On this day 75 years ago (16 June), the Australian Yachting Federation (later Australian Sailing) became the first governing body for the sport of sailing in Australia when it held its first ever meeting at the Royal St. Kilda Yacht Club in Victoria.
One of the first tasks for the fledgling AYF was to work with the Australian Olympic Committee to organise the Australian team to go to the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. It was required to ”decide on a system of selection races for national representation in the various classes, hold these races, and ship crews and craft selected to Helsinki.” (Seacraft Magazine, January 1951).
In 1966, the Australian Yachting Federation applied for direct membership of the International Yacht Racing Union (now World Sailing). (Modern Boating, November 1966).
The Australian Yachting Federation became Yachting Australia in 2001, and in 2016 the organisation re-branded to Australian Sailing under the One Sailing governance model.
As we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee today, we can look back at the many milestones we have achieved in our 75-year history.
As of today, Australian Sailing represents and provides services to almost 350 Affiliated Clubs across the country and more than 160 Discover Sailing Centres that continue to introduce our sport to people of all ages and abilities year-on-year.
Australia Sailing’s purpose is to grow sailing by leading, inspiring and supporting sailors and their communities. The sailing communities around the country, full of volunteers, coaches and advocates for our sport, continue to help our movement in getting more people on the water, in more ways, more often.
“Sailing in Australia has a long and proud history and has helped define our national culture,” said Australian Sailing President Shevaun Bruland.
“Over 75 years and through multiple names and rebrands, Australian Sailing has been there to support the growth of sailing in Australia. We are incredibly proud of the work done by the clubs, members, sailors and countless volunteers over three quarters of a century who have helped weave our sport into the fabric that makes our nation.
“On our 75th Anniversary we reflect on the progress of our sport in that time and thank the many who have contributed to ensuring sailing maintains its place in the national conscience. Without that tireless work, thousands of Australians wouldn’t be able to enjoy the many great times we’ve had on the water and at our local sailing club.
“Sailing is more than just a sport, it’s a part of the Australian identity.”
Australian Sailing Interim CEO, Ben Callard, is also taking the time to relfect on the immense history of Australian Sailing. “For 75 years, Australian Sailing has proudly served as the national voice and backbone of our sport. From Olympic glory to grassroots participation, we’ve charted an incredible course made possible by the passion of our volunteers, clubs, classes and sailors. As we celebrate this legacy, we look forward to writing the next chapter with equal purpose, unity, and ambition.”
“The true heartbeat of Australian sailing lies in our clubs. They’re the places where lifelong memories are made, skills are passed down, and communities come together. On our 75th anniversary, we honour the incredible work happening every week at club level to grow and sustain our sport,” he said.
On a global stage, Australia continues to have an impact in the sport. There was of course the Team of Australia II who broke America’s 132-year stranglehold on the America’s Cup, our 36 Olympic and Paralympic medalists, World Speed Sailing records, the Australia SailGP Team who won their first three consecutive SailGP championships and the countless world champions across classes.
To learn more about Australian Sailing’s history, click here.
