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Sailing since 1924
The Greenwich 12ft Flying Squadron, the "simple boatshed by the river" began in February 1924. From the beginning, the Greenwich Flying Squadron, as it is now known, became a place not only for sailing but also for social enjoyment. In spite of all the improvements since, it is still the historic boatshed on the river at Greenwich, part of local and Australian maritime history.
The first race was held on Saturday 14 February 1924, sailing 12 foot skiffs with unrestricted sail size and 4 crew, including a 'bailer boy' who used a baking dish to bail. First prize was 2/6d, and second prize was a leg of pork. All club meetings at that time were held at the local school's class room.
In 1928, local boat builders Rass and Shrewy gave up the tenancy of the boatshed at Bay Street, and the club persuaded the Council to lease the building to the club. During 1929, the club started holding dances at the clubhouse, which became very popular. Due to its size, all boats had to be removed from the club prior to the dances and placed on the road between the the clubhouse and Bay Street Park. Each crew had the responsibility of organising a dance based on a roster system. These dances continued on for many years and during the early 1960s, the club had a reputation for something other than sailing!
The club has always been a social affair, with a mixed bag of activities. In the 1950s, the club ran two 'Smokos' each year - men only affairs with a beer keg for refreshment and prawns and crabs for sustenance.. The club has organised theatre nights, overnight cruises, fun races and dress up nights - including a Turkish night with a belly dancer!
On the sailing side, 1938 saw the beginning of a new era at the club with the introduction of Vaucluse Juniors (VJs), designed to attract younger members and introduce a boat that was easier to rig and sail. In the early 1950s a west wing was added to the clubhouse, and then in 1963 the club purchased 3 Sabots and developed a training program to train boys and girls under the age of 16. This was followed later by the introduction of Flying Elevens, leading to a thriving youth sailing program.
In 1967, racing was opened to any yacht under 30 feet. The first boats in the fleet were 2 Bluebirds, and by the 1968/9 season 12 Bluebirds were racing. By 1972/3 the club listed 24 racing yachts sailing in 3 Divisions, the smallest of which was trailer sailors, and by 1980, the club saw an average of 50 starters divided into 5 divisions.
Since then the yacht fleet has expanded in size, variety of boats and types of sailing. A cruising division was formed in the 1990s, and in 2000, the Twilight Series was launched, going on to become the most popular activity in the club
Throughout its history, GFS has continually sought to maintain, improve and extend the clubhouse. Starting as a small shed with a ramp, GFS now is somewhat larger, has a basic kitchen, a rigging deck and a pontoon.
Each extension or refurbishment has bought its own set of challenges, but it has also shown what a dedicated community of volunteers can achieve.
Today, GFS remains a much loved 'shed on a rock'. It is also a significant part of Sydney's maritime history and a place that continues to be a special home to a strong and vibrant community.
The Club elected its first female Commodore, Pam Joy, in 2018. She initiated the Women’s Helm event which started in 2021 with the goal of getting more women sailing and taking the wheel. By 2025 it had become a regular part of Twilights with monthly races and successful partnerships between women and mentors.
In 2025 the Club branched out again by becoming a founding official supporter of the Pride Regatta, a sailing race held as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. This is now an annual event, proudly supported by GFS which is committed to welcoming everyone no matter what their identity and background, and celebrating diversity.
The community spirit of the Club extends beyond our local neighbourhood to embrace those less fortunate. Each year members get behind the charity Youth Off the Streets by inviting young people and their carers to come on board and enjoy a twilight race.
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