History of Tasar sailing in Western Australia

This consists of an overview, more details, TAWA items, Clubs where tasar have been sailed, and the 2015 World Championships.  The menu items at the bottom right of this screen will take you to some of these history items.

We welcome contributions, including photos about our history, which can be sent to the TAWA Publicity Officer or the TAWA Secretary as listed on the Contacts menu. 

 Other resources:   "Tasar:  A Bethwaite Legacy" a book by Elizabeth Kemmis, published 2011.  Copies available on this web site or your local Tasar Association.

Brief overview

The first Tasars in W.A. were sailed at Fremantle Sailing Club from 1979 to 1982.  There were also Tasars at several Naval bases since the early 1980's which were later involved in teams racing events and other events, especially in the 1990's.  The Ord River Sailing Club on Lake Argyle in the north of W.A. has had Tasar racing from about 1984, including the first W.A. State Championships in 1986.  In the late 1980's a fleet was established at Mounts Bay Sailing Club, on the Swan River which flows through Perth, the capital city of W.A..  This fleet become the base for Tasar sailing in W.A..   In 2001 this fleet moved to Royal Perth Yacht Club and continues to be a stronghold for Tasar sailing.  At the beginning of 2013 a fleet was established at Hillarys Yacht Club in the northern suburbs of Perth.  Later that same year, there were once againTasars at Mounts Bay Sailing Club and is continuing to grow.   Also in late 2013 a fleet was established at Geographe Bay Yacht Club in Busselton in the South West of W.A. as the Club prepared to host the 2015 Tasar World Championships.  Also during this time Tasars were introduced at Mandurah, which is located about 70 km south of Perth.   The 2015 World Championships has provided fresh enthusiasm for Tasar sailing, with all fleets consolidating and continuing to grow.

There have been State Championship regattas held at a range of venues including Lake Argyle in the north, Fremantle, Mounts Bay S.C., Royal Perth Y.C., and Busselton to provide the opportunity to travel and enjoy other locations and commaradarie. 

Tasars in the West.

In 1979 a Tasar was sailed at Fremantle Sailing Club by David Millar.  Information is needed about this boat and activities.

At least two additional Tasars also sailed at FSC during 1980 to 1982, by Terry Howson and Peter Anderson.

Lake Argyle in 1984 saw the beginning of Tasars at the Ord River Sailing Club.   This fleet grew and interacted with the Tasars from Darwin, N.T..  This was the venue for the first W.A. State Championships in 1986 which was won by Andrew York from Darwin sailing Vamoose.

The late 1980's saw a fleet established at Mounts Bay Sailing Club on the Swan River which flows through Perth, the capital city of W.A..  

The Tasar Association of W.A. was established in 1990 by the MBSC based sailors.

 In 2001 the MBSC fleet moved to Royal Perth Yacht Club, which is next door to MBSC.

In early 2013 a fleet was established at Hillarys Yacht Club in the northern suburbs of Perth.   

Later in 2013, there were once againTasars at Mounts Bay Sailing Club. 

Also in late 2013 a fleet was established at Geographe Bay Yacht Club in Busselton in the South West of W.A.  

During 2014 Tasars were introduced at Mandurah, which is located about 70 km south of Perth.  

The 2015 Tasar World Championships were held in Busselton during January 2015.  This was a very successful event and helped to improve the image of Tasar sailing in the region.