History
Founded in 1963 and established in 1974, the Moreton Bay Boat Club is situated on the foreshore of the Scarborough Harbour and is the perfect boating and social club for the family.
The Club was formed by a small group of earnest boaties and the following quote from the Redcliffe Herald, 13 December 1962, signalled its beginnings.
“Organisers of a boating club foundation meeting last Monday night were pleasantly surprised with the response of an unexpected number of owners of small craft who unanimously decided to form an organisation. It was reported at the meeting that eight prospective members had conducted preliminary talks, during which it had been decided in principle to continue efforts for the formation of such an organisation.
The attendance of 18 boating enthusiasts and the fact that nearly a dozen people had sent word that they were interested but unable to attend, was proof that there were ample possibilities for a boating club on the Peninsula. One of the initial organisers, Mr Edward James, told the gathering that the idea of forming a club was to protect its members and to promote boating in general.”
Since then the Club has grown and developed, with one of its major achievements being the construction of the marina in 1991. Since that time the Club has improved many facilities including the deck area, the construction of sails over the deck and the establishment of an area for junior sailing. A refurbishment of the clubhouse was completed a few years ago and a further extension of the current facilities which will enhance and enlarge the present facilities, is due to commence in mid July 2008.
The Moreton :Bay Boat Club is unique in that it endeavours to service the needs of its members who are in the main, interested in aquatic pursuits. As well, it is a place where like minded members can meet to enjoy their specific recreations and at the same time also enjoy the Club’s hospitality facilities. The Club has two main sections – sailing and fishing. It also provides other recreational facilities for members such as a touring section, diving section and a newly formed golfing section as well as an abundance of social happenings.
Since 1963 the Club has maintained a base at Moreton Island - Cowan Base - which is very popular with members, especially at holiday times. Go to ‘Sections’ for more information on the history, etc, of the Base. The Club has a 118 berth Marina and all berth owners are Club members. The Club offers casual and long term berth rentals. Boating facilities include two ramps, hardstand and storage areas, and secure car park.
A Board of Directors administers the Club and encourages feedback and constructive suggestions from members and visitors as to how the clubhouse and marina facilities can be improved. Extensions to the clubhouse will begin in mid July 2008 which will enhance and enlarge the present facilities.
Inside the clubhouse is a fully licensed bar and a poker machine lounge consisting 25 machines. The Board of Directors also made the decision to lease its restaurant, now the Harbour Side Restaurant, to Tunstalls Catering Pty Ltd, a decision which has proved to be extremely popular with members and visitors alike. The Harbour Side Restaurant, specialising in steak and seafood, offers light meals or a full a la carte menu and you may dine on the deck overlooking the Marina or in air conditioned comfort inside the Clubhouse. The restaurant also caters for weddings and special occasions.
Live entertainment is provided “on the deck” on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons and Saturday evening dining accompanied by piano music. Many Club events are held throughout the year for the benefit of members and their guests, including a Melbourne Cup Luncheon, Mariners Ball, Blessing of the Fleet/Sail Past, Children’s Christmas Party, New Year’s Eve Party and other special functions and events including Mothers Day, Valentines Day, State of Origin and theatre and gourmet nights. These are the event highlights however the Club also holds other special events including high profile fishing tournaments including an 8kg Billfish Challenge held over the Australia Day weekend and other tournaments. The sailing section, as well as organising championship races also runs regular WAGS and SAGS social races and single handed, lady skippers and passage races.
So welcome to our site, we hope you find what you’re looking for. We are a respected and long established Club, probably better known as “The Friendly Club”.