The original Balmain Sailing Club was formed in October 1885, in the era of the wonderfully over-canvassed open boats that varied in length from the 22 footers down to the impossibly proportioned six footers – the hull was six foot wide and six foot long, but they were 22 foot from the tip of their bow-sprit to the end off the boom!
These eighteen foot open boats were the forerunners of today’s thrilling eighteen foot skiffs that skim the surface of the Harbour today, and which have ultimately led to the Olympic Class 49ers. The story of the development of the Club, the heady days and wildly popular events is part of Sydney sailing folklore and it probably best told by the various news articles held now by the State Library of NSW. This was when people watched from the shorelines around Sydney harbour when sailing was an entertainment to be watched and enjoyed.
The Balmain Sailing Club was re-established in 1995 after a period of little activity for nearly 50 years, when a community based group took over the lease for a premises at the foot of Water Street, Birchgrove, previously known as The Balmain 12ft Skiff Club. It was renamed the Balmain Sailing Club. As the clubhouse and deck were in disrepair, a fundraising and building program was organised. Many enthusiastic and hardworking volunteers came along to transform the club into the facility it is today.
Contact Info
Address:
Water St, Birchgrove NSW 2041, Australia
Phone: 61 2 9810 2086
Email: info@balmainsailingclub.com
Website: www.balmainsailingclub.com
