Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania

Our History

Founded in 1924 as the Derwent Motor Boat Club and renamed the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania in 1926, MYCT has shaped powerboating on the River Derwent for a century. From the first Australian Speedboat Championships in Tasmania (1935) to today’s racing at the HC Millington Memorial circuit in Granton, our story blends innovation on water with a welcoming clubhouse at Lindisfarne Bay. A major marina build in 2000 anchors our 150-berth facility, while volunteers keep heritage alive aboard Egeria. Explore our detailed timeline by decade, racing honours and events, the evolution of our clubhouses and marina, and the people—patrons, commodores, life members, officials, and volunteers—who built MYCT. Dive into gallery archives, trophies, and our centenary celebrations of 2024.

Foundations and early momentum (1920s)

  • 1924: Derwent Motor Boat Club formed as powered craft surged in popularity on the Derwent.

  • 1926: Renamed Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania to reflect broader ambitions.

  • 1927: E. C. Fish awarded the first Life Membership.

  • 1929: Commemoration Day race to New Norfolk popularises powerboating.

  • 1933: Club rooms opened on Collins Street, Hobart, as a social and organisational hub.

Pioneering championships and growth (1930s)

  • 1930: First State Championship for the Outboard Speedboat Class.

  • 1934: Huon Branch founded to extend participation (later wound up).

  • 1935: Tasmania hosts the first Australian Speedboat Championships at Franklin, cementing the state’s national role.

Revival and Lindisfarne era (1950s–1960s)

  • Racing calendars rebuild; membership and social programs grow.

  • Land acquired at Lindisfarne, setting foundations for the modern clubhouse and racing on Lindisfarne Bay.

  • Club culture emphasises family‑friendly, volunteer‑driven participation.

War years and resilience (1940s)

  • Petrol restrictions curtail racing; the clubhouse remains a social anchor.

  • Members maintain vessels and community ties, preserving know‑how for post‑war revival.

Powerboat Racing Milestones

  • Four race meetings annually at the Granton circuit (HC Millington Memorial), with local rounds attracting around 100 attendees and national meets drawing closer to 300.

  • MYCT officials and volunteers uphold rigorous safety standards, including the APBA‑mandated inverted cell safety test (in place since 1999).

  • Signature events such as the National Powerboat Championship at Granton showcase top‑tier competition and the passion of Tasmanian crews.

Modernisation and expansion (1970s–2000)

  • Progressive marina and clubhouse improvements expand berths and capacity.

  • 2000: Major marina upgrade establishes a contemporary 150‑berth facility, today operating near 100% utilisation.

People and Patrons

  • Guided by respected figures and lifelong contributors, the Club’s culture is built on service and camaraderie.

  • Notable names across eras include Ralph King (Patron), Chris Debnam, Mike “Crash” Cleary, Greg Fannon, and Joy Fannon (first female Rear Commodore, Life Member).

Egeria: The Volunteer‑Powered Icon

The historic vessel Egeria is maintained by a dedicated team of around 30 volunteers who manage rotations, maintenance, and succession themselves. Their commitment represents the hands‑on spirit that defines MYCT.

Centenary and Community (2010s–2020s)

  • Growth in events (100+ annually) and community activities positions the clubhouse as a friendly, welcoming gathering place.

  • 2024: MYCT celebrates 100 years with a plaque unveiled by the Governor, alongside music, food, and a thank‑you lunch for staff and volunteers.

Today and Tomorrow

With over 1,000 members, an active marina, and a busy calendar, MYCT continues to balance heritage with progress. The Club welcomes new generations of boaters, supports national‑level racing at Granton, and invests in maintaining facilities for the future. Our story is still being written—on the water, in the clubhouse, and across the wider Tasmanian boating community.

MYCT TIMELINE

Era: Early & Pre‑War (1920s–1930s)

  • 1924: Derwent Motor Boat Club founded.

  • 1926: Renamed Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania.

  • 1927: First Life Member—E. C. Fish.

  • 1930: First State Outboard Speedboat Championship.

  • 1933: Collins Street club rooms open.

  • 1934: Huon Branch established (later defunct).

  • 1935: First Australian Speedboat Championships in Tasmania (Franklin).

Era: Wartime & Post‑War Revival (1940s–1960s)

  • 1940s: Petrol restrictions; social continuity at the club.

  • 1950s: Racing revival; stronger competition calendars.

  • 1960s: Lindisfarne land secured; facilities expand.

Era: Modernisation (1970s–2000s)

  • 1970s–1990s: Marina and clubhouse improvements.

  • 2000: Major marina upgrade to 150 berths.

Era: Contemporary (2010s–2020s)

  • 2022: Tasmanian racers excel at Australian Championships.

  • 2023: Deck enclosure completed (with RSL support).

  • 2024: Centenary; plaque by the Governor; National Powerboat Championships at Granton.