Rushcutters Bay Photo: CYCA Staff

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia was formed in 1944 and, despite its name, quickly became the leading exponent of ocean racing in Australia, at that time a little-known sport both here and elsewhere.

In 1945 a planned cruise to Hobart quickly turned into a race and the famous Sydney Hobert Yacht Race was born.

The race captured the imagination of the Australian public and it soon developed into an international yachting classic, attracting competitors from around the world.

More than 58 years of conducting ocean races such as the Sydney Hobart Race have left the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia with an expertise in race organisation and sea safety which is internationally acclaimed and widely emulated, some techniques being adapted world-wide following CYCA development.

	Home of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht RacePhoto: CYCA Staff

To the surprise of the major ocean racing nations a Cruising Yacht Club of Australia team came close second at the Admiral's Cup in England in 1965 and returned in 1967 to win the Admiral's Cup.

With this result the CYCA established Australia as a force in international ocean racing.

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia began when some keen sailors started meeting informally in a photographic studio in Sydney. They soon acquired a boatshed in Rushcutters Bay and the rest, as they say, is history.

Over the past 58 years the Clubhouse has been developed into a stylish and practical headquarters where races and regattas are coordinated and organised.

These days, the CYCA is the 'Club of choice' for its almost 3,000 members, sailors and non-sailors, who enjoy the world-class facilities, the extensive sailing calendar and the social programme of member's nights, prize givings and just relaxing in the Sydney Hobart Bar after a hard-fought race.

In 2008, the CYCA launched its much anticipated book on the history of the CYCA entitled 'From Ratbags to Respectability'. Members can purchase a copy of the book for $49.95. Members of the public can also purchase the book for $59.95. Get your copy today - click here.