The Claremont Yacht Club Dinghy section enjoys a unique and exclusive part of the Swan River. We sail on the northern half of Freshwater Bay and are the only fleet using this area on Sunday mornings.

The size and shape of Freshwater Bay enables us to set full and proper courses in any breeze direction. In addition, the area is away from the river channel used by the ferries and large motor boats, which makes sailing safer and devoid of bad wash. No other Club has these conditions.

We are a friendly Club, with people of all ages participating in racing and coaching. If you have a boat, you will be very welcome to come and sail with us for an initial trial, and to then join. If you don’t have a boat, you can hire one of our Club Lasers for an initial trial, then if you wish to continue you can join and hire a Club Boat for the season at a reasonable rate. If you are a beginner, people are available to help with instruction on and off the water.

The storage of boats is in a locked shed, and the rack system allows individuals to access their boats on their own without needing any assistance. Rigging is done on the lawn abutting the storage shed, and is close to the water, allowing the boats to be taken from the shed, rigged and launched by one person.

The races are run from a start boat, and two rescue/training boats are also on the water. Races are conducted on Sunday mornings, and occasionally we join in with the Keelboats for an afternoon or twilight sail.

Presentations are made in the Clubhouse, which is right next to the rigging area, and it is open for drinks and meals after the races.  Parents can watch their children in comfort from this area.

To join in, please contact the office on 9384 8226, or simply come down on a Sunday morning during the sailing season, preferably between 8.30am and 9.30am, and you will be made welcome.

Transport and Parking? – Non-members are asked to please park in the public carpark at the top of the Club driveway. Parking on the foreshore is reserved for members only however we have arrangements with Bethesda Hospital and Christchurch Grammar to use their parking facilities on busy weekends. Alternatively Claremont train station is only 15 minutes’ walk away and a number of buses run through Claremont along the Stirling Highway.