About

We are the first choice on Westernport Bay for Sunday sailing, fishing and having a great time.

Our Values:

Teamwork: We will work together to help everyone to have a great time.

Responsibility: We are proud of our club and want to pass it on to the next generation in a better condition than we found it.

Learning: We pass on our knowledge to all who come to our club.

Passion: We love being on the water and we love Western Port.

Respect: We understand that members come to our club for different reasons and we respect all and their passions.

 

Our Activities

Westernport Yacht Club - its in the name! We race sailcraft of all types, we train sailors, and we sail for pleasure. But we also have a vigorous fishing and powerboat membership as well as purely social members who simply enjoy great company and great views.

Racing

We race off the beach boats from October to April each year. Classes sailed include Taipan, Paper Tiger, A- Class, Hobie, RS Aero, Impulse, Laser, O'pen Bic, Optimist, Pacer, Sabre,and Tasar.

2 major divisional series take place - Spring Series and Summer series consist of up to 21 races with prizes awarded for both aggregate and handicap results. These events take place on a Sunday afternoon and consist of 3 35-45 minute races inside our reefs.

Our Commodores Cup (Club Champion) series of 10 races across the season is a whole-fleet affair aimed at rewarding the sailor who performs best across the entire series/season. These races are longer in duration and we generally aim to conduct them outside our protective reef area.

As well as regular club racing, we host a number of regattas and special events each season, including:

  • The Montalto Masters on Westernport
  • The Bright Brewery Teams Racing Regatta
  • The Montalto Marathon
  • Various National and State Class Championships (2026 - Sabre, 2027 - Taipan Nationals)
  • Easter Sternchaser series

 

Sail Training

We have a comprehensive sail training program for all ages. We were the first Victorian Club to commence the 'Tackers' program and 2027 will be the 20th consecutive year of that. We also host Adult learn to sail / discover sailing.

To further the learning experience, we have a dedicated 'Green Fleet' to bridge the gap between learning and racing. This is a very active group with its own coaches and support boats.

Fishing

At Westernport Yacht Club, a Fishing Member category is available for members who wish to launch their boats using the club’s facilities. Launching is conducted via the gated club ramp using club tractors. Boats up to a maximum length of 6 metres are eligible under this category.

Under the terms of the club’s lease agreement, jet skis and personal watercraft are not permitted to be launched through the club. Private vehicles are not permitted on the boat ramp at any time, as this also forms part of the club’s lease conditions.

Upon joining, members must complete tractor training and a competency assessment conducted by an authorised club tractor operator trainer before being permitted to use club tractors. Once approved, members will be issued with a gate key and tractor key, allowing access to the club for launching day and night. Members must always adhere to all club safety protocols for tractor operation. To be eligible to operate a club tractor, members must hold a current driver’s licence and be 18 years of age or older.

As a volunteer-run club, Westernport Yacht Club depends on the active involvement of its members. Fishing Members, like all members, are expected to contribute to the club community by volunteering, when possible, whether through participation in working bees or by assisting at club events. Membership involves shared responsibilities and the ongoing success of the club relies on the commitment and support of its members.

If you are interested in becoming a Fishing Member, please contact the membership for further information at membership@westernport.org.au.

Community

We have a strong relationship with the Balnarring Beach Foreshore Committee. We respect our environment and work hard to ensure the beach from which we operate is the best that it can be. We host numerous community events and meetings as well as our regular Peninsula Songriders Gigs with some very high-profile and popular artists.

 

Club Summary & Contacts

Email: info@westernport.org.au

Website: www.westernport.org.au

Who do I contact?: WYC Roles and Responsibilities

Name Position Email Telephone
James Cooper Commodore commodore@westernport.org.au 0417 578 858
Bruce Douglas Vice Commodore vicecommodore@westernport.org.au 0457 785 159
Arthur House Rear Commodore rearcommodore@westernport.org.au 0400 495 922
Mark Axton Club Secretary secretary@westernport.org.au 0419 345 153
Adam Smith Treasurer treasurer@westernport.org.au 0404 885 348
Wendy Franke Membership Secretary membership@westernport.org.au 0438 489 918
Andrew Hill Patrol Boat Captain andrew.h@westernport.org.au 0409 252 332
Matt Leyden Power Boat / Tractor Liaison matt.l@westernport.org.au 0408 742 502
Sue Bartholomaeus Discover Sailing Principal training@westernport.org.au 0409 973 350
Marg Douglas Tackers Coordinator wyctackers@live.com 0457 793 711
Sue Bartholomaeus Sailing School Coordinator/SheSails Rep training@westernport.org.au 0409 973 350
Col Franke Facilities and Yard oversight c.franke@westernport.org.au 0413 018 076
Lynn Dugay Yard Manager info@westernport.org.au 0417 660 919
Ant Richards Sailing Committee ant.r@westernport.org.au 0409 231 980
Tilly Richards Youth Committee tilly.r@westernport.org.au 0409 231 980
Jack Comrie General Committee jack.c@westernport.org.au 0456 789 416
Ken Frey General Committee system@westernport.org.au 0419 515 667

 

Club History

Download Westernport Yacht Club's history

Location

Camping

Camping is available through the Balnarring Foreshore. See www.balnarring.net for more information.

 

 

Files available for download

Sponsors