Club History - From Then to Now

Croudace Bay Sailing Club has been operating since 17 of October 1967. Originally called the Lake Macquarie De Havilland sailing Club, founder and then president Wal Down (now a life time member along with wife Therese) started the club with the aim of promoting sailing for young people and families.

In 2002, this emphasis on the family group and family sailing in a casual, non-competitive atmosphere that promotes the joy of sailing remains.

Originally the club commenced with 4 boats (Rambler, Corsair, Vagabond and Gypsy) and 17 members and was restricted to boats of De Havilland construction. In June 1970 the club became the Croudace Bay Sailing Club and opened membership to all classes of monohulled yachts and in 2002 boasts a membership comprising 30 boats and 120 members. The present fleet ranges from a Gem 550 to a Nantucket 43. Membership ages range from 5 to 73.

In the 1991-1992 season, the club switched to a single division with handicap, continuing to cater for either end of the yachting spectrum.

The Valentine clubhouse was officially opened in 1984, having been built entirely on volunteer labour. Maintenance of the clubhouse is still carried out via volunteer working bees.

October 1983

Point Score races are held once a fortnight on every second Sunday in a Summer and Winter series. In addition to these the club hosts other popular annual events such as the Single-handed race, the Lady’s Skipper race, the Forehands race, Cock-o-the Lake race and the Mannering Park Cruise.

Although the club sails in shore, some members compete in off shore events with other yacht clubs on the Lake. In addition, some members participate in other inshore racing with other clubs and many young members compete successfully in dinghy sailing as well as sailing with their families in the club.