Location

Sandringham Yacht Club

Situated in the heart of Sandringham Harbour on the foreshore of Port Phillip Bay, the Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC) is one of Australia’s most progressive and awarded yacht clubs, offering world-class sporting and event facilities right on the water’s edge.

For World Championships, the club provides an extensive hardstand area for boat preparation, along with two cranes for efficient launching.

SYC features a 360-berth floating marina, a Boating Academy, and a full range of waterfront support services, including a fully stocked chandlery, rigging, and rope work services. Combined with a stunning clubhouse and reciprocal rights with yacht clubs worldwide, it offers Melbourne sailors an exceptional membership experience.

Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just starting out, SYC welcomes you. Members enjoy a lively club atmosphere, with year-round events, boating activities, and sailing regattas.

The Members’ Lounge and Members’ Bar & Bistro offer a relaxed dining experience with beautiful views across the bay – perfect for enjoying a meal, coffee, or a glass of wine.

With its stunning waterfront setting, flexible event spaces, and high-quality food and service, SYC is an ideal venue for the J/24 World Championship.

Getting Here

J24 World Championship 2026 location

Towing a boat to Sandringham

Chances are you will be driving in from either Adelaide or Sydney and will arrive by driving over the Westgate or Bolte Bridge, so if you haven’t been to Sandy before with your boat, here are the two best ways to go.

From Adelaide coming over the Westgate Bridge, take the Todd Rd exit, first left at the bottom of the bridge, then turn left into Williamstown Rd, right into Graham St, right into Bay St, then left into Beaconsfield Parade and follow this (it turns into Beach Rd) till you get to Sandringham.

From Sydney coming over the Bolte Bridge take the directions to Montague St exit and turn right going back under the freeway, take the next right into Normanby St – DO NOT GO STRAIGHT AHEAD ALONG MONTAGUE ST, -TURN AT NORMANBY – AS THERE IS A LOW BRIDGE THAT WILL TAKE EVERYTHING OFF THE TOP OF YOUR BOAT.  Then turn left at Ingles St, left at Pickles St and then left at Beaconsfield Parade.

From Sydney coming over the Bolte Bridge and if you miss the Montague St exit, take the directions to SE Suburbs and then Kingsway, this will take you through South Melbourne and then follow directions to Nepean Highway. Turn right into Hampton Street (next lights after North Rd) and follow Hampton St till you join Beach Rd, the club is about 200m after this intersection on the right

Coming from the airport

There are a number of ways you can travel from the airport to Sandringham Yacht Club. 

If you are coming from overseas you will be coming through Terminal 2, this is where taxis and Ubers are found right outside. 

Car rental at the airport is available, although it is probably better to have organised this prior to make sure you get what you need for crew and gear. Most rental vehicles now come with navigational systems so enter our address as : Jetty Road, Sandringham. Drive to the end of Jetty Rd and you are at the yacht club.

Taking a taxi or an Uber will get you here as well, expect a fare between $100 and $130. The trip covers approximately 45–50 km and usually takes 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, tolls, and the time of day. Ask to go to Sandringham Yacht Club at Jetty Road, Sandringham.

If you want to use public transport then take the SkyBus found at Terminals 1 and 3. You can either take this to Southern Cross station for approx $25 and then take a train to Sandringham. The yacht club is an easy 10-15 minute walk or take a taxi. You will need to buy a myki card (which you can use on trains and trams all over the city, available at major stations and many shops), the fare will be approx $6 to go anywhere.

Or you can take the Peninsula Express SkyBus for approx $40 to Moorabbin Station or Southland Shopping Centre and then take a taxi or uber to the yacht club from there.

There is a Skybus information counter in Terminal 2.

Melbourne is known for it’s trams, having the largest network in the world with over 250km and 1700+ stops served by roughly 500 trams. Unfortunately Sandringham isn’t on the tram network. However there are buses. 

If you want to go to the city the train is the most suitable at around 40min travel time.

Refer to the public transport website at https://transport.vic.gov.au

When you arrive

You will need to go through the gates to the hard stand area on the left past the yard – do not try to go through the boom gates. These gates are a key entry so you will need to get let in. Best to contact the club on 9598 7444 as you drive down Beach Rd so they can meet you and let you in. If you are arriving after hours call Simon Grain on 0413 870 046 and I will organise it for you.

The cranes and J/24 area are located at the far end of the hard stand area so it is best to find our yard manager to help direct you with parking and trailer storage while you rig your boat. Trailers will normally be accommodated in the hardstand or club carpark during regattas. For a small refundable fee, the club reception will supply an electronic key that lets you into the car park during the regatta.

Honorary Membership

During regattas all crews and supporters will generally be made honorary members, electronic keys will be available to those requiring them for a small returnable fee.

Weather

In general, Melbourne has a temperate oceanic climate, with unpredictable weather and temperature fluctuations. It’s often said that in Melbourne, you can experience “four seasons in a day,” so it’s a good idea to be prepared for sudden changes, especially if you’re out and about!

Spring (September – November):

  • Average temperatures: 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 64°F)
  • Wind: As spring arrives, winds tend to increase in strength and consistency, with a return of the afternoon sea breezes from the south-east. Ideal for moderate to experienced sailors, although it can still be a little unpredictable.
  • Sea conditions: Generally good, but as with autumn, conditions can be variable with potential for rain or strong winds as storms move through.
  • Sailing locations: Port Phillip Bay is a popular spot for recreational sailing, offering more sheltered waters.
  • Weather apps: It’s advisable to check local weather forecasts (such as through the Bureau of Meteorology) for up-to-date wind conditions and forecasts before heading out.
  • Wind Directions: Winds from the south and southeast create choppy seas, especially on the eastern shore. Westerly and South westerly winds can make the sailing waters of Sandringham a test of wave sailing abilities. Northerlies tend to be flatter water.
  • Tides: The tides in Port Phillip Bay are relatively mild, but they can still affect sailing, especially near the entrance to the bay or along shallow areas.
  • Wind: Winds can be variable but often moderate to strong, especially as spring storms approach. Strong northerlies or westerlies are common, with lighter conditions in between.

If you’re looking for specific weather forecasts or real-time conditions, websites like BOM (Bureau of Meteorology) or apps like Windy or Sea Breeze are excellent resources for up-to-date sailing weather in Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.

Predict wind link https://forecast.predictwind.com/table