Bellerive Yacht Club celebrates 100 years

IN October 2026, the Bellerive Yacht Club (BYC) will proudly celebrate one hundred years of sailing, boating, friendship and community involvement.
To mark this remarkable milestone, the Club will be hosting a number of events over the weekend of 9t to 11t October, including a Centenary Dinner, a Gala Ball and a Sunday afternoon of food and entertainment on the lawns of the Club.
On the afternoon of Thursday 8t October, the Club will be launching its centenary book, titled Under the YARDARM, the History of the Bellerive Yacht Club written by John Sargent and Penny Stewart.
The book can be pre-ordered now and will only be sold through the BYC Office.
The very first yacht race conducted by the Bellerive Yacht Club was the Bellerive Cup, held on 13t November 1926.
To commemorate this event, the Club is planning a number of sailing events over the weekend of 13t to 15 November, including a Twilight Race, a Parade of Sail and Motor boats, Keelboat, Derwent and Sabre class racing and a Pursuit Race.
The Bellerive Yacht Club was first opened at a ceremony on 9th October 1926.
The ‘Mercury’ reported, under a heading of ‘The Noble Sport of Yachting: The fine Clubhouse of the newly formed Bellerive Yacht Club situated on the foreshore of Bellerive half way between the Ferry Pier and Sorell Railway Jetty, was formally opened by Senator Ogden at a large gathering of members and friends on Saturday evening.
The attendance included representatives of practically all aquatic bodies in Southern Tasmania.’
Senator Ogden, who was introduced by BYC Commodore Hood, said he considered it a compliment to be asked to say a few words at the opening of the club.
He congratulated those who were responsible for the bringing of the Club into being and all who had worked to give it birth in such favourable circumstances.
He complimented the members in having such premises and expressed the earnest hope that the Club would flourish and grow with the important district to which it would be so useful. He wished it every great success.
Senator Ogden’s hope for the Club was realized and over the last one hundred years generations of members, volunteers, sailors, staff and supporters have contributed to its growth.
From its humble beginnings, through many trials and tribulations, the Bellerive Yacht Club has survived and continues to flourish.
The Club and its members are looking forward to the next one hundred years.