Hi all, after your valued opinions on the best place to base a small yacht and learn to sail. I imagine lots of day sailing initially - choices within a 2 hours radius from me seem to include Ballina, Yamba, Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour. Thanks.

Forget Ballina and Coffs Harbour as both are too restrictive weather and area wise.

Yamba may be OK but the Gold Coast will offer you the best range from flat water to open sea.
It maybe hard to get a mooring on the Gold Coast, check with someone from there, but there are plenty of marinas.
A mooring may be easier to get at Yamba but marina space is limited.

Expect PYYC would be a good place to start inquiries, as regards value

portofyambayachtclub.com.au/

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Klassy350 said..
Hi all, after your valued opinions on the best place to base a small yacht and learn to sail. I imagine lots of day sailing initially - choices within a 2 hours radius from me seem to include Ballina, Yamba, Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour. Thanks.

You will find the commodore at the Yamba Yacht Club very helpful.

I can recommend the Clarence. It's not just Yamba / Iluka the river all the way to Grafton is good to sail. The bar at the river mouth is as good as any. While it might be a wait for a mooring it won't be as long a wait as the Gold Coast and there's plenty of good anchorage's while waiting

Sounds like Yamba might be the go, I will get in contact the PYYC. Gold Coast is also a bit dicey with any future border closures...