Yaringa Boat Harbour: Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Ahead to 2024

The end of 2023 brought a whirlwind of excitement to Yaringa Boat Harbour, with significant improvements and exciting developments across the yard, office, and all Yaringa operations. Looking back, it’s time to share some of the highlights and give a glimpse of what’s to come in 2024 for our valued members.

Last year, our short-term hardstand area underwent a significant facelift, replacing our old gravel surfaces with new bitumen. This significant upgrade eliminated dust, stones, and potholes while expanding the space for boats, making the Harbour forecourt more attractive and offering greater functionality.

The opening of the Chandlery marine shop was a huge and exciting achievement for all at Yaringa, for both boat owners and those just visiting. The shop, located conveniently across the walk from our docks, offers a wide range of marine supplies, including bait, ice, and essential services like trailer repairs and battery testing. It has become a go- to spot for all things boating, and rumour has it, it makes the best takeaway coffee in Western Port.

The buzz of activity at Cptn Jack’s was remarkable, with an unprecedented number of weddings, events, and general reservations held at our beautiful venue, contributing to our busiest summer season yet. Our chef, Matt Knoops, has crafted a menu that has clearly resonated with the local community, together with the fantastic service from the friendly Jack’s team, providing an exceptional dining experience for all patrons. This is evidenced in the significant number of 5-star reviews and growing enquiries, far beyond our expectations.

The return of the vintage food caravan on Jack’s Green was another hit. Live music and our famous lobster rolls attracted crowds far and wide, seeking good food and a relaxed atmosphere, as they dined on our picnic tables, listening to local tunes as they watched the boats sail by.

And for those boat enthusiasts who either store or berthed with us, (and for those who are looking to do so); we proudly house various marine trades at BoatWorks, to efficiently care for boats and vessels. This means members ave their vessels efficiently attended to without having to leave the harbour.

Additional to all the other offerings down at Yaringa Boat Harbour, we successfully maintained our renowned ‘Launch and Retrieval’ service. This service ensures our members avoid lengthy boat ramp delays by booking their boat in, while our qualified yard staff readied their boats, fuelled when required, for them to get right out and on the water, with minimal fuss. Members simply park and take a short stroll down to their boat, all ready for them to enjoy their day at sea.

The wildlife sightings at Yaringa were a real hit last year, with koalas, kangaroos, diverse birdlife, and a friendly resident seal becoming regular star attractions.
We were thrilled to host the Hart Marine team as they launched a number of builds in our harbour. The weather graced us with some beautiful days at Yaringa, as the team celebrated with afternoons in the sun at Jack’s Green, bidding farewell to their pilot boats before they make their journeys to their new homes. We love any time we get to see the gutsy and unparalleled strength of the mighty 75-ton ASCOM lift at work, especially launching these magnificent Hart Marine Orc pilot boats.

So what’s ahead for this year? Looking forward, 2024 holds exciting plans. We’re gearing up for more upgrades, including the long-awaited dredging project that will allow larger vessels to dock at Yaringa. This investment aims to make our harbour an even better destination for occasional sailors and full maritime enthusiasts.

At Yaringa Boat Harbour, our commitment remains strong. We’re dedicated to creating a community-conscious, natural, coastal haven, with interests for all tastes, just a stone’s throw away from Mornington. So, keep an eye out for our progress and updates as we continue to make Yaringa a welcoming and enjoyable place for family, marine devotees, and avid adventurer alike.

Stay connected with us through our social channels and website as we embark on a new chapter. Yaringa is evolving, and the best is yet to come!