Our History

South Gippsland Yacht Club has been part of the Inverloch community for over half a century, growing from a small group of local sailors into one of South Gippsland's most active sailing clubs.

1928 — Len Morris builds the first Moth dinghy in Inverloch, originally known as the "Inverloch Eleven Foot Class". An 11-foot hard-chined scow with a single sail of 80 square feet, the Moth would go on to become one of the most widely sailed classes in the world. The original boat is now on display at Albert Park Lake Yacht Club in Melbourne.

1969 — South Gippsland Yacht Club is established on the shores of Anderson Inlet, Inverloch. The club is founded to provide family, beginner, and competitive race sailing on the protected waters of the inlet.

1970s–1990s — The club grows steadily, attracting sailors from across South Gippsland. Club rooms are built on the Esplanade overlooking Anderson Inlet, with a grassed rigging area, concrete launching ramp, and locked boat storage compound.

2014 — The first Inverloch Classic Wooden Dinghy Regatta (ICWDR) is held, celebrating the wooden racing and cruising dinghies of Australia's sailing heritage. The regatta honours the legacy of Len Morris and the Moth class that was born in Inverloch.

2015–2019 — The ICWDR grows each year, attracting wooden boat enthusiasts from across Australia. Entry numbers climb from the first year to over 60 boats by 2020. Classes include Moths, Herons, Sabots, VJs, Mirrors, Rainbows, Gwen 12s, Sailfish, and many more.

2020 — The seventh ICWDR is held successfully despite the impact of the Black Summer bushfires in East Gippsland. Entry numbers dip slightly to 55 but the event remains a highlight of the Australian wooden boat calendar.

2022 — The eighth ICWDR draws national attention. Southern Woodenboat Sailing describes SGYC as a model for how to build a community sailing event, noting that "you were met with smiles the moment you walked in the gates."

2024 — The club hosts Women's Sailing Day as part of Australian Sailing's Sail Our Way initiative, encouraging more women and girls to get on the water.

2026 — The 12th ICWDR is held in February on Anderson Inlet. The club continues to thrive with 156 members, a full racing programme from October to April, learn to sail courses, and a strong community of competitive and social sailors.

Today — SGYC sails Impulse, Laser, Aero, and Sabre dinghies alongside Hobie 16, Taipan and Mosquito catamarans. The club has produced State and National champions while maintaining a welcoming, family-oriented environment. Racing runs most Sundays at 11am and 2pm through the season, with regattas over public holiday weekends and the Christmas period.

We would love to hear from past members with stories, photos, or memories from the club's early years. If you have material to share, please contact the Club Secretary at secretary@sgyc.com.au.