SSCBC’s origins date back to 1948 and they are proud of our journey over the past 70 years or so. Each stage of SSCBC’s growth and evolution has contributed to the Club they now love and enjoy.

One aspect of the Club that is incredibly important is the iconic Couta boats. Couta boats were traditionally used as fishing vessels to catch barracouta along the coast of Bass Strait. The Couta boats would then race back to shore with their catch. Many of the fleet are restored originals, some dating back to the early 1900s, racing regularly against the newer boats in the fleet. The Club is fortunate to have the largest fleet of Couta boats in Australia, and they are raced competitively most weekends from November to June. SSCBC also owns a Couta boat, Ripple, giving members and visitors to the Club who are interested in learning how to sail a Couta boat the opportunity to have a go.

Another important aspect of the Club is the welcoming and inclusive nature of their Training Centre. Throughout summer, school holidays and weekends throughout most of the year, you will find junior and youth sailors making the most of their time on the water, learning to sail or continuing to progress through the more competitive off the beach stages of racing. The junior and youth sailors are nurtured by an incredible team of accredited instructors, many of whom have grown up themselves at the Club and are now part of our coaching team.

The SSCBC Cara na Mara program (meaning “friends of the sea” in Ireland) welcomes children aged from 5 years and provides their first introduction to sailing and boating in general, in a controlled and safe environment. The Learn to Sail courses lead on from there, providing opportunities for children, teen and adults to begin the journey of sailing. This is where lifelong friendships are formed. The Training Centre participants return each school holidays to meet up again with their friends, right where they left off, to enjoy their time at the beach.

Situated in one of the most picturesque parts of the World, with the flat waters of Port Phillip Bay ideal for sailing. The Clubhouse offers incredible views across the bay, and they invite Members and their guests to dine in the Clubhouse or enjoy a meal on the deck. The Clubhouse is also available for private functions for both Members and their guests. Planning is underway for a renovation of our Clubhouse, providing additional space for the Training Centre, boat storage, office administration and a new and improved kitchen and deck area. Stay tuned for this exciting new chapter of SSCBC!
 
SSCBC has successfully hosted many national and international regattas in recent years. Their prevailing offshore sea breezes, flat water and perfect sailing conditions provide ideal sailing for all dinghies, sailboards and off the beach boats. Their large membership base provides them with a generous group of skilled volunteers who help SSCBC to host national and international regattas, such as Barbara & Fred (pictured below) who in their 80's still contribute at sailing events in various capacities, more on that story via this link 

Some of the major national and international regattas recently held at SSCBC include:

•    2020 Australian Youth Championships 10-14 January 2020
•    2019 International B14s National Championships
•    2018 Waszp National Championships
•    World Foiling Moth Championships in 2015 with 18 countries represented
•    The Australian Youth Championships in 2014
•    420 and 470 National Championships in 2013/14
•    49er/29er World Championships in 2008
  
 
Boats Sailed At SSCBC
All boats are welcomed at SSCBC. They predominantly cater our training and Club racing around the following classes of boats:

Single handed:
 
•    Optimist: The Opti is the most widely sailed boat in the World. SSCBC works closely with the Victorian Optimist Association (VIODA).
•    Minnow: Although the class is declining in numbers, there are still many juniors who like the vintage style.
•    Laser: This is the dominant youth class in SSCBC. The Club works closely with the Victorian Laser Association and regularly supports class training.
•    WASZP: The Waszp class is going from strength to strength. SSCBC is fast becoming a hub for Waszp sailors in Victoria. SSCBC has some home-grown sailors who have reached international success.
•    Moth: Arguably the most exciting boat of our beach, the Moth is a beauty to watch and normally turns heads. Keep an eye out for Harry Mighell doing laps around Couta boats in the moorings!
•    Aero: A new class to Australia which is similar to the Laser.
•    Sabre: A traditional classic dinghy which is mainly sailed by the adult fleet.
 
Double handed: 
 
•    Quest: This is a perfect transition boat, ideal for mucking around and having fun or teaching the basics of kites and wires to set you up for the 420 or 29er.
•    Pacer: This is a low powered dinghy, mainly used in our Learn to Sail program or for team racing. They are available for rent during off-peak times.
•    420: A classic two-handed boat with a spinnaker and trapeze which teaches lifelong sailing skills
•    29er: A more modern skiff design dinghy with trapeze and spinnaker.
•    49er/49erFX: A high performance dinghy sailed in the Olympics which has several Club Members on the Olympic circuit. The flat waters make it an ideal boat for our water.
•    Catamarans: There are a variety of Cats on the beach at SSCBC; the most active on the water are Tornados.

Current Commodore: Graham Cunningham