Club History
Eighty years of sailing, boating and volunteer spirit on the Swan and Canning Rivers
A club built on sailing and volunteer spirit
Founded in 1945, South of Perth Yacht Club began with a simple vision: to provide young people in South Perth with opportunities through sailing. A group of passionate sailors came together to build Vaucluse Junior (VJ) dinghies and, on 18 December 1945, established a yacht club for the local community.
1945
The year South of Perth Yacht Club was founded
The early years
By 12 February 1946, the Club had adopted its constitution, elected Frank Sampson as its first Commodore, and formed a foundation committee. An ex-Army mess hut was purchased and relocated to the Canning River foreshore near Olives Reserve in Como, creating the Club’s first home.
The Club was officially opened on 16 November 1946 and grew rapidly. By 1955, membership had reached 400, with more than half being junior sailors. This growth was driven by dedicated volunteer coaches and strong youth training programs, values that continue to shape the Club today.
The move to our current home
Following the construction of the Kwinana Freeway in the late 1950s, the Club relocated to its current site between the Swan and Canning Rivers. This unique location provided ideal facilities for centreboard, keelboat and power boating activities, supporting continued growth across all disciplines.
A leading Western Australian yacht club
Over the decades, SoPYC has become one of Western Australia’s leading yacht clubs. The Club’s commitment to sailing development has produced generations of sailors, from junior learn-to-sail participants through to offshore competitors.
Signature events such as the Fremantle to Geraldton Ocean Classic, first raced in 1969, remain celebrated highlights of the sailing calendar. The Power Section, established in 1962, continues a proud tradition of time trials, cruising and boating excellence.
The Club today
Today, South of Perth Yacht Club remains a vibrant community built on sailing, boating, friendship and volunteer spirit. While embracing modern sailing trends and new generations of members, the Club continues to honour the values and traditions established by its founders more than 80 years ago.
Through the years
Moments from the Club’s sailing, racing and social life.
Explore more
Publications, archives and ways to get involved.