About Us
The St Kilda Boat Club was founded in 1964 as the The St Kilda Boatowners' Association. It catered for small power boats that could negotiate the then very shallow St Kilda channel, which leads to the Barker Inlet. Over the years, the channel was deepened, originally by pick and shovel. A clubhouse was established in an old Nissen hut. In recent years, the Salisbury council greatly improved the channel for the benefit of users of its public boat ramp and also for the benefit of the club. Today the club caters for vessels of up to about 1.8 metres draft, though the tide must still be monitored before entering or leaving.
In 1980, the present clubhouse was opened. Later, a marina, with berths for about fifty boats, was installed. In 2023, twenty-four new berths were added, some of them suitable for boats more than 10 metres long. There is hard standing for numerous trailer boats and our recently renovated boat ramp is available to all members. Motorboat owners appreciate its lack of congestion and better security, compared with the public ramp. There is an easily accessible area for boat washing and motor flushing. Vessels can be slipped for maintenance or temporarily moored at our service dock, which has 240 volt power.
Some members are keen kayakers, but the club does not operate small sailing dinghies or catamarans, because of the lack of a beach.
The clubhouse is used for social functions and occasional private events. The well-stocked bar is the scene of many pleasant gatherings. Wifi is available to members.
The St Kilda channel gives access to the Barker Inlet, which in turn leads to Gulf St Vincent. The waters of the inlet are suitable for shallow draft craft and for fishing and crabbing. There is informal yacht racing, under a handicap system.
