Sponsors

The Cairns Yacht Club has been part of the history of Cairns in one form or another since 1908 During this time, the Club has operated under three names Initially it was known as the Cairns Aquatic Club, being formed by several of the regions' business leaders to foster the sport of sailing on Trinity Inlet.

In the beginning, meetings were conducted at various business houses in the town until 1917, when a lease of an old rice mill on the present Yacht Club site was obtained Club members then converted the old rice mill into their clubrooms At the time, the building was actually in Trinity Inlet on stilts and was accessed via a gangplank It was decided to establish fleets of 16 and 18 foot yachts, which were both cumbersome and slow, however, it gave crews recreation and enjoyment of their sport.

In 1920 the clubhouse was destroyed in a cyclone and the executive decided to erect a new shed. One thousand pounds was raised by way of debentures and the Harbor Board supplied a pile driver, the new building was opened for business a few months later
Following the establishment of their permanent home, the Club continued to flourish, with it becoming the prominent sporting and social club of the town.

In the early years, the Cairns Aquatic Club was responsible for constructing the first navigation tower on Green Island and conducted social sails to "Browns Bay" (now known as Second Beach) on the eastern side of Trinity Inlet, which at the time, was only accessible by boat. Seeing the potential of the area, the Club leased land with the intention of developing recreational facilities for member's use during school holidays and social gatherings.

Sailing on Trinity Inlet has continued to this day and has only been punctuated by World War 1 and World War 2 Club members fought for their country and several paid the ultimate price. When peace prevailed and the servicemen returned home, boats were rebuilt and sailing recommenced, with the introduction of VJs to the fleet.