Our Story

Our History

The History and Evolution of the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania

The Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania (MYCT) has been a cornerstone of Tasmania’s maritime heritage since its founding in 1924 as the Derwent Motor Boat Club. Initially established by a passionate group of powerboat enthusiasts, the club quickly gained prominence, hosting its first Commemoration Day Race in 1929 and the inaugural Tasmanian State Speedboat Championships in 1930. By 1935, the club had achieved national recognition by hosting the first Australian Speedboat Championships, solidifying its status as a leader in the sport.

Through the decades, powerboat racing has remained at the heart of MYCT’s identity. The club has achieved numerous milestones in the sport, including the establishment of the popular Runabout Class in the late 1940s and hosting major events like the Formula 1 Superboat Races and Offshore Superboat events in the 2000s, which drew large crowds to the River Derwent. While interest in powerboat racing has fluctuated over time, the club remains deeply committed to its roots and is actively working to reinvigorate the sport. Efforts are underway to foster new talent, engage the community, and re-establish MYCT as a hub for powerboat racing in Tasmania.

In addition to its racing legacy, the club has evolved to become a vibrant social and recreational hub. The opening of the Lindisfarne clubhouse in 1974 marked a turning point, providing members with modern facilities, including a restaurant, bar, and marina. The clubhouse, with its stunning views of the River Derwent, has become a popular venue for weddings, parties, and community events.

The club’s commitment to preserving Tasmania’s maritime history is exemplified by the acquisition and restoration of the historic Governor’s Launch, the ML Egeria, in 2007. This iconic vessel is now used for charters and special events, offering members and guests a unique connection to the state’s rich nautical heritage.

Today, the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania continues to honor its proud history while embracing the future. With a renewed focus on powerboat racing, a thriving social calendar, and a dedication to fostering community engagement, MYCT remains a vital part of Tasmania’s boating culture. Whether through racing, cruising, or social events, the club is committed to preserving its legacy and inspiring the next generation of powerboat enthusiasts.

Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania (MYCT) is located at the entrance to the Lindisfarne Bay offering sheltered anchorage, many boating facilities including slipping, refuelling and launching facilities. Our club house offers spectacular views over the River Derwent, great function facilities and popular weekday meals.

The Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania was formed in 1924, and enjoys a proud 99 - year history. We look forward to a celebration in 2024 of our 100-year journey and evolution.

Located on the waterfront of the Derwent River in Southern Tasmania Eastern Shore suburb of  Lindisfarne the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania is home to one of this State’s oldest vessel’s ‘The M.L. Egeria’, a classic antique vessel built from Huon Pine and Teak in 1941.

The Club has a long history of supporting and encouraging water sports and leisure activities Powerboats  were the clubs founding sport which is still going strong followed then by Cruisers and Sailing. We are now home to Derwent Storm Dragon Boats, the Lindisfarne Returned Services League RSL and have over 800 members and 140 berths.

With active social calendar ,quality restaurant and bar it  makes the Club an easy place to relax and socialise.

Brian Edmonds
Commodore MYCT

Board and Management

  • John Smith has been a dedicated member of the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania since 2004, and in 2023, his outstanding commitment was recognised with both the Club Member of the Year award and the prestigious honour of Life Membership. Recently appointed in 2025 as Club Patron, John’s leadership and hands-on approach have left a lasting impact on MYCT.

    Over his many years on the Board of Directors, John has served in a variety of roles, always leading by example. He has been instrumental in several major club projects, including the replacement of the marina whalings, the enclosure of our deck dining space, and the ongoing marina asset maintenance program. John’s expertise as a project manager—and his willingness to roll up his sleeves and contribute physical labour—have saved the club countless thousands of dollars and ensured the success and sustainability of our facilities.

    John’s tireless dedication and vision have played a vital role in shaping the vibrant, welcoming club we all enjoy today. His legacy is one of service, generosity, and genuine passion for the MYCT community.

  • Rev Chris Bowditch was ordained in 2013 and began as the Rector at Lindisfarne Anglican Church in April 2017.

    Chris also serves as a Chaplain in The Australian Army. He is married to his wife of 10+ years, Ellisa, and is the father of two beautiful daughters.

Flag Officers

  • Brian joined the MYCT in the early 1980’s and was a keen boating member owning a number of runabouts in partnership with Tim Debnam who both regularly skied, fished and enjoyed boating on the river.

    In 2000 Brian upgraded to a 19 foot Haines Hunter runabout which he still uses for fishing and diving today.

    In 2006 he upgraded to “Getaway”, a 35 foot Ranger Marine flybridge cruiser which he keeps in the MYCT marina. Together with his partner Ingrid, they have cruised to Port Davey and up the East Coast, and they continue to spend time away cruising, mainly in Southern Tasmania.

    Brian is a retired Police Officer who worked with Tasmania Police having served for over 40 years in a variety of roles around the State including 15 years with the Marine Police, Search and Rescue and as a Police diver.

    In 2020 he joined the MYCT Board, he then accepted the position as Vice Commodore in 2021 and was elected to the role of Commodore in 2023.

  • Matt is a commercial fisherman with over 30 years’ experience fishing and diving. Matt has been a Club Member for 40 years with the last 5 years as a board member.

    Matt and his wife Jo enjoy travelling, caravanning and are planning to spend a lot more time cruising instead of working on the water. They have 3 adult children and 1 new grandson.

  • I’ve spent most of my life on the water and have been fortunate enough to make a career in the marine industry—from repairing engines to skippering boats. My journey with the Motor Yacht Club began in 1974, where I went on to serve 13 years on the race committee from day one, and later as Vice Commodore during the days of Cliff Gore. 

    Boat Racing is in the Sorrentino‘s blood as a second generation. One of my son‘s Christopher is a keen commentator now.

     

    After some time away pursuing a career on the west coast, I returned and one of the first things I did was rejoin the club. I’m proud to now serve as an executive board member and to skipper the Egeria alongside a great group of volunteers.

Board Members

  • Todd has been a Member of the MYCT for thirty four years and is Director/owner of Southern Plumbing Pty Ltd, National Director Australian Power Boat association and Board Member Master Plumbers Tasmania .

    Todd has competed in power boat racing for over 30 years has won the Australasian unlimited outboard powerboat championship (the only Tasmanian to ever win the title) and is a 100mph badge holder. He has competed nationally in the Australian F1 Super Boat series representing MYCT and Tasmania and has worked /crewed overseas with numerous F1h20 teams competing on the world series including 24hr race held in Rouen.

    Todd is a keen offshore Sailor previously owner of “She’s The Culprit” a Inglis/Jones 39, owner / skipper 3x Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, owner Skipper 1x Melbourne to Hobart Yacht race and a winner IRC Maria Island race.

    Todd has also competed twice in Targa Tasmania and is a Trophy Winner

  • Penny has been involved with the MYCT for the past 10 years since moving to Hobart to take up a national leadership role with The Salvation Army. Over the past 10 years she and her partner have had a range of watercraft including a Clipper, a jet boat, a Bayliner trailer boat and recently a fly bridge cruiser.

    Penny is a board director of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Council of Tasmania and an advisory member of several sector consortiums. She manages the Tasmanian alcohol and other drugs programs and national projects in workforce development and change management.

    Penny and her partner Craig have 5 adult children and 4 grand children who all love spending time on the water.

  • Scott Dunn is a seasoned maritime professional with over 20 years of dedicated service as a member. His extensive career in law enforcement and maritime operations has equipped him with a wealth of experience and expertise that he brings to our organisation.

    Scott began his professional journey with the Union Steam Ship Company before joining the Tasmania Police in 1973. Over the course of his distinguished career, he spent 26 years in the Water Police/Marine Division, where he honed his skills in maritime safety and enforcement. For 16 years, he served as the skipper of an offshore patrol vessel, demonstrating exceptional leadership and operational proficiency in challenging environments.

    In addition to his law enforcement career, Scott has been actively involved with the ML Egeria, serving both as a volunteer and as skipper. His commitment to the vessel and its mission reflects his passion for maritime safety and community service.

    A passionate advocate for public safety, Scott has been deeply involved in search and rescue operations, making significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the community. His dedication to this critical work was recognized in 2008 when he was awarded the Australian Police Medal for Distinguished Service, acknowledging his outstanding commitment to search and rescue efforts within the Tasmania Police.

    Since retiring from the police force in 2011, Scott has continued to lend his expertise and insights to various maritime initiatives. His extensive background in law enforcement, combined with his hands-on experience in maritime operations—including his service on the ML Egeria—positions him as a valuable asset to our board.

    Scott's commitment to excellence and community service continues to inspire those around him, and we are proud to have him as a member of our board.

  • Marianne Stevenson has been a member of the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania since 2015 and joined the Board as a Director in 2026, bringing with her a distinguished career in medicine and education alongside extensive governance and community leadership experience.

    A general practitioner for 40 years until her retirement in 2024, Marianne also served for 14 years as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Tasmania’s School of Medicine, where she lectured in clinical medicine and professional behaviour and held a number of administrative roles. Her professional service includes a term as a Council member of the Tasmanian Faculty of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2015–2019), and earlier board service as a Board member and Vice President of the Division of General Practice Tasmania, and as a Board member of MacKillop College.

    Marianne’s connection to the Club runs through its on-water community. A member of the Derwent Storms Dragon Boat Club since 2015 and an accredited sweep since 2020, she has served as President of the Club since 2022 — recently re-elected for a further two-year term — having previously been Vice President and a committee member from 2019. In this role she has led one of the MYCT’s most active community groups and helped foster the close working relationship between the two organisations.

    In standing for the Board, Marianne expressed her admiration for the governance and management of the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania in recent years, and her wish to contribute to the Club’s continued growth and sound governance. She brings to the role a combination of leadership, governance experience and a deep commitment to the Club’s members and its future on the water.

  • Justin (Jud) Lawson is a career police officer of some 38 years (to date), who currently manages the Kingston Police Division.  Taking in Taroona to Cockle Creek, Bruny Island around to Port Davey & everything in between, life can certainly be busy.  Two distinct roles remain stand out favourites for Jud across his career  - a long term commitment to Search & Rescue, with 25 years as a police diver and dive supervisor and a period managing Marine and Rescue Services.  Patrolling the waters of Tasmania in all extremes of weather and calling it "work" are memories that Jud will never take for granted.   Beyond the workplace, he has a history of competitive Surf-Lifesaving that goes back to 1983, when he first joined Burnie SLSC.  A return to Hobart for University in 1987 saw a switch to Clifton Beach SLSC, with many years of patrols and competition at the State & National level following.  Being on, in or around the water remain central to a life well lived in Jud's book.

    A relative newcomer to MYCT, Jud gravitated towards the Club in 2019.  Now in is his second term as Director upon the Board, Jud recognises that he is a part of the Club at a time in history when membership is thriving, the staff are delivering amazing services and the strategic direction is set to place the Club in a sustainable position for the next 10  - 20 years.  Much closer than the Club's strategic timeline though, is retirement inching ever closer.  With more time on his hands, there is no doubt that on water adventures will increase exponentially.  This and the fact that MYCT will remain 'home base' for the remainder of his days!

  • Craig “Grinner” Woolford is a relatively new but highly active member of the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania, having joined in mid‑2024. In July 2025 he was appointed Racing Captain and joined the MYCT Board, quickly becoming a key part of the Club’s powerboat racing community.

    Craig owns and operates Baily Marine in the Huon Valley with his wife Michelle. Over the past seven years they have successfully turned the business around, building a strong reputation for quality service and reliability. Craig brings to the Board a strong work ethic, solid business acumen and a practical, hands‑on approach to getting things done.

    Beyond MYCT, Craig is heavily involved in the broader boating community and also serves on the Board of JetSkiTAS. Through JetSkiTAS he has been, and continues to be, involved in numerous fundraising events and community initiatives. JetSkiTAS now assists at most MYCT powerboat meets, strengthening safety, support and on‑water coordination.

    Known for his willingness to help anyone in need, Craig’s energy, community focus and commitment to the sport make him a valuable addition to the MYCT Board and racing team.

  • With a career rooted in hospitality, Tom Cashion brings hands-on experience and a genuine passion for service to his role as General Manager at the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania. Tom’s journey began in the kitchen, where he started out as a dishwasher and steadily worked his way up, completing formal qualifications in cookery. This foundation taught him the importance of hard work, teamwork, and attention to detail.

    Over the years, Tom transitioned from the kitchen to venue management, gaining valuable experience across several successful hotels and pubs throughout southern Tasmania. These roles allowed him to develop a well-rounded understanding of hospitality operations, from front-of-house service to behind-the-scenes logistics.

    In April 2024, Tom was appointed General Manager of MYCT, where he’s committed to fostering a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere for members and guests alike. Drawing on his practical background and leadership skills, Tom focuses on supporting his team, enhancing club operations, and ensuring every visitor enjoys the best of what MYCT has to offer.

    Tom remains proud of his humble beginnings and is dedicated to continuous improvement—both for himself and the club community he now leads.