Queenscliff Lonsdale Yacht Club gathers for 75th birthday

A BELLARINE yacht club is celebrating a historic milestone with members gathering to reflect on decades of achievements and camaraderie.

The Queenscliff Lonsdale Yacht Club welcomed past and present sailors to the special 75th anniversary event, marking more than seven decades of sailing around the Borough and within Sway Bay.

QLYC member Geoff Cook said the club was delighted to have past Commodores at the event who had guided the club throughout its history.

“There were close to 100 people at the party,” Mr Cook said.

“Many new members mixed with the long-time members and discovered many shared interests.

“There was also a lot of talk about the successful Couta boat regatta two weeks ago when the Sorrento Couta boats raced in our waters, and we celebrated together.”

The celebration provided an opportunity for members to look back on a difficult period with pride.

Since the pandemic ended, Mr Cook said the club has regained its strength in numbers.

“The club has come alive over the last two years with many new members joining many relocating to our wonderful Borough,” he added.

“The secret is out, our location has been discovered with more sailing on Port Phillip, more fun on Swan Bay and more evenings on the deck watching the sunsets.

“We are finding that more young people have moved into the district following the advent of COVID and its impact, and our membership has increased dramatically, and our profile is the best it’s been for years.”

The club has a focus on being family-friendly and offers sailing and paddling clinics, remote control model yacht racing, stand up paddle boards and a new activity, Petanque.

“It was a grand celebration on a perfect day with great food and dancing to the music of the local band ‘Shedding the Blues’,” Commodore Geoffrey Mathews said.

“All in all, a lot is happening, and the membership benefits are huge so come and join our club and the fun.”