City of Coffs Harbour, Media Release, 14 April 2026

Coffs Harbour Yacht Club has set course for an exciting new era which will focus on growing sailing and associated water-based activities for the community.

The City of Coffs Harbour supports the club’s decision and fresh direction and will continue to support and work with the club as the Marina Drive facility realigns.

“The club’s pivot to concentrate on growing its community support ushers in a new chapter for a facility that has become something of an institution for locals and visitors,” Mayor Nikki Williams said.

Under the revised arrangements, the club’s board will utilise the ground-floor level facilities and surrounding open spaces to prioritise community sailing.

This decision by the board was made after a potential investor in the site notified its withdrawal from an exploratory process.

“The City, which is the appointed Crown Land manager for the site, will take on responsibility for the first floor of the building and any commercial opportunities stemming from that, including hospitality options,” Business Services Director Steve Bayliss said. 

“Any profits generated from the facility will be utilised in maintaining the reserves.” 

Yacht Club Commodore John Wait said: “The City has been very supportive of the club in actively seeking a funding partner to redevelop the site. Unfortunately, we have not been successful in gaining a final proposal.”

Mr Wait said the club’s fresh direction should make it easier to build the body’s leadership.

“We believe we’ll get heightened interest from the community to join the club’s board as it’s freed from the commercial operations of running a bar and restaurant,” he said.

“The club can now confidently move forward to focus on growing competitive ocean sailing and regattas and recreational sailing, which has always been at our heart.

“Additionally, we’ll be able to continue to manage smaller commercial opportunities from that ground floor and surrounds space, such as food vans.” 

Mayor Williams extended her thanks to the club’s board for its dedication during the transition period after the club announced the cessation of its bar and restaurant activities from 30 March.

“The club has a proud past and place in the story of Coffs Harbour and we congratulate the board on its decision to move toward a sustainable and successful future.”