We’re delighted to be putting our support behind one of the peninsula’s most iconic organisations, the Balmain Sailing Club. Formed in 1885, it’s played host to many heady days and wildly popular events that are now part of Sydney sailing folklore.
The club was re-established in 1995 after a period of little activity for nearly 50 years, when a community based group took over the lease of the premises at the foot of Water Street, Birchgrove, previously home to the Balmain 12ft Skiff Club.
As the clubhouse was in disrepair, a fundraising and building program was organised with many enthusiastic, hardworking volunteers helping to transform it into the wonderful facility it is today – a welcoming, inclusive club with active racing, training and cruising.
The emphasis is on fun and friendly competition in a beautiful location. More than 70 boats now participate in the Friday twilight races, 30 boats on summer Sundays and more than 60 now race in the West Harbour Winter Series.
Cobden & Hayson’s sponsorships funds are going towards building a new deck and pontoon, helping to secure the club’s viability and success for many years to come.
On Sunday 27th October the club invited our staff along to their 170th anniversary of the Balmain Regatta, first held in 1849, making it one of Australia’s oldest sailing events. A celebration of Balmain’s place in the rich maritime history of Sydney Harbour, it saw competitors race in fleets of classic waterman skiffs, historical sailing skiffs, classic yachts, cruising yachts, modern racing yachts, sports boats and putt-putts. The local community all joined in the festivities which will included a full day of racing, food, refreshments and live music.
Andre Cumberland Operations Manager for C&H said “Another fantastic day on the water. I’ve had the opportunity of representing C&H at the Balmain Regatta for the last three years and they only get better- especially as C&H and the crew of Satori placed third last weekend! A very well-organised event; the efforts of David Stenhouse and the crew at Balmain Sailing Club definitely didn’t go unnoticed. The regatta makes for a great day for mingling with the community and we look forward to attending many more in the years to come.
Prior to this, on Saturday 26th October, the club will hosted its annual Pub Challenge, an opportunity for publicans from Balmain and further afield to compete against one another in some famous inter-pub rivalry.
For more information visit Balmain Sailing Club.
