Garden Island Yacht Club

Garden Island Yacht Club (GIYC) was founded in 1978 as an affordable club for sailing and boating enthusiasts. Since then, it has developed to include marinas, significant hardstand space, slipways, workshops, and a fine clubhouse. Pretty much everything a sailing and boating enthusiast needs. The club prides itself on its friendly members and welcoming atmosphere, partially due to the club being run by volunteers.   

The club is close to the Barker inlet dolphin sanctuary, and members often interact with these and other marine organisms when enjoying their sport. While GIYC is set in a natural mangrove environment subject to tides, the waters of the Barker Inlet and St Kilda basin, along with the Section Bank, provide sheltered sailing with good winds without large swells and short sharp seas. Many members enjoy sailing the gulfs stopping off at the clubs at North Haven before crossing and returning.

Organised club events include cruising in company and casual racing; these events are a great opportunity to get to know the club, its waters and tricks and techniques to sail your boat more efficiently. Working ‘bees’ are very social and allow members to reduce their fees while contributing to the upkeep of the club.

Friday club nights and formal functions are always enjoyable, with catering from our large commercial-sized kitchen and our cosy bar. The club has an on-site caretaker; gate keys and cameras provide security. Feel free to contact us for a guided tour of our facilities; you might even see a Dolphin or two fishing around our marinas.