Photo: Supplied.
The Redlands Coast is a standout maritime environment, and it’s home to a standout maritime club.
In September last year, Cleveland Yacht Club (CYC) was awarded Australian Sailing Queensland’s top prize: Club of the Year (Cat B). That was no surprise to the many supporters of the club, which has recently experienced phenomenal growth: a 46% increase in membership and a 175% increase in volunteers.
Commodore Steve Lawie says the club’s success can be attributed to its ethos of inclusivity, innovation, and engagement with the broader community. “This growth reflects not just numbers, but a thriving community. Participation at CYC is not just about activity — it’s about connection, growth, and shared purpose. Even beyond sailing, the club takes its community responsibilities seriously, leading sustainability efforts through Containers for Change, solar reinvestment, and bay clean-up events.”
While he’s a comparatively recent convert to sailing, Steve’s background makes him an ideal fit for the job of Commodore in a club that was ready for growth. Steve’s professional background includes more than 30 years as a program and project manager; while working and living in Macau in 2011, he was left with weekends to fill. He discovered sailing, a love that has never left him. “You always fall in love with your first boat!” he laughs.
After an attempt at retirement, he came back into the industry as a trainer and specialist strategic planner.
“Our major aim is to get more people on the water in more ways, more often, as racers or on the safety boats or just sailing for enjoyment. Establishing a strategic plan for the club triggered an approach from a group of paddlers who have found a new home. There are similar opportunities on the table… watch this space!”
The club already has a wide-ranging program of in-house and interclub race meets, special programs for young and novice sailors, single- and multi-hull events, keelboat racing, paddlers, kite/windsurfers, and soon events for sailors with disabilities. Daniel Fitzgibbon OAM, a Paralympian multi-medallist, recently sought out Steve to offer the use of his boat and experience to train sailors with mental disability or mobility impairments. With the Olympics looming, excitement levels are rising, and there will be Cleveland Yacht Club members working as race officials. Steve says that it makes good sense for the community to get as much use from the fully-owned facility as possible, and having the club in constant use secures the future of the 121-year-old club.
Even after five years as Commodore, Steve’s passion for the club is as intense as it ever was, something he says is made easier by having a supportive and stable committee and an incredibly dedicated group of volunteers and members.
“It’s not just about the competition sport side of things, it’s about getting as many people as possible on the bay, connecting with nature and releasing all those stresses. It’s about inclusivity; families and friends sail together, train together, and celebrate together, reinforcing our identity as a club where people belong.”
It certainly sounds like a tempting option. Find out more about the club at www.cyc.asn.au.
