Sailing - MHYC | Middle Harbour Yacht Club

Middle Harbour Yacht Club has a proud sailing history with traditions stretching back over 85 fantastic years. The extensive Annual Program and the Club Divisions available, will cater to all your sailing needs. From competitve Keelboat Racing to cruising the inlets of Sydney Harbour and beyond; Learn to Sail programs at our Australian Sailing - accredited 'Discover Sailing Centre' and of course the fun and excitement of our Centreboard Racing Divisions for the Junior and Youth Class boats - all this and more is availabe at the Middle Harbour Yacht Club. What ever sailing you're into, the Middle Harbour Yacht Club has an activity for sailors of all ages and abilities.

Keelboat Racing Program

The MHYC Keelboat Racing Program is open to MHYC members and Visiting Members of other clubs, higlights include

Weekly Inshore Racing (Saturdays)
Weekly Wednesday Non Spinnaker Racing (Wednesdays all year)
Twilight Non Spinnaker Racing (Thursdays during Daylight Savings)
Open Series (combination of Inshore, Sprint, SOP racing which does not clash with major Australian events)
Major Events and Regattas

Cruising Program

Racing not for you? The Cruising Division offers a vast program of training and leisurely activities on a monthly basis.

Youth Sailing Program

The MHYC Youth Sailing Program provides training for sailors from beginner to racing with sailing conducted all through the year.

International Optimist Class (Junior Class Boat)

Adult Sail Training

Located on the foreshores of the Club is our resident training school Flying Fish Australia. Flying Fish offers a range of courses to suit, including learning the basics through to yacht master qualifications (RYA/YA), Safety at Sea Survial, radio communications and powerboat training.

Crewing Opportunities

Crewing at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, the Club welcomes any level of crew to participate in our sailing programs. A registration system is in place to bring boat owners and crew together. Pre-register or just drop by on a race day.

Middle Harbour Yacht Club also hosts a number of charity events/industry days, regattas and championships.

Middle Harbour looks forward to seeing you at the Club and on the water.

The MHYC Sailing Office can assist you with any queries, please contact 02 8969 3102.

The Sailing Office is open from Wednesday - Saturday, 0900hrs - 1700hrs.

Special Regulations

MHYC Requirements

MHYC Special Regulations Equipment Requirements: Audit Form 2023-2024

Special Regulations Audit Forms

Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Category 4 (Minimum required for Offshore Racing)
Category 5
Category 6
Category 7 (Minimum required for Thursday Twilight and Wednesday Racing)

To book an inspection, contact the Sailing Office on 8969 3102 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Marine Communications Inspection Form (Recommended for Cat 1-3)

Current list of MHYC Auditors - Club / National

Current list of AS / NSW accredited Equipment Auditors (AS Website)

Australian Sailing Special Regulations Page

Australian Sailing Racing Rules and Appeals Page - includig download to Racing Rules of Sailing Blue Book

Marine Flare Disposal Information

Get Checked Days - Saturday June 29 & Sunday 25 August 2024

MHYC holds a two annual Get Checked Days for Equipment Audits, which allows Club Members the perfect opportunity to have their boats audited prior to the new sailing season commencing free of charge. The dates for the 2022-2023 season free audits are Saturday 24th June and Sunday 20th August 2023.

Bookings for an equipment audit are to be arranged directly through the MHYC Sailing Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Inflatable PFD's can be serviced by Boatie Afloat with drop-off and pick-up at the MHYC Marina Office. Get in early to avoid delays in the lead up to the Get Checked Days by contacting Tom Pyne on 0418 242 637 to book in. Fire extinguisher testing or replacement will be available at the club on the morning of the Get Checked Days. For more information contact Craig Condon on 0413 627 047 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Presentation of a Boat for Inspection process

• Boat owners should obtain and complete an Equipment Compliance form from their club (or download above) prior to the inspection.
• The owner or his representative should carry out an initial inspection and tick/sign the appropriate box - making sure to check expiry dates and quality of equipment, as well as identifying the location of equipment that may be asked to be presented during the inspection.
• Boat owners should make a firm appointment for an audit and they should be punctual.
• Necessary equipment should be laid out ready for inspection, including copies of service certificates and any additional safety documentation; ie stowage plans, Epirb registration, Life Raft Service Certificates, PFD Service Certificates. (Cat 1 and 2 inspections - owners should have a copy of these certificates on hand to submit to the auditor as a part of the inspection paperwork.)
• The skipper and knowledgeable crew member should be on board during the inspection.
• The owner's Australian Sailing number and vessel registration details shall be made available to the Auditor or the Equipment Compliance form cannot be completed.

Equipment Layout for Inspection

All items required for safety inspection should be laid out prior to the Auditor coming on board. Prior preparation will significantly reduce the time taken to complete the inspection.

• Storm boards ready to be put in place.
• Sea cocks and plugs exposed, not hidden by equipment.
• Know the water and fuel capacity of your tanks
• Fire extinguishers taken from brackets so date tags can be sighted.
• First Aid kits open and items with use by dates on the top so that expiry date can be checked.
• Publications and charts on chart table.
• Emergency navigation lights with batteries fitted.
• PFD's, harnesses, tethers and flares laid out.
• Radio installation inspection certificate.
• Life Raft Certificate
• Jackstays rigged.
• Lifelines tightened.

After the Inspection

It is the owners responsibility to ensure that the boat continues to comply in every respect with the category the boat is competing in. Owners should remain familiar with the Australian Sailing Special regulations and ensure that all equipment remains on the boat, is kept in good working order and that equipment is replaced or repaired as necessary.

The onus is NOT on the race organisers, the Club or the Equipment Auditors to perform ongoing checks or to confirm compliance. The responsibility remains with the boat owner - the audit only verifies that the equipment is on board at the time of the inspection.