History
The Geographe Bay Yacht Club, established in 1959 as the Geographe Bay Sailing Club.
For a number of years before 1958, yachts from the KBSC had visited Busselton both in formal races to the jetty and the less formal picnic activities to take advantage of the lovely beaches and generally, safe anchorage off a lee shore when the prevailing south westerly blew. These visits to Busselton were noticed by a number of locals who were drawn to the water of the Bay having their own boats, of various types.
Bob Bleakley, a technician with the PMG and Les Peaker, a cabinet maker, met and decided to form a sailing club in Busselton. Following discussions with several like minded men, a meeting was held at Les’ home in early January 1959 at which the Geographe Bay Sailing Club was formed with;
- Bob Bleakley Inaugural Commodore
- Les Peaker Secretary / Treasurer
- Committee of: Les Smith, Ernie Pearce, Ron Driver, Dudley Sutton, Max Lyle & Charlie Gilbert
With no clubhouse, the focal point was to be the foreshore near where West St terminated at the beachfront. This was an ideal location where people could congregate, there was a safe swimming beach and jetty, a beach shop for food and drink and toilets nearby at Signal Park.
Having no building of its own for either committee meetings or social activities, the Club utilized facilities around town. The most significant inducement for the development of a Club, was the approval by the Busselton Shire Council for the Club to erect a bush shelter (about 20’ x 20’) under which race control would be based.
During the late 1960’s it became apparent to some members that the Club would not be able to continue at its current location for very much longer. Even though it was an ideal site, it would not be long before housing development would pressure GBSC to relocate to vacant “crown” land on a reserve at the end of King St, a short distance further to the west.
Plans were drawn for a new 85’ x 45’ single storey double brick clubhouse which encompassed male & female toilets and changerooms, a large hall area, galley, store room, office and bar area and a 10’ verandah. The club was finished and officially opened on Opening Day 1973/74 sailing season.
In September 1977, plans were prepared for a 20’ x 25’ extension to house a cool-room area, a lock-up bar and an office area on the south east corner of the main building. This work was completed by mid 1978. In late 1978 attention was turned to further enhancing the Club by building another storey as well as a new control tower complex and secretary’s office. Sadly, for financial reasons, the upward development of the Club did not fully occur and only the building of the control tower and office area was completed in February 1980
The Geographe Bay Yacht Club, established in 1959 as the Geographe Bay Sailing Club, is a progressive, family oriented yacht club and is located on a large area of ocean front land with direct access to the beach. It has a large expanse of well kept grassed frontage for rigging boats, and also for entertainment. The Club House consists of a brick building including hall, galley, licensed bar and lounge for the use of members. Sailing is controlled from a tower that overlooks Geographe Bay and from which radio contact is maintained with the Club's rescue boats.
Undercover boat storage is available for dinghys, and a secure hardstand compound provides safe storage for larger boats. The Club maintains tractors for launching the many trailer-sailers that compete from the Club. Ample car parking is provided in the grounds, and for special sailing events, camping is available by arrangement. There are ideal vantage points for viewing sailing.
The Club caters for both Social members and Sailing members, with a strong emphasis on family involvement. It is open every Friday and Saturday evenings for drinks from our licensed bar. The Club has a large number of Social (non-sailing) members who enjoy the family friendly atmosphere and entertaining social program and, of course, the spectacular outlook over Geographe Bay.
Situated on the picturesque shores of Geographe Bay in Busselton Western Australia, Geographe Bay Yacht Club is home to the largest yachting regatta in Western Australia - "Geographe Bay Race Week".
In addition to Geographe Bay Race week, the Geographe Bay Yacht Club sailing season incorporates an annual Australia Day Weekend Regatta plus the youth focused Geographe Bay Championships for Pelicans hosted over Easter each year.
The Club's current membership stands at approximately 350 members and you are welcome to view our Club constitution here.
The Club offers regular sailing to the following classes:
Mixed dinghy fleet
Keelboats and Sportsboats
Sharpies
Mixed Catamarans
420's
Pelicans
National 125
Trailable Yachts
Yacht races for Junior and Senior members are held every Saturday afternoon from October through to April.
GBYC is an accredited Sail Training Establishment, affiliated with Yachting Association of W.A. and Australian Sailing. Juniors are well accommodated at the Geographe Bay Yacht Club with one of the best equipped Sail Training Centres which also caters for sail training of teenagers and adults in dinghy, catamaran and cruiser sailing. Junior coaching lessons and Learn to Sail courses are held on Saturday mornings during the sailing season.
Both members and visitors alike are always welcome.
GBYC constitution is available below.
