Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club Inc

The Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club has a rich history rooted in the dedication of sailors and rowers dating back to the 1950s. Originally known as the Noosa River Sailing Club, it first opened its clubhouse in September 1961, led by Noosa Shire Council Chairman S. Adams and Commodore W. Hayter. The Club expanded as membership grew, evolving into the Noosa Yacht Club. Meanwhile, rowers, who were also prominent on the Noosa River, founded the Noosa Rowing Club in 1981. They sought a permanent home, leading to a collaborative effort that resulted in the incorporation of the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club in February 1984. Key figures like Don Reed, Dr. Nick Kahl, Simon Newcomb, and Billy Griffiths played crucial roles in securing the riverfront site that would become the club’s permanent base. Construction of a new clubhouse began with support from dedicated volunteers and local government approval. Noel Playford, the Noosa Shire Council Chairman, and Club Vice Commodore Peter D’Arcey turned the first sod, launching the build led by Ron Slinn and Ron Scholes, with an ambitious completion target of Easter 1994. On April 1, 1994, the Club celebrated its grand opening, marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Queensland’s Department of Tourism, Sport and Racing’s Steve Hoban, Commodore John Sheriff, and Hon. Secretary Bruce Whitfield.