Established in 1961, Wynyard Yacht Club (WYC) is situated in the small town of Wynyard, near the mouth of the Inglis River on the northern coast of Tasmania. With a local population of 5000 people, WYC plays a large role in connecting locals and members alike and is an integral part of the local sailing community.

Hansa racing at WYC

WYC is renowned for their diverse and inclusive programs, with a rich history of club success and sustainability. 

Particularly well known for their Sailability program currently boasting nearly 30 participating members, WYC ensures all members feel safe both on and off the water. Through their recreational programs, they extend a welcoming arm to all those interested in participating in the sport of sailing, regardless of age or circumstance.

Many WYC members are also active across multiple groups, with some sailors and paddlers also members of the local Marine Rescue which respond to approximately three search and rescues a year.

WYC is a four-time winner of the Australian Sailing Tasmania Club of the Year, with the first win in 2014, It was also named the Sport Australia Community Club of the year and Australian Sailing Club of the Year in 2014. 

Furthermore, having hosted five Australian Championships and offering numerous programs to both locals and members, WYC is a regional club doing big things on the competitive stage. 

TTC Start at WYC

Membership:

WYC is a community focused, family orientated club, with 43 of its 130 members comprising of family members.

WYC has a growing youth program, with one third of its members aged 18 and under.

The club also boasts some highly distinguished members, including a number of World Champions. Their notable members include:

• Chris Symonds – Para and Open Australian, Asia Pacific and Para World Champion in the Hansa 303 singles class who continues to compete on the international stage 
• Manuela Klinger – World Champion in 303 doubles class (alongside Chris Symonds)
• Jess Andrewartha – World Mirror Dinghy Champion
• Scott Rankin – Award winning writer, director and cultural activist who was a finalist for Australian of the Year in 2018 after winning the Tasmanian Australian of the Year title in the same year
• Steve Walker Sails – Quality custom sail maker who has operated out of WYC for over 40 years

Rigging boats together at WYC

Classes Supported and Types of Sailing:

The club owns a variety of sailing resources to assist with community and racing programs. WYC supported classes and boats include:

• Six Optimists
• Six Pacers
• Six Hansa 303’s
• A Laser
• A Hartley TS16 – used for training, racing, Sailability and community programs

Other privately owned classes that sail at WYC include Sabot, Sabre, Trailer Sailors and Lasers.

Programs on Offer:

WYC offers a number of competitive and recreational programs to enhance local participation in sailing. These programs are:

• Sailboat Racing & Coaching
• Start Sailing 1 & 2
• Start Racing
• Youth Tackers
• Sailability
• High level training programs & events – run by Paddle Tasmania
• Marine and Safety Tasmania Powerboat License Course
• SLST Marine Rescue training
• Australian Sailing Powerboat Courses

Key Club Events:

WYC has a number of high-profile events on its 22/23 calendar. It is set to host the YouthSail TAS event including the 2022 Tasmanian Youth Championships in October, and then the Australian Hansa Class Championships over Easter in 2023.

The recent edition of a multi-million-dollar clubhouse with a ramp and floating pontoon (set to open in September 2022) will allow for unrivalled access to both the club and upcoming competitions for all.

New clubhouse at WYC

A fantastic club making sailing more accessible for all, WYC continues to go from strength to strength in both its community and competitive programs. Drop in to check out their new club house, catch a glimpse of World Champion sailors in action, or to join in on the fun. For more information, find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wynyardyachtclub 

Commodore: Chris Symonds