Maylands Yacht Club, Maylands

Statement of Significance

The place has some aesthetic value as a largely intact example of public facility built in the early 1970s featuring its original style and detail. The Clubrooms, surrounding grassed area and the associated jetty have aesthetic value as a group of recreational facilities in a largely suburban area. The place has historic value for its association with the establishment and development of sporting facilities for the Maylands community since 1913. The place has social value for the members of the community who have used the facilities for sailing and social events.

Physical Description

A two storey building of brick construction on a sloping lot, overlooking the Swan River, with a one storey toilet block attached to the street front. The building has a tiled hipped roof with vented gablets to the sides. The main entry porch to the building faces the street front and is raised slightly from ground level, connected via steps and a ramp. The street front is largely screened by the addition of the toilet block and large mature trees. The building is clearly two storeys to the riverfront with large roller door openings at ground level and large panes of glazing opening the view towards the river at first floor level with a concrete external staircase on the right. Further right is a later addition attached double garage. The building is surrounded by a large open area of lawn with tall mature trees and a sealed carpark to one side.

History

Sailing on the Swan River near Maylands has been a recreational pursuit since the 19th century and in the earliest days of settlement travelling by boat was the most effective means of transport. The Maylands Sailing Club commenced races in 1913-14 from the longer East Street jetty which existed at that time. Previously the East Perth Sailing Club had held races over similar courses from as early as 1910, however with the advent of World War One and the close proximity of the two clubs the East Perth Club appears to have folded. Up to the 1940s the Maylands Sailing Club was served by a corrugated-iron shed on the river bank. Subsequently, some army barracks buildings were purchased through fundraising and erected under the leadership of foundation commodore Wally Gaunt. These basic clubrooms were located close to the jetty. The Maylands Yacht Club was formally established in 1946. Early photographs of the jetty and a painting of the old shed are displayed in the clubhouse. The current buildings were completed in 1971 with the help of the City of Stirling and are now leased by the Club from the City of Bayswater. MYC is the home of the "Mudlark", a class of boat for juniors designed and built by Wally Gaunt, father of Terry Gaunt who was Club Patron for many years. The club continues to have a healthy membership and regular attendances.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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