Whitsunday Sailing Club

Sailing Programme

The club runs a year-round sailing programme including offshore yachting (keelboats, multihulls and trailable yachts), off-the-beach dinghy and catamaran racing (including windsurfers and a Green Fleet), weekly Twilight races (most Wednesdays), club championship series and major regattas such as Airlie Beach Race Week, the Sail Airlie Easter regatta, Nacra Nationals and other regional regattas and social cruises. More details can be found on the sailing programme page.

Training Opportunities

The club offers recreational learn-to-sail courses, including Australian Sailing Discover Sailing programs: Tackers 1–3 for juniors, Start Sailing 1 & 2, Better Sailing, Start Racing, and Better Racing, delivered by nationally qualified instructors. The site also hosts the Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre, which provides various recreational and commercial maritime courses. Further information is available on the training opportunities page.

Club Events

Regular events include weekly Twilight races, an alternative-Sunday Off-the-Beach race programme, offshore race series, and club championships. Major annual events hosted by the club include Airlie Beach Race Week in August, Sail Airlie at Easter, and Nacra Nationals. For more details, visit the events page.

Member Experience

Non-boat owners can access sailing through a Temporary SailPASS, which provides personal accident insurance if a crew position is arranged. The club also offers a Crew Group Chat for matching skippers and crew, and members can hire club boats with approval. Members have access to clubhouse facilities, including showers and discounts. More information can be found on the membership information page.

Facilities

The club features a waterfront clubhouse with an all-weather balcony, a restaurant and bar, the Bali Hut Pavilion, and various function rooms. Additional amenities include rigging lawns, boat storage, and limited marina berths. Further details about the facilities are available on the facilities page.

Dining Options

The onsite restaurant and bar, 20 Degrees South, offers daily bistro service, a food menu, and wine list, along with bar service from 10am and dinner service. Reservations are available, and live entertainment is provided on weekends. More information can be found on the dining options page.

Membership Information

The club offers multiple membership categories with varying fees, including Associate, Family, Junior, and Temporary SailPASS options. Memberships are subject to Committee approval and run on a financial year basis. Details can be found on the membership information page.

Seasonal Operations

Sailing and events operate year-round, with Twilight series races most Wednesdays and Off-the-Beach racing on alternate Sundays. Major events such as Sail Airlie and Airlie Beach Race Week are highlights of the calendar. More information can be found on the seasonal operations page.

Club History

The club was founded in 1971 and launched Airlie Beach Race Week in 1990. It established the Whitsunday Maritime Training Centre in 1998 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021. For more details, visit the club history page.

Trophies and Awards

The club awards seasonal trophies and conducts presentation events for various regattas and series. More information is available on the trophies and awards page.

Venue Hire

Venue hire packages are available for weddings, corporate, and private events, with several waterfront options. Catering is offered under the club's licence. More details can be found on the venue hire page.

Social Activities

The club hosts an active social programme, including live music, membership draws, and community festivals tied to sailing events. More information is available on the social activities page.

Access Policy

Guests may use the bar and bistro but must be signed in. Membership is required for participation in organized on-water events unless using a Temporary SailPASS. More details can be found on the access policy page.

Crew Matching Services

The club provides a Crew Group Chat for skippers and crew, maintains a 'Crew Available' list on its website, and offers resources for race entry and crew registration. More information can be found on the crew matching services page.