The Worser Way, Bee Dawson
A CENTURY OF SAILING AT WORSER BAY BOATING CLUB 1926–2026
Photography by Chris Coad
Published by Mary Egan Publishing
Release date: 27 January 2026
Hardback, 344pp, RRP$75
ISBN: 978-1-0670875-2-4
Commissioned publishing project
The Worser Way was commissioned to mark the centenary of Worser Bay Boating Club, one of Wellington’s most historic and scenic sailing clubs. Published as part of the club’s 100-year celebrations, the book was created to honour a century of sailing, community, and life on the bay.
Produced as a high-end hardback, The Worser Way is a substantial, richly illustrated history that traces sailing at Worser Bay from early Māori settlement through to the present day. Across 24 chapters and more than 300 pages, the book brings together archival material, personal stories, and hundreds of photographs to create a permanent record of the club’s people, boats, and traditions.
This project was delivered under a contract publishing model, working closely with the commissioning body, Boat and Beach Wise Trust, and author Bee Dawson. Our role covered full project management, including copy-editing, proofreading, design, typesetting, page layout, picture handling, printing, and delivery to a fixed deadline.
The brief called for high production values and longevity. The final result is a beautifully made hardback book, designed to function both as a historical record and as a lasting keepsake for members, families, and the wider sailing community.
The Worser Way was launched as the opening event of the club’s centenary weekend celebrations in January 2026 and is available directly through Worser Bay Boating Club.
Back Cover Blurb
‘The worser the weather, the better the sailing’, or so the story goes. That may sound a tad optimistic in Wellington Harbour in a southerly gale, but the results are undeniable. Over the past 100 years, the waters in and around Worser Bay have produced some of New Zealand’s finest sailors.’
Founded by a group of local enthusiasts in 1926, the Worser Bay Boating Club (WBBC) has always been important to the broader Seatoun and Worser Bay areas. This history of the club interweaves tales of the Great Depression, war and disaster with those of the many good times – sailing, boat building, new clubhouses and general shenanigans – that have happened along the way.
Remarkably, this small, family-orientated sailing club has produced America’s Cup and Round the World Race winners, many national and world champions and New Zealand yachtspeople of the year. However, its proudest achievement is its creation of a warmly inclusive community. The WBBC is full of compassionate, caring people who take their sailing seriously, race hard, innovate at every opportunity, support each other and have a lot of fun.
The next century promises more of the same.
Sample Pages
