lived on a yacht in Nelson and he’s come back with his kids to support us.
"That’s the connection we’ve got."
The club will host a formal event to celebrate its centennial in April next year.
