Nawiliwili Yacht Club is Kauai’s Yacht Club. We have been around since 1978 & we are a small but mighty group of yachties hailing from various ports around the world & even a few members born & raised right here on the Garden Island. We are sailors & power boaters; some members have yachts, & some do not. Owning a boat is not a requirement but enjoying life on or near the water is mandatory!
Racing is a key feature of our club. Races are held most every Thursday from 5 pm to about 6:15 pm. You can see our racing schedule here on our website under the Club Racing tab. Just click on the blue oval that reads: “NYC 2024 Racing Schedule”.
Races can be viewed from the end of the jetty that runs along the south side of the bay. Using “Google Maps”, search for “Nawiliwili Harbor Founding”. The directions will take you right there. You’ll find our Race Officials there busily managing the start & finish of the race, as well as other spectators.
The Kauai Sailing Association has an educational meeting open to the public on Thursdays from about 6:30 to 9pm at the KSA Facility and this is usually about a sailing topic. NYC members frequently sponsor the talks and members are encouraged to join in. There is a potluck and anyone can bring a favorite dish and their own drinks.
We also conduct special events, like the annual Keiki Fishing Tournament at Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor on Father’s Day from about 10 am to 2 pm, & the Annual Kauai Chanel Race, KCR, from Kaneohe Yacht Club to Nawiliwili Yacht club. This is a 105-mile open ocean race across the channel with participants from many different yacht clubs across the state.
In 2024 the KCR will be held on Friday August 9, starting about 2 pm as boats begin to arrive, featuring a continuous BBQ with burgers & hotdogs for arriving boats & their crews, & NYC members. The festivities continue on Saturday morning with a mid-morning brunch & awards ceremony.
We gather when we can, we race when we can & we help our community when we can. There is a saying in Hawaii that goes like this: “If can, can…if no can, no can.” This is a quite common phrase that means, “If it’s possible, then great! But if it’s not possible, well that’s fine, too.” Most of the time we are in “If can, can” mode.
Our most important member benefit is commonality & friendship. As NYC members, we all share a common love & respect for the ocean. Through this commonality, we often make lifelong friendships that transcend the ocean.
When you consider joining NYC, don't forget that we have relationships with similar clubs around the world! Here is a recent list of clubs with whom we have had a relationship over the years, mostly through Burgee Exchanges. By presenting your Nawiliwili Yacht Club Membership Card and an Introduction Letter from the NYC Commodore most yacht clubs will welcome you into their facilities.
Use this button to take you to those clubs