Canberra Yacht Club History

The book, Capital Sailing, published in September 2009, relates the story of the 50 year history of the CYC, from its origins on Lake George in 1959 through to 2009. The book tells the story of the club as an important part of the social fabric of Canberra and of the achievements of its members.

Capital Sailing follows on from the previously published book (June 2008), from Lake George to Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra's Pioneer Sailors, which records in detail the history of the first 10 years of the club.

From Lake George to Lake Burley Griffin includes in text and photos information about the Canberra Sailing Club and the RMC Sailing Club which conducted races on Lake George in the 1950s when the lake was full to overflowing and of the origins of the CYC in 1959. One of the highlights of the CYC's early days was the visit by the Governor General, Lord De L'Isle, as the official guest for the opening of season regatta in late September 1961. A copy of the printed program for that regatta, which includes the full list of entries, is reproduced in the book. The book also tells the story of the building of Lake Burley Griffin and of the club's preparations to move to Canberra when the lake filled, the subsequent building of the clubhouse which is still used today, and the early years of racing on Lake Burley Griffin from the summer of 1964-65.

A feature of the book is the collection of personal recollections of a number of early members of the club who were involved in both the Lake George and early Lake Burley Griffin days. Capital Sailing includes an abridged version of the history of the first 10 years but concentrates on the 40 years since then. In particular, it records the rise and fall and success of the range of classes of boats that have raced in Canberra over the years as demonstrated by the listing of winners of the annual club championship and pointscore competitions since 1964-65.

Again, there is a collection of personal recollections, some by members who span most of the 50 years of the club's history. The club's major sailing activities that are described in the book include the annual Canberra Day Regatta which, in the 1960s and 1970s, attracted entries in excess of 200 for a number of years, and Australian championships conducted by the club for several classes including 505, Mirror Dinghy and Flying Fifteen classes.

The 1990s was an especially difficult time, with the club deciding in 1996 that it would need to find a major benefactor if it was to continue to exist. The book tells the story of the path that led to the Canberra Southern Cross Club providing that life line from May 1997. The success of that union can be measured by the Yacht Club's nomination in 2008 as one of four finalists for a Yachting Australia sailing promotion award.