Reviving a little diamond; the Yachty’s renaissance as Port Douglas’ hidden gem
SETTING SAIL
BUSINESS FEATURE
After weathering some stormy seas marked by leadership changes, the Port Douglas Yacht Club is now sailing into calmer waters under the guidance of a dedicated team and a revitalised vision for the future.
Nestled on the picturesque shores of Dickson Inlet with one of the best views in town, the Yachty’s historic clubhouse exudes charm and character, offering a perfect backdrop for visitors and locals alike.
Here, patrons can savour ice-cold drinks and delectable meals while soaking in panoramic views, sharing stories with neighbours, and relishing the community atmosphere.
Steering the ship is club manager Adam, whose extensive experience managing waterfront venues in Boston and New York City, including Michelin-starred restaurants, brings a fresh perspective.
Adam envisions unlocking the full potential of this hidden gem. “We’re taking this little diamond and seeing what we can transform it into,” he expressed.
“Our goal is to preserve the club’s heritage while adapting to modern expectations. It’s about transforming this hidden gem into a vibrant hub that appeals to locals and visitors alike, a place where quality meets community.”
Central to Adam’s strategy has been assembling a top-tier culinary team.
Head chef, Ferris Hussain, and his sous chef, both with experience from Thala Beach Nature Reserve, complemented by two skilled French chefs, bring their expertise to the newly established menu.
Their seafood-focused creations, featuring signature dishes like lobster rolls with Moreton Bay bugs, crab cakes, coral trout, and mussels, perfectly complement the club’s coastal setting.
"Our commitment to local sourcing guarantees freshness and quality," Adam emphasised.
“Fish is delivered straight from the boats of Port’s seafood suppliers and on Thursdays, freshly caught mussels are featured on the menu.”
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Stay updated on all the events by following the Port Douglas Yacht Club’s Facebook Page.
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With a refined food selection, the club has struck a balance between tradition and innovation.
“We take pride in preserving our old-school charm, and it’s crucial for us to emphasise that membership isn't required to enjoy our offerings,” Adam emphasised.
“We’ve reintroduced our beloved Sunday roast barbecues and similar events, ensuring everyone can savour memorable experiences here each month.
“Our goal is to provide unique offerings that enhance, rather than rival, the town’s upscale dining options.”
The club also aims to offer a comfortable spot for construction workers during their breaks. They’re welcome to come in from 10.00am and bring their own food if they like. “It’s better than sitting in the car park; here, they can enjoy the magnificent views,” Adam said.
Entertainment
The club’s vision extends beyond gastronomy with entertainment also being a cornerstone of Adam’s approach.
The club pulses with activity year-round, offering everything from lively concerts to intimate dinner music nights and community-driven events like open mic sessions.
Recent performances by iconic artists like Paul Kelly have drawn wide-ranging crowds, with upcoming shows by the Fleetwood Mac tribute band and Kevin Bloody Wilson expected to follow suit.
“Our goal is to revive the community spirit reminiscent of the days when Rock the Yacht brought locals together on weekends,” Adam explained.
Other events like the ‘Wednesday Afternoon Go Sailing’ (WAGS) also continue to draw enthusiastic participation, fostering a sense of camaraderie among members and guests alike.
Adam shared that anyone can come to the club around 3.30pm by signing up with a simple form. Club members generously take out as many guests as possible for a complimentary sunset sail, followed by dinner at the club as a token of appreciation.
Moreover, the club offers free pickup and drop-off with Sizzling Wheels, providing a complimentary shuttle for dinner bookings.
Moving forward, the club is actively pursuing rezoning from an industrial area to an entertainment district to enhance flexibility with noise levels. This transformation aims to establish the venue as a hub like Salthouse in Cairns, capable of attracting national acts, particularly during peak seasons.
Adam’s vision includes a vibrant beer garden, a family-friendly atmosphere with a redesigned lawn featuring wine barrels and pergolas, and additional umbrellas for alfresco dining.
With these initiatives, the club aims to blend tradition with innovation, creating a dynamic destination where quality entertainment meets community spirit.
Stay updated on all the events by following the Port Douglas Yacht Club’s Facebook Page.
Summary of events
- Sunday Roast Barbecues
- Smoko for Construction Workers: Open from 10.00am
- Wednesday Afternoon Sailing: Starts at 3.3 pm
- Open Mic Sundays: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
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