Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron members back waterfront overhaul

Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron members have backed a controversial strategy to transform the club’s Kirribilli waterfront and eventually end on-site out-of-water boat repairs.

At a general meeting on Tuesday night, 57.6% of votes were cast in favour of adopting the Squadron 2035 Strategic Plan, while 42.4% opposed it.

Members also rejected two resolutions designed to protect the Squadron’s existing boatyard operations.

A proposal requiring the club to retain its worksheds, travel lift and shipyard and continue providing out-of-water repairs was defeated by 55.4% to 44.6%.

A third resolution, which sought to preserve the facilities until members approved an amendment to the club’s constitution, was rejected by a similar margin of 55.9% to 44.1%.

The result endorses the General Committee’s preferred voting position on all three resolutions and clears it to progress the proposed redevelopment, subject to planning and regulatory approvals.

Under the strategy, about half the hardstand now used to lift boats from the water would be transformed into a multi-use Sailing Centre. It would include dinghy launching and storage, learn-to-sail and school programs, training and events, along with a gym and other fitness facilities.

Slipping, antifouling, sandblasting and other below-waterline work would ultimately move off site. Other marine services, including shipwright, engine, electrical, rigging and sailmaking work, are expected to continue on vessels in the water.

However, the vote does not mean the boatyard will close immediately. The strategy says out-of-water services will continue in their present form until planning approvals are secured and the General Committee decides to proceed. Approval will be required from North Sydney Council and maritime authorities.

The committee argued that the overhaul was needed to address an ageing and declining membership and make better use of the club’s waterfront land. It has also warned that the Squadron’s 46-year-old travel lift is unlikely to pass mandatory safety recertification in 2030.

It estimated that retaining haul-out operations would require about $700,000 for a replacement lift and another $150,000 for work health and safety improvements.

More than 100 members had campaigned against the plan, arguing that the club was being asked to make an irreversible decision before planning risks, capital costs and alternatives had been fully examined.

They advocated investigating whether the boatyard could be leased to an external operator and wanted a working group established before the redevelopment proceeded.

The final vote closely reflected an earlier club survey in which 58% of voting-eligible respondents supported the strategic direction.

The Squadron thanked members who attended in person or online for their “constructive engagement” and said a more detailed communication from the commodore would follow.