The Gore Boat and Water Ski Club was born in 1957 from the vision and enthusiasm of a few men and their families who shared a common interest in boating and related water activities.
Through the formation of the club they and those who followed could, and still can, enjoy the companionship and safety in numbers as they venture into the many beautiful lakes and waters in their area.
Situated in the heart of Southland, surrounded by lush green farmlands the Gore Club is unique in that our nearest lakes, and the sea are at least an hours drive away from the town. Within a couple of hours however, trailer boats can be launched in a variety of lakes within the world heritage park of Fiordland, Central Otago, of the Tasman Sea or Pacific Ocean.
Catering for varied interests our 240 members, owning a wide variety of watercraft, can deepsea fish or dive, fish in our lakes, water ski, sail, or race boats, all of which are valued facets of our clubs activities.
The club is also unique in that our clubrooms are located on the waterfront of Lake Wakatipu, in the township of Kingston which is 150km away from Gore. This excellent accommodation style lodge is testament to our founding members and their commitment and hard work to construct the lodge and develop the grounds. Generations of members and their friends follow in their footsteps, relaxing, enjoying a bbq and socialising after a good days boating.
The clubs calendar of events, run by dedicated members who give their time willingly for the enjoyment of others, is full and varied. The main event on the boat club calendar is the annual Time Trial, having had over 100 boats entering in past years, and now in it's 44th year this event is held in May on Lake Te Anau, Easter Saturday is the day we hold our annual Poker Run on Lake Manapouri, again with large numbers of families enjoying each others companionship and our beautiful lake. Other events such as our Brass Monkey mid winter weeking on Lake Te Anau, a full week at Doubtful Sound at Easter, four wheel drive trip, water ski competitions, several fishing competitions as well as interesting speakers and monthly meeting nights, all enjoy good participation. Our aim is for individuals and families to enjoy all aspects of boating, and all that our wonderful environment has to offer.