Port Stephens Yacht Club preparing to hoist the sails and ring in a new season

PORT Stephens Yacht Club (PSYC) is preparing to hoist the sails and ring in a new season with its Annual Season Opening Day on Saturday, 4 October, with the community warmly invited to join the festivities.

While the ceremony and spectacle are front and centre, the deeper story of the PSYC is one of enduring connection.

Many members describe the club as a second home, where being part of a crew is about trust, teamwork, and shared experience.

Take Peter Ballard and Doug Wheen, who co-own the yacht “Solanda”, joined by John Townsend, a former Commodore and Sydney to Hobart veteran.

With an average age of 81, they still sail together regularly, a testament to friendships forged at sea.

Long-time sailor Craig Tucker, owner of “Exalte”, adds to the club’s legacy with over 25 years on the local waters.

Founded in 1971, PSYC has been a fixture of the local community for more than five decades, growing from a handful of passionate sailors into a thriving, multi-generational hub.

“People join to sail however stay because of the friendships,” said PSYC member Margaux Everett.

“From the beginning, the club was built on the idea of sailing bringing people together.
“Families joined, children learned to sail, and over time the club became a place where generations have shared the water.”

Magaux said the annual Opening Day is always a “moment of pride” for the club.

“It’s when the yachts are dressed, the flags are flying, and the community comes together to celebrate what sailing means to Port Stephens.”

The Sail Past, set to begin at 1pm, is the day’s centrepiece, a vibrant flotilla of colour, tradition and character.

Around 15 yachts, alongside any visiting vessels, will parade past with the Commodore in full maritime dress and each boat saluting as their name, skipper, and history are announced to the crowd.

The Opening Day tradition goes back more than a century across sailing clubs.

At PSYC, the Sail Past has been part of the calendar since the early years of the club in the 1970s.

The salute to the Commodore is an important connection to that history and a sign of respect for seamanship.

Traditionally the sail past has been led by PSYC members, however this year the invitation is open to all water vessels in Port Stephens.

Boaties are encouraged to dress up their craft with maritime flags and join the fleet in saluting the Commodore.

The best viewing spot is along the foreshore near the PSYC clubhouse, with spectators encouraged to arrive from 12pm.

Onshore, community stalls will feature Marine Rescue, local kayaking groups, food and coffee vendors, and marine businesses.

This year’s Opening Day will also celebrate the completion of the club’s new facilities, made possible by a State Government grant which marks an important milestone in PSYC’s growth and recognition of sailing as a vital part of Port Stephens’ cultural and economic life.

Interest in the club has surged in recent times, with over 30 new membership enquiries and the return of several notable yachts to The Bay.

By Jacie WHITFIELD