Whilst the Clubhouse at Edithvale was a very welcome haven during our first year as a club, the accommodation was not really suitable and sharing the area was not satisfactory to either of the clubs using it. Therefore, during the winter, Club Members has inspected the foreshore and approached the City of Chelsea for a lease of a site in Chelsea. After due consideration we were offered an area at the end of Franklin Avenue of 100' by 50 feet and corresponding to the Southern portion of our present location.
Plans for the building were drawn by Bert Smith and were accepted at a General Meeting. Then under the direction of our "Head Carpenter" - Bert Smith - the members laboured well and raised a shed 30' by 33' which was so staunchly built that it has lasted until now despite many storms and alterations. Harry Flint wired it for electric power and the Ladies were in business handing out hot cups of tea and some food to cold and tired sailors
Sunday, 19th November 1939, dawned fine and stayed pleasant all day with a medium strength southerly breeze; just an ideal day to mark the opening of our Clubhouse and the first Opening Day Regatta to be conducted from the present Club site.
On the ebb tide, a fleet of 23 yachts, representing six classes, put to sea accompanied by several motor boats crowded with well wishers. This presented a great spectacle to the many visitors on the beach.
The official party, which was welcomed by the President and the Commodore Stan Bertram, supported by Mrs Bertram and daughters Barbara and Helen, included the Hon. Mr C. Gartside, M.L.C. and Mrs Gartside, Mr F. Field, M.L.A. and Mrs Field, The Mayor of the City of Chelsea - Cr. C. Titchener and Mrs Titchener, Cr. C. Black, Cr. T. Sargeant, The Commodore of Frankston Yacht Club, Mr Bill Corbett and Mrs Corbett. Also present were Dr. R. Le Souef, Mrs Le Souef, Mr P. Laugier, secretary of the Frankston Yacht Club, with fellow members Bob and Ivan Danks, Ken Utber, Jim Proctor and John Grice.
The newly erected Clubhouse was opened by the Mayor supported by Mr Gartside and Mr Field, who spoke at length on the amazing growth of the Club which now numbered 5 Vaucluse Senior, 7 Vaucluse Junior and 2 Twelve Square Metre Yachts on its register. In those days their combined value was about $1200.
Home/ News/ Sailing/ Photos/ Calender/ Sail Training/ Merchandise/ Race Results/ Social/ Notice Board/ Membership Fees/ Boats For Sale/ Committee/ History/ Webcam/ Weather/ Links