Sport
23 January, 2026
Yacht club celebrates 70 years
DERRINALLUM Yacht and Power Boat Club will this year celebrate seven decades of sport, friendship and special milestones.
In 1955 two neighbours, Jack Lane and Reg Snibson, could hardly have imagined that their shared passion for building sailing dinghies in backyard sheds would spark a legacy that would still be thriving 70 years later.
What began as a simple idea beside the waters of Deep Lake became the foundation of what is proudly known today as the DYPBC.
Following a public meeting on August 21, 1955, a committee was formed and the club began to take shape.
With Jack Lane as Commodore, Reg Snibson as Vice Commodore, and the support of dedicated volunteers, land was purchased, plans were drawn, and a clubhouse was built largely through donations, hard work and community spirit.
From the outset, DYPBC was a place built by the community, for the community.
Over the decades, the club has grown and evolved.
Members travelled to regattas, hosted major events, and played a pivotal role in shaping sailing in western Victoria.
The addition of power boating in 1957 marked another milestone, reflecting the club’s willingness to adapt while staying true to its roots.
Through all the changes, one thing remained constant: a welcoming club with open doors, strong values, and a love of the water.
That enduring spirit was on full display as past and present members came together to celebrate the club’s 70th birthday
The celebration was filled with laughter, memories and the unmistakable warmth that defines DYPBC.
Stories were shared across generations, friendships were rekindled, and new memories were made, reminding everyone just how special this club is.
The success of this special day would not have been possible without the generous support of the Shire of Corangamite and the Derrinallum Community Op Shop.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to our wonderful caterers, Lauren and Beau McLennan, along with Melissa Carr, for providing amazing food and a beautiful cake that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.
A particularly meaningful moment was the cutting of the birthday cake by founding member Myra Snibson, a touching tribute to the club’s beginnings and the people who made it possible.
Adding to the celebrations was a special surprise: four incredibly deserving members—Narelle, Steve, Mick and Lou—were awarded Life Memberships. Their dedication, generosity and ongoing commitment to the club were warmly acknowledged, with heartfelt applause echoing the pride felt by all.
Throughout the day, one theme was mentioned again and again: community.
DYPBC is more than a boating club—it is a place where lifelong friendships are formed, where families feel welcome and where inclusivity and support are part of everyday life.
It is a club with an amazing community focus, built on coming together, helping one another, and sharing a love of the lake and the lifestyle it brings.
As DYPBC celebrates 70 remarkable years, the club honours those who laid the foundations, those who carried the club forward and those who will shape its future.
With its strong sense of belonging, family-friendly atmosphere and commitment to community, the next chapter promises to be just as special as the last.
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