The Derwent Sailing Squadron has one of the most comprehensive sailing programs offered by any club in Tasmania and is renowned for its yacht racing quality and professionalism.
In January 2025, the Squadron will be hosting the prestigious Australian Yachting Championships on behalf of Australian Sailing, further demonstrating the Squadron's excellence in the sailing community.
Most weekends of the year, Squadron yachts can be seen battling it out with each other and the elements on the River Derwent. Whilst the Pipe Opener, Two Capes, Launceston to Hobart and King of the Derwent rightly enjoy pride of place in the calendar, there are more than 150 events enjoyed over the course of a season by sailors of all abilities.
Yacht racing takes place in divisions depending on each boat’s individual specifications, and with all craft individually handicapped, it makes for some invigorating and very close racing. With many designs needing crews of three or more, there are always skippers on the lookout for reliable crew. For those who cannot afford to buy or run their own yachts, this is one of the most cost-effective routes into sailing.
The club’s yacht racing series, many of which are run in conjunction with other clubs, include:
The Derwent Sailing Squadron is able to manage and organise major regattas and boating events.
Playing host to state and national championships is a regular feature and a moment of great pride was being selected as the co-host of the prestigious 2018 SB20 World Championships and Australian Sharpie Nationals in 2022.
Selected by Australian Sailing to host the prestigious Australian Yachting Championship in 2024, the Squadron will once more demonstrate its adept race management skills in developing a high calibre national regatta.
The club has a dedicated and hard-working race management team who have considerable experience to draw upon. It is this professionalism that enables organisers of major events on the national and international stage to feel assured that their event is in good hands.
