{{Short description|Yacht club in Hobart, Tasmania}} {{Use Australian English|date=October 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}} {{Infobox yacht club | clubname = Derwent Sailing Squadron | burgee = | short name = DSS | founded = 1906 | location = Sandy Bay, Hobart, Australia | commodore = | vice commodore = | rear commodore = | website = {{URL|www.dssinc.org.au|Derwent Sailing Squadron}} }}
The '''Derwent Sailing Squadron''' ('''DSS''') is a yacht club located in Sandy Bay, Hobart, Australia, on the western shore of the River Derwent. Founded in 1906, the club is involved in a range of sailing activities and events, contributing to Tasmania's sailing community.<ref name="sailing_australia">{{Cite web |title=Club in Focus: Derwent Sailing Squadron (DSS) |url=https://www.sailing.org.au/news/club-in-focus-derwent-sailing-squadron-dss/ |publisher=Sailing Australia |date=March 2024 |access-date=27 October 2024}}</ref>
==History== thumb|Berthed yachts, 2016 The Derwent Sailing Squadron was founded in 1906 as the "Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania" before changing its name in the 1920s to reflect its focus on sailing.<ref name="mymarina">{{Cite web |title=Derwent Sailing Squadron |url=https://mymarinaguide.com/listing/derwent-sailing-squadron/ |publisher=My Marina Guide |access-date=27 October 2024}}</ref> Since 1958, the club has been based in Sandy Bay, providing facilities for its members and supporting local sailing activities.<ref name="mymarina"/>
==Sailing activities and programmes== thumb|DSS marina, 2018 The Derwent Sailing Squadron organises a variety of sailing activities, including weekly races on the River Derwent. The club also plays a role in larger events, such as the finish of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.<ref name="sailing_australia"/> The club offers youth training programs in dinghy and keelboat sailing, fostering skills for future competitive sailors.<ref name="sailing_australia"/>
The club was recognised in the 2024 Australian Sailing Awards, with several members and programs shortlisted as finalists.<ref name="aust_awards">{{Cite web |title=National Finalists Announced for 2024 Australian Sailing Awards |url=https://www.sailing.org.au/news/national-finalists-announced-for-2024-australian-sailing-awards/ |publisher=Sailing Australia |date=October 2024 |access-date=27 October 2024}}</ref>
==Leadership and representation== In 2021, Team Salter from the Derwent Sailing Squadron won the Women's Keelboat Championship in Melbourne.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Team Salter takes Women's Keelboat crown |url=https://www.sail-world.com/news/237037/Team-Salter-takes-Womens-Keeboat-crown |publisher=Sail-World |date=June 2021 |access-date=27 October 2024}}</ref> Long-standing member Heather McCallum was appointed to the Australian Sailing Board in 2024.<ref name="heather_mccallum">{{Cite web |title=Heather McCallum Appointed as Australian Sailing Board Director |url=https://www.sailing.org.au/news/heather-mccallum-appointed-as-australian-sailing-board-director/ |publisher=Sailing Australia |date=October 2024 |access-date=27 October 2024}}</ref>
==Facilities== The Derwent Sailing Squadron operates a marina with 230 berths for local and visiting yachts. The marina offers power, water, and maintenance services. The clubhouse includes dining facilities and function rooms.<ref name="mymarina"/>
==Events== The club is involved in the organisation of various state, national, and international sailing events, including the finish of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Other events include championships for dinghy and keelboat classes.<ref name="sailing_australia"/>
==See also== {{Portal|Sports}} * Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race * Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, neighbouring club * Bellerive Yacht Club * List of yacht clubs
==Sources== * {{Citation | title=Ebbs and flows : a short history of the Derwent Sailing Squadron, 1906-2006 / [A. Rex Kerrison & Richard A. Johnson] | author1=Kerrison, A. Rex. (Allen Rex), 1938- | author2=Johnson, Richard A | year=2006 | publisher=Derwent Sailing Squadron | isbn=0646456547 | language=English | url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn3721662 | access-date=27 October 2024 | via=National Library of Australia }}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [http://www.dssinc.org.au Derwent Sailing Squadron]
{{Coord|42|53|56.53|S|147|19|54.8|E|display=title}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Yacht clubs in Tasmania Category:1906 establishments in Australia Category:Sports clubs and teams in Tasmania Category:Sports clubs and teams established in 1906 Category:Sandy Bay, Tasmania