Ranelagh boasts a proud and vibrant sailing tradition, with our breathtaking beachside location providing unparalleled opportunities for on-water adventures. Over the years, we have fostered countless skilled sailors, guiding them from their first steps aboard a vessel to championship triumphs.
Sailing is more than just a sport; it’s a lifelong journey. Open to all, it’s a globally beloved activity where enjoyment can mean a leisurely cruise with a G & T in hand or the precision of highly disciplined racing. Regardless, skill and strategy take precedence over physical strength, age or gender. It’s gentle on the body, effortlessly connects us with nature – we often encounter dolphins, seals and other wildlife on the water and leaves a minimal environmental footprint.
Recreational Sailing
Set sail with us and discover the thrill of the open water! At Ranelagh, we’re here to spark and nurture a lifelong love for sailing – whether you’re feeling a little unsure around boats, brand new to the sport, or a seasoned sailor ready to share your passion with an eager crew.
No experience? No problem!
All we ask for is enthusiasm. You’ll find a welcoming, vibrant community where camaraderie and fun take stage. If there is something you dont want to do, we won’t do it (capsizing!). We want you to fall in love with the sport – not scare you!
So, come chat with us, jump aboard and let’s make waves together!
What to expect
We sail every Sunday morning, weather permitting, and keep everyone updated via our WhatsApp group so you know whether conditions are right for an on-water adventure.
Sunday Sailing Schedule
10am Rig the boats and launch the safety boat (this takes around 30 minutes)
1030am Safety briefing (our top priority), assign boats and crews based on experience and comfort and outline the skills we’ll focus on – whether its tacking, gybing, racing or rules of the water
1040 onwards Time to sail
1pm Club o’clock unwind with a beer or soft drinkFor younger kids (5-10) simply being on the water is an exciting experience full of fun.
For older kids or those that are particularly keen to learn (ages 7 – 77!), we run a semi formal learning program that mixes a little theory with a lot of hand on practice – from mastering tacks and gybes to capsize drills, racing techniques and the rules of the water. The more participation we get the more structured we can make these sessions.On occasion, well rally to Mornington for a well-earned hot chocolate, or if the wind isnt playing along well take the safety boat out for recovery drills, man overboard practice and basic boat handling skills. Whatever the plan, we guarantee one – thing fun will be had!
The heart of our sailing community relies on people with just enough (not necessarily a lot of ) sailing experience to be skippers of our amazing fleet of dinghies – guiding the boats, looking after the crew (young or old) and sharing their invaluable knowledge. To truly bring something special to life at the club, we need passionate individuals willing to lend their experience, even on an ad hoc basis. If you have sailing experience and a desire to help, we’d love to hear from you!
For further information contact our Club Commodore Greg Hooper on 0425 714 371
Training at Davey’s Bay Yacht Club
RYS has partnered with Davey’s Bay Yacht Club to deliver fun, skills-focused Junior and Youth Sailing Programs for the next generation of sailors.
The shared Sailing Academy includes a fleet of beginner and racing boats — from Optis to Lasers — supporting all levels of junior progression.
Programs include:
Weekly – Tackers
For ages 7–16
Weekly – Little Tackers
For ages 4–6
Weekly – Adventure Sailing
For graduates of Tackers
Weekly – Race Training
For juniors learning to race
School Holidays – KidSail Course
January program for all ages
2026 dates coming soon
Scuba Diving
We welcome all qualified* divers to experience diving in the unique Ranelagh Beach reef and occasional organised dives around the Bay.
Regular dive times for consideration include:
- weekends
- afterwork
- night dives; and
- other suitable locations
Interested Members can be added (on request) to a WhatsApp group for communication and to find a “Buddy”.
A Buddy system is required to comply with our insurance and for safety reasons.
* Participants must have relevant PADI, NAUI or other recognized SCUBA qualifications and their own equipment.
For further information contact Chris Dymondon 0467 816 116 or email chris.dymond3848@gmail.com.
Open Water Swimmers (ROWS)
ROWS are a friendly, non-competitive group who swim most weekdays and weekends from the double beach box on Ranelagh Bay.
All Ranelagh members are welcomed to join and experience the benefits from open water swimming in such a terrific part of Port Phillip Bay.
ROWS swim all year round including winter with wetsuits being optional.
Throughout the year ROWS organise various ‘adventure swims’ in differing locations such as Point Leo, Flinders and Mount Martha plus the annual Franny to Ranny swim.
To find out more about ROWS please call Gary on 0412256563.
built by mition in mt eliza