The Akaroa Cruising Club was established in 1964 with the aim of promoting a regular Wellington to Akaroa yacht race. While the event continued sporadically until the mid-1980s, it helped to build a strong local sailing community.

Through the generosity of Mr Ces Stevens, a well-known local businessman, a clubhouse was built on the club’s current site, just below the relocated Akaroa Heads Lighthouse. By 1992, the club had grown to 140 members and had around 30 vessels on its register, with an active summer racing programme each year.

In 2011, the Akaroa Cruising Club merged with the Akaroa Sailing Club, which was based in the Boatshed a short walk along the beachfront. Together they formed the Akaroa Yacht Club Inc.

Today, the club has over 200 members, including a strong junior section, and more than 65 boats on its register. Junior sailing continues to operate from the Boatshed, encouraging the next generation of sailors.