From nautical novice to club captain

An invitation to take a cruise on a yacht began a landlubber’s journey to a top position in a popular boating club.

Susie Caley was recently elected, unopposed, to the position of Rear Commodore – House at the Waikawa Boating Club.

Prior to moving to New Zealand in 2010, Susie’s boating experience was having a paddle in a dinghy with her brother.

But her background in catering makes her more than qualified for the position.

“Nikki Jenkins, the current president, invited me to sail on her beautiful boat – and that’s how I learnt,” Susie says.

“I guess we had M U G on our forehead – and along we went.”

Originally from East Yorkshire, England, Susie and her partner Martin Cuthbert made the move to Waikawa about ten years ago, renovating an unfinished house into the Okiwa Bay Lodge.

The pandemic put a stop to the guests arriving, so Martin and Susie decided to return to Martin’s original skills as a builder of all trades.

“People in the club have been very kind and supportive,” Susie says.

“We’re repaying what they’ve done for us, really.”

The Rear Commodore – House position is the head of the house committee, which organise social events, are support crew for regattas and other events.

“I’d been on the house committee for two or three years before that and helped at numerous events,” she says.

“We do any support work we can for the club – especially when there are regattas on.

“It takes some pressure off Lisa, the wonder manager.”

After a number of years crewing for other people on sailing yachts and racing and cruising boats they bought their own launch; ‘Crusader’ is their pride and joy.

“It’s a wonderful club with people who are incredibly generous with their time and support.

“If anyone’s keen on sailing, come and have a go.”