The Derwent Sailing Squadron has been part of Tasmania’s maritime life for well over a century. Founded in February 1906 as the Domain Sailing Squadron, it was formed by a group of local yachtsmen seeking a more accessible and inclusive alternative to the larger and more formal yachting scene of the time.
Early meetings were held aboard the old whaling ship Derwent Hunter, moored at the Domain slipyard. When the vessel was lost to fire in 1907, the Squadron carried on, operating without a permanent home for nearly 50 years. During that time, members met in local Hobart taverns and eventually the old RSL building in central Hobart.
A landmark moment came in 1953, when the Squadron secured Cheverton’s Jetty on the Sandy Bay foreshore through a lease from the Cheverton family. This laid the foundation for the Squadron’s current home. Foreshore land was soon leased from the Hobart City Council, and by 1965, a permanent clubhouse was officially opened by Lady Gairdner, wife of the Governor of Tasmania.
This marked the beginning of a new chapter. A range of essential facilities followed, including a slipway, launching ramp, haul-out area, and yacht storage, laying the groundwork for what would become one of Tasmania’s most important sailing hubs.
In 1985, the Squadron opened the 102-berth Graham Blackwood Marina, followed by an expansion in 1987. Another significant upgrade came in 2015 with the completion of the Roy Barkas Marina Extension, delivering a modern 150-berth floating marina and bringing the Squadron’s capacity to 277 vessels, the largest of any club in Tasmania.
Today, the Squadron continues to grow. With record membership and ongoing investment in infrastructure and services, the Squadron remains committed to its founding values of accessibility, community, and participation, and looks to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.
Explore our history - and be part of our future.
Additional 10 floating marina berths added with an investment of $468,000.
Brian Freeman Floating Pontoon opened to assist with easy access to the water for Sailability programs with an investment of $270,000.
Marina Amenity Block opened consisting of 5 bathrooms including 2 with all ability facilities and laundry facility with an investment of $528,000.
Fuel facilities installed with an investment of $75,000.
Official Opening of the Roy Barkas Marina Extension consisting of 138 floating berths with an investment of $6.9m.
Bar extensions and clubhouse refurbishment completed $200,000.
A newly reconstructed launching ramp was completed $70,000.
A new jetty replaced the existing structure $200,000.
Floating jetty for Sailability and members was completed.
New dinghy storage facilities next to the slipway constructed.
The Squadron flagpole and anchor were repositioned and the carpark landscaped and sealed.
The Graham Blackwood marina was extended to now include 130 berths.
The Graham Blackwood marina was officially opened with 104 fixed pile berths.
The kitchen was updated and extended.
The Clubhouse extended to cope with increased membership.
A new floating launching ramp was installed off the lawn for junior sailors.
The Squadron buys Cheverton’s jetty for 11,750 pounds.
The Squadron moved into a new clubhouse on Cheverton’s jetty which was leased from the Cheverton family.
The Domain Sailing Squadron formed and the hulk of the Derwent Hunter, located near the current Tas Port slipway, was used as the clubrooms.
