Tucked along the upper reaches of the Swan River, Maylands Yacht Club is proving that small clubs can deliver big impact when it comes to introducing people to sailing. As one of Australian Sailing’s newer Discover Sailing Centres, officially joining the program in 2025, the club has quickly built a reputation for its welcoming community, strong volunteer base, and consistent delivery of quality learn-to-sail experiences.

With a history dating back to 1946, Maylands Yacht Club has long been part of the local fabric. Under the leadership of Commodore Mimi Secco, the club continues to evolve while staying true to its community-driven roots.

Building on Strong Foundations

For Maylands Yacht Club, becoming a Discover Sailing Centre was a natural next step. The club had already been delivering training programs aligned with Australian Sailing course structures and safety practices. With encouragement and support from their Australian Sailing Club Support Officer, formalising their status as a Discover Sailing Centre allowed them to strengthen and grow what they were already doing well.

Today, the club delivers a range of introductory programs including Tackers and Sailing 1 & 2, along with elements of Green Fleet. While their focus remains on learn-to-sail pathways, the demand speaks for itself - courses are consistently fully subscribed, reflecting strong local interest and engagement.

A Unique Sailing Environment

Located further upriver than most Perth sailing clubs, Maylands offers a truly distinctive sailing experience. The sheltered waters and lighter morning winds create an ideal environment for beginners to build confidence, while the ever-changing river conditions provide an engaging challenge as skills progress.

What truly sets the club apart, however, is its approach to learning. New sailors are paired with experienced members, allowing them to benefit from local knowledge and mentorship. This not only accelerates skill development but also fosters strong connections within the club.

As a fully volunteer-run organisation, Maylands Yacht Club prides itself on its inclusive and supportive culture. There’s a shared passion for sailing in a competitive environment - but without the pressure - making it an appealing entry point for those new to the sport.

Growing Participation Through Community

With a membership base of around 100, the club has maintained steady numbers over the years. However, this season has seen a particularly enthusiastic group of new sailors join the ranks. A key driver of this growth has been the club’s proactive approach in helping participants transition into boat ownership, supporting longer-term engagement beyond initial training.

Importantly, Maylands Yacht Club serves a catchment area that traditionally has limited access to sailing opportunities. Its location on publicly accessible land also strengthens its connection with the wider community, creating greater visibility and accessibility for the sport.

Expanding Opportunities On and Off the Water

While sailing is at the heart of the club, Maylands also supports a competitive Radio Control sailing group, with members regularly competing at state and national level - adding another dimension to the club’s offering.

A major recent milestone has been the expansion of the club’s fleet, including the addition of Optimists. This has opened up new pathways for junior sailors, complementing existing classes such as Mirror (one of the largest fleets in Australia), Minnow, and Laser. With a new Tackers coach leading the way, younger sailors now have more opportunities than ever to get involved.

Challenges and Future Focus

Like many volunteer-run clubs, Maylands has faced challenges - particularly around resourcing instructors. However, becoming a Discover Sailing Centre has provided a valuable solution. Through increased access to instructor training and accreditation, the club is building a sustainable pipeline of qualified instructors from within its own membership, while also being able to tap into the wider DSC network when needed.

A Club with Heart

At its core, Maylands Yacht Club is defined by its people. Its friendly, community-focused atmosphere, combined with a unique sailing environment and a strong commitment to learning, makes it a standout Discover Sailing Centre.

As they continue to grow and develop their programs, Maylands Yacht Club is a great example of how passion, collaboration, and community spirit can drive participation and create meaningful sailing experiences for all.

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Want to learn more about becoming a Discover Sailing Centre or getting involved?

Find out more here.