A Brief History of the Club

Several gentleman of George, with an interest in Sailing, got together in 1954 to establish a yacht club. The inaugural meeting was held on the 4th October, 1954. The attendance of 30 people confirmed the election of the interim committee as being the first formal committee of the Club. The constitution, drafted by the interim committee, was accepted. E.C. Ashley was the first Commodore.
Russell Dumas, who owned Gretna Green, a resort on Swartvlei (now Pine Lake Marina), granted launching rights and boat parking to the new club.
In 1955, the club purchased a portion of Gretna Green from the Dumas family so as to erect a clubhouse on the banks of Swartvlei. The purchase price was £450. First boats of members included a Sprog owned by founder member Malcolm Fraser and a Flying Dutchman and 14' Redwing, owned by Ernie Ashley. In the first season, several dinghies were added to the fleet register. An Inter Club Regatta was held on Swartvlei between Knysna Yacht Club and George Lakes Yacht Club. A clubhouse was built and membership grew to 108 in 1956.
However, in subsequent years, membership declined. The distance from George and the perils of sailing on such a large expanse of water (with inadequate rescue facilities) were cited as reasons. At a special general meeting held on 1 April, 1960, it was decided to sell the clubhouse and to seek a more suitable venue.
In 1960 / 61, members constructed a judges box and flagpole on land leased from B. W. Dumbleton on an upper stretch of the Touw River - opposite the Fairy Knowe Hotel. In spite of this hard work, this venue was never used! The sailing waters were too restricted.
Then in 1961, Malcolm Fraser and his architectural partner Andy Smit explored the southern shores of Island Lake and declared this site to be ideal. The club approved and voted funds to provide facilities. The property was leased from the George Divisional Council. Initially, a small platform was constructed as a judges box, thereafter the clubhouse as at present was built by members.

Information obtained from the publication George Lakes Yacht Club Logbook 1954 - 2004, written by Malcolm Fraser.