FAQs

The Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club first became an incorporated association in 1977, however was formed as the “Goolwa Regatta Club” some time prior to August 1854. 

It’s original objective was to organise annual regatta featuring various types of water sports between members of the fishing fleet based at Goolwa and those of the whaling fleet at nearby Victor Harbor. The Goolwa Regatta grew into a leading event on the South Australian sporting and social calendar. At its peak it included sailing, power boat racing, paddle steamer races, rowing, swimming and novelty events. 

Today, the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club is believed to be Australia’s oldest continuously operating yacht club and is the home of Goolwa’s yachting community. The Club operates an active year-round sailing program and the club’s facilities are available for members and visitors. 

The Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club occupy a portion of Crown Record Volume 6164 Folio 815 (under Alexandrina Council area and control for “recreation purposes”) located at 112 Barrage Road, Goolwa South. 

The Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club’s previous 21 year Lease Agreement was approved at the 17 April 2001 Council Meeting, commencing 3 July 2001 and expired on 3 July 2022. 

The annual rental fee for a Minor Commercial Community Agreement would be $500 (ex GST) in accordance with Council’s Lease and Licence Policy. The Club would remain responsible for all building and maintenance costs, rates and service connections, and marina infrastructure.

The proposed term of the new lease is 20 years, so public consultation is required. At the 20 June 2022 Council Meeting, Council endorsed proceeding to consultation on a 20 year lease term for the Goolwa Regatta Yacht Club, consistent with Council’s Lease and Licence Policy for tenure terms.

The draft lease will include 4 terms of 5 years each, to allow for any lease variations or amendments required to reflect on ground operations.