Stawell Yacht Club

Welcome to Stawell Yacht Club (SYC), a sports club located in the Northern Grampians Shire, situated 2½ hours North West of Melbourne on the foreshore of scenic Lake Fyans. SYC offers the best facilities for sailing in the Grampians region, allowing members to sail on Lake Fyans with a backdrop of the picturesque Grampians mountain range.

The club organises various sailing events throughout the year, and you can find the 2023-24 Race Calendar on the club's website. Membership forms and updates can also be found on the club's Facebook page. SYC is proud to have a strong community of sponsors and supporters who contribute to the success of the club.

One of the main events organised by Stawell Yacht Club is the Western Region Regatta, which will be held in October 2022. The regatta spans over two days, and participants are welcome to stay until Tuesday (Melbourne Cup Day) if they are taking a long weekend. The racing takes place on Lake Fyans, providing a beautiful setting for the event. Fees for participating in the regatta are as follows: Senior $60, Junior $20, Camping at Yacht Club $25 per site.

SYC also offers a “Learn to Sail & Race” programme in November 2022. Sail training sessions are held each Sunday afternoon during November, and the programme is tailored to suit the ability of the participants. Novices are taught the basics of sailing and racing, while participants with some sailing experience are coached in the next level of boat control and racing. The club provides a selection of single and double-handed dinghies for use during the programme.

The cost of the programme is $80 for adults and $40 for children. If participants decide to join the club at the end of the course, the programme payment can be deducted from their membership fee.

Stawell Yacht Club held its Annual General Meeting on the 27th of August 2022. The office bearers were re-elected to continue their two-year term, ensuring club stability and smooth transitions. The club is in the process of finalising the race calendar and a flyer for the late October Regatta, which will be held on the 29th and 30th of October.

The Stawell Yacht Club, founded in 1954, is situated on Lake Fyans at the foothills of the Grampian Ranges. The club offers panoramic mountain views from both the clubhouse and the lake. Although sailing activity was affected by recent drought years, the club is experiencing a healthy resurgence. The facilities include a covered barbecue shelter with tables and seating, as well as a shower-toilet block.

The club has produced many accomplished sailors, including Noel Grellet, a multiple title holder in the Mosquito and Taipan classes. The fleet at SYC is growing, with six Impulses being sailed in the club. Other classes sailed at the club include 125, Laser, and Taipan.

Key contacts within the Stawell Yacht Club include Commodore Steve Marcroft, Secretary Tony Hillier, Treasurer Peter Knight, Vice Commodore (currently vacant), Rear Commodore Ross Bennett, Publicity representative Peter Knight, Racing Officer George Grellet, and Webmeister Lucas Kussowski.

Whether you're an experienced sailor or just starting out, Stawell Yacht Club welcomes you to join in the excitement of sailing on Lake Fyans and enjoying the stunning Grampians scenery.