Enthusiasm for the restoration and sailing of vintage and veteran dinghies is growing all the time and Chelsea Yacht Club is proud to host an invitation event for all classic dinghy classes.

Whether you have been meticulously restoring a boat, or you just want an excuse to get that old boat down from the garage roof, this event is for you.

The Back to Chelsea Invitation will bring to life the excitement of dinghy sailing from the Club’s formation in 1938, to the post war boom in sailing through the 1950’s to 1970’s with contemporary Chelsea boats including V.J.’s, Vee Esses, Skates, Payne Mortlock Canoes, GP-14’s, Rainbows and Heavyweight and timber lightweight Sharpies both sailing and on display.

All other classic dinghies and classic timber catamarans are also invited. There will even be a rare appearance of a St Kilda 8 footer.

Held on Saturday 8th February 2020, there will be a social sail, with a sail past the club at 11:00am. This will be followed by a beach display and lunch.

Over lunch participants and visitors will be treated to a presentation on How to Sail a V. J. Fast from two V.J. sailing legends, past Olympic sailing coach Lex Bertrand and John Ollie Manfield. With four Victorian V.J. Championships and numerous championships in other classes between them, this is a one in 55 year chance to pick up tips from these sailing veterans.

Visiting boats are also invited to join in the club's regular afternoon race starting at 2:00pm.

If your boat is not yet ready for the water it is welcome to participate in the beach display.

Boats that participate in the morning sail past & beach display, and whose Skipper is present at the after race presentation, will be in the draw to win a brand new jib from Gale & Rimington Sail Makers.

Participating boats are requested to be on the Chelsea Foreshore at 09:30 on the day of the event.

Registration entry fee $15 per single or double handed dinghy/catamaran, or $20 per three handed dinghy. Boats only participating in the beach display will not incur a registration fee.

Register by clicking the Registration button at the top of the page.

Enquiries: Andrew Ford 0480 103 378 or email manager@chelseayachtclub.com.au

Chelsea Yacht Club is located on the Chelsea foreshore in Melbourne and is accessed via Kelvin Grove.

A must for everyone’s diary. Saturday 8th February 2020. Visitors are most welcome, come down and have a look.

This is a joint Victorian Classic Dinghy Network & Chelsea Yacht Club event.