RVMYC
A progressive club based on traditional values
Our position across the bay from Port Melbourne, has commanding views of the city skyline. The boating calendar kicks off in October with an Opening Day, where members unite to begin the festivities. The event commences with formalities which include the Commodore’s address and the official opening. Past openings have included State Premiers and Senior Naval Personnel. Following formalities, members and guests take to their boats for the traditional sail past and blessing, an ancient tradition, to discourage bad weather and ill seas for the year.
Our facilities are continually improving, with a new Clubhouse having opened in May 2015.
Marina Berths
Our 80 berths cater for boats up to 18 metres (60 feet) and offer permanent, casual and visitor accommodation.
All berths have access to water and shore power, plus shower and toilet facilities in the clubhouse. We adhere to the Clean Marina Program. Our participation has resulted in outstanding and efficient environmental controls and security.
Yard and Hard Stand
Excellent yard facilities are available for members’ boats requiring maintenance and we have access to a modern travel-lift from Savages Wharf who conduct the slipping and launching of vessels.
Hardstand facilities and trailer boat space are both available in the club’s paved yard at moderate rates for members.
Waterfront Dining and Venue Facilities
RVMYC offers a social experience second to none, for members and friends to enjoy dining in a relaxed atmosphere in convivial surroundings near the water’s edge.
An aerial view of the club in the early 60’s
Our Patron
Vice Admiral Tim Barrett
CHIEF OF NAVY
(2014 – CURRENT)
Receiving a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2006 for his achievements in naval aviation, Vice Admiral Barrett became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009 for his service as Director Naval Officers’ Postings and Commander Navy Aviation Group. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014 for his leadership of Border Protection Command and the Australian Fleet. Vice Admiral Barrett assumed command of the Royal Australian Navy on 1 July 2014.
RVMYC
Our Vision
RVMYC is open to boat owners and non-owners, and provides for both boating and social interests with particular emphasis on family and community involvement.
We encourage responsible boating and promote good boating courtesy. We are committed to fostering traditional skills in watercraft but are a progressive, dynamic Club with passionate members.
Committee
RVMYC Committee 2021-2022
Paul Doherty
Commodore
Simon Mills
Vice Commodore
Chris Ackerman
Rear Commodore
Mark Rindfleish
Hon. Secretary
Peter Skene
Treasurer
Greg O’Connell
Committee
Marco Sampaio
Committee
Kathie Rindfleish
Committee
Mark Bourke
Crewman
Kierran Batchelor
Club Manager
History
Established in 1904
One hundred and fifteen years ago fourteen gentlemen met in Melbourne to form a Motor Boat Club. This Club was to form the basis of the Royal Victorian Yacht Club. The RVMYC has been fortunate in the intervening years to have had a continuance of members with great foresight who saw the need for a club specifically catering for the needs of motor boat enthusiasts.
Steeped in tradition and history, this club has always been at the forefront of the Motor Boats Clubs on Port Phillip and enjoys links and friendships of all Motorboat and Yacht Clubs around the bay and beyond.
The RVMYC formed at a gathering at the Port Phillip Club Hotel in Flinders Street Melbourne, three doors from Young and Jacksons on 25 February 1904.
Present at this meeting were FM Linley, J McQuade, HBarker, C Atkins, E Huon, E James, C James, C Garner, L Garner, F Jackson,
F Rayson, G Knott, B Lowther and Capt GM Strong.
It was resolved by these gentlemen to meet on 4 March for the purpose of forming a Motor Boat Club.
At this meeting the Office Bearers were elected: Commodore – FM Linley, Vice Commodore – JM Quade, Rear Commodore – H Baker, Captain – C Atkins, Hon Secretary – E James, Hon Treasurer – B Lowther, Committee – E Huon, C Garner, F Jackson, F Rayson, G Knott and Capt GM Strong.
Other foundation members were; A Harvey, Dr. I Blitz, CO Dentry, V Cole, J Myer, A Woods and C MacIntoch of Geelong.
The Early Years
The Club was first called the Victorian Launch Club. This was later changed to the Victorian Motor Boat Club. The club met for some years at the hotel until new premises were acquired at a site near the present ferry terminal at Princess Bridge Wharf.
The opening day of the club in 1904, was held in June and took the form of a cruise down the Yarra River. Among the boats to take part were the Motor Launches, Cingalee, and Nanoya, steam launches, Alvina and White Knight, St. Omer and Peggy.
The first of many races to Geelong was held on 30 January 1909 and was won by Mr Dentry in his boat Iona. Mr G Thomas donated the first prize of 5 guineas. All boats started on a handicap. A resolution was adopted to see that all boats starting were properly equipped with the necessary life belts and and any boats turning back, must ‘wire’ the secretary at Geelong, so as to allay any anxiety as to their whereabouts.
The First Clubrooms
The Port Phillip Hotel served as our Clubrooms till 11 November 1913, when a discussion to have our own rooms at Princess Bridge was agreed.
It was resolved to request the City Council to grant us rooms in the vaults at Princess Walk. Number 6 vault was granted to the Club. The first monthly meeting at Princess Walk was held on 1 December, 1913.
The committee of the VMBC for 1910-11. Sitting from left; EH Chesterman, RC Ansell, GE Thomas, DS Abraham. Standing from left; JG Steains, CO Dentry, SW Darby, R Aubert, HS Dickson, A Beale.
Royal Warrant
The King's blessing
On 18 February 1937, the Club was formally given the permission to use the prefix ‘Royal’.
This marked the opening of the 1937 season, whereby Royal Charter from the Lords High Commissioners of the Admiralty London, the title ‘Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club’ could be used. For this signal honour, the club is greatly indebted to Mr Charles Marshall, who helped the Club in many other directions.
The club was proud to receive the King’s blessing in granting title, as documentation at the time, he made it clear to the Governor General that in his considered opinion there were too many requests for the Royal Title taking place at the time. In the correspondence granting the club Royal Title form the Prime Minister at the time, JA Lyons, he states;
“The request has received full consideration and in view of the possible usefulness of the Club from a national standpoint in time of emergency it is desired to support the application”.
In 2011 the club marked the centenary of the RAN in a sail past at Station Pier Port Melbourne. The Club has a long history with the RAN, offering operation surveillance activities in Port Phillip, during the first and second world wars.
Memberships
Membership of the RVMYC
Thank you for considering a membership to the RVMYC. Membership is open to boat owners and non-owners, and provides for both boating and social interests with particular emphasis on family and community involvement.
As a member, you are entitled to use the club facilities in our new club house, which boasts a Level 1 Members only Club Room, Library and Meeting Room, Private Dining Areas and downstairs an enclosed members BBQ area.
Membership fees (Paid Annually)
| Membership Detail | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Full Membership | $560.00 |
| Clubhouse Membership | $291.00 |
| Country Membership | $345.00 |
| Partner Membership | $224.00 |
| Family Membership |
$139.00 |
| Marina Development Levy (Full Members only) | $100.00 |
| Redeemable Levy (applicable to Full members only) | $100.00 |
| Nomination fee (On application) (Full Members Only) | $1,100.00* |
The procedure for Full or Country membership is as follows:
Complete and return the Nomination for Membership form and Application for Membership form, together with a payment of $1,100.00.ﾠ (For Partner and Clubhouse membership, simply complete and return the ‘Nomination for Membership’ and ‘Application for Membership forms’.)
Upon receipt of the above forms and payment, a mutually convenient time will be arranged for an interview. At this interview, you will be given some details on the Club, some of the expectations of members and we will give you the opportunity to ask questions.
At this meeting, you will need to bring:
- Completed Membership Application
Nominations for Membership will then be displayed on the Club notice board for 14 days as required by the Club Constitution. Nominations will then go to the next General Committee Meeting for approval. After approval, you will be notified of the result and your membership card and key will be forwarded to you.
Membership
Enquiry Form
RVMYC
Marina & Yard
Marina Berths
Our 85 berths cater for boats up to 18 metres (60 feet) and offer permanent, casual and visitor accommodation.
All berths have access to water and shore power, plus shower and toilet facilities in the clubhouse.
The Club provides excellent marina and yard facilities with access to a new travel lift that operates in Savage’s Wharf adjacent to our club.
Only Members can apply for Club Berths. To apply for a Marina berth, download the Marina Berth Allocation Application Form, fill in the details and sign. Forward your completed and signed form to the Club for processing.
If you wish to apply for a marina berth, the Marina fee is a one-off non-refundable application fee and does not include any berthing fees.
All boats will be inspected by the Marina Sub Committee for sea worthiness before any application for a berth will be considered.ﾠ
The Marina Sub Committee meets regularly to assess the needs of the boat owners to the most efficient use of the limited berths.
Whilst the Marina Sub Committee does not guarantee a berth, they do try to meet all applications in order of waiting list as soon as a berth becomes available.
If you are a member of one of our kindred clubs or a visitor to our area and wish to book a berth, please complete and sign the visitors berthing request form available from our downloads page, click the link below.
All visitors must provide an Insurance Certificate of Currency with this request.
Yard & Hardstand
The Club provides excellent marina and yard facilities with access to a new travel lift that operates in Savages Wharf adjacent to our club. Competitive rates and storage charges are available.
Boats must be booked into our yard in advance, the allocation of space is then managed by the Club in accordance with set rules.
To apply for a yard space, download this form, fill in the details and forward to the Club. Members are reminded that specific rules apply in the Yard, that ensure the safety and wellbeing of all.
Insurance and WorkCover insurance (where applicable) must be provided to the club with your application. Acknowledgment and acceptance of these rules is a requirement for access to the yard space.
