Keelboat Fleets
and Divisions
Keelboat sailing is at the heart of South of Perth Yacht Club. Whether you’re new to sailing, an experienced racer, young or young at heart, SoPYC offers racing fleets and pathways to suit every level of experience and ambition.
Our fleets include both mixed-division racing and one-design classes, creating competitive, social and welcoming racing on the Swan River throughout the year.
Mixed Design Fleets
Division 1
Division 1 is SoPYC’s premier mixed fleet, featuring cruiser-racers, sportsboats and performance yachts ranging from around 30 to 50 feet. Racing is conducted under Performance Handicap and ORC Club Handicap systems, ensuring close competition across a diverse fleet.
The fleet races:
- Wednesday Jib & Main Series
- Saturday Summer Championships
- Frostbite Winter Series
- Offshore races and regional regattas
Ideal for sailors seeking competitive racing, offshore opportunities and experienced crews.
Division 2
Division 2 is a mixed keelboat fleet typically featuring yachts from 28 to 34 feet, including production racers, cruisers and one-design boats such as S80s and Cole 32s.
The performance handicap system keeps racing close and enjoyable regardless of boat size or design.
Ideal for sailors looking for competitive racing combined with a strong social atmosphere both on and off the water.
Division 3
Division 3 features smaller keelboats, generally between 22 and 28 feet, including designs such as Spacesailors, MBs and Endeavours.
With a focus on participation, learning and camaraderie, Division 3 provides an excellent entry point into keelboat racing while still offering close and competitive competition through performance handicapping.
Ideal for new keelboat sailors, family crews and those seeking enjoyable club racing.
Single Design Fleets
H28
The H28 is a classic Western Australian keelboat class that has been part of SoPYC racing for over 60 years.
Originally designed as a cruising yacht, the H28 is known for its comfort, forgiving handling and suitability for Swan River conditions. The fleet enjoys strong competition alongside a highly social club culture.
Ideal for sailors who appreciate traditional yachts and one-design racing.
Red Witch
The Red Witch is a uniquely Western Australian 20-foot trailerable keelboat designed specifically for Swan River sailing.
Safe, affordable and easy to maintain, Red Witches offer excellent one-design racing while remaining practical family cruising boats. Their legendary downwind performance makes them particularly exciting in stronger winds.
Ideal for sailors seeking affordable ownership and competitive fleet racing.
S80
The S80 is one of the most active and successful one-design fleets on the Swan River.
The class enjoys a busy calendar featuring:
- Metropolitan Championships
- State Championships
- South West Championships
- Match Racing Events
- Weekly club racing
The fleet actively supports new owners and crews, providing mentoring, coaching and technical support.
Ideal for sailors wanting strong competition and a vibrant class association.
Spacesailer 22 (SS22)
The SS22 delivers affordable one-design racing and remains one of WA’s most accessible keelboat classes.
Supported by a strong state association and welcoming fleet culture, the SS22 is an excellent class for both new sailors and experienced racers seeking competitive sailing without high ownership costs.
Ideal for sailors entering keelboat ownership and one-design racing.
Spacesailer 27 (SS27)
SoPYC hosts the largest Spacesailer 27 fleet in Western Australia.
Designed and built in WA, the SS27 has earned a reputation as both a capable racer and comfortable coastal cruiser. The fleet races as a one-design class while also enjoying extensive cruising along the WA coastline.
Typically crewed by 4 to 6 sailors, the boats can also be sailed short-handed.
Ideal for sailors wanting a versatile yacht that excels in both racing and cruising.
Why Race Keelboats at SoPYC?
- Year-round racing and regattas
- One-design and handicap fleets
- Racing for all experience levels
- Strong social and sailing community
- Pathways from Learn to Sail through to offshore racing
Whether your goal is championship racing, weekend competition, cruising, or simply spending time with like-minded sailors, South of Perth Yacht Club’s keelboat fleets offer a place for everyone.