The original Balmain Sailing Club was formed in October 1885, in the era of the wonderfully overcanvassed open boats that varied in length from the 22 footers down to the impossibly proportioned six footers - the hull was six foot wide and six foot long, but they were 22 foot from the tip of their bow-sprit to the end off the boom!

These eighteen foot open boats were the forerunners of today's thrilling eighteen foot skiffs that skim the surface of the Harbour today, and which have ultimately led to the Olympic Class 49ers.

The story of the development of the Club, the heady days and wildly popular events, is best told elsewhere.

The Balmain Sailing Club was re-established in 1995 after a period of little activity for nearly 50 years, when a community based group took over the lease for a premises at the foot of Water Street, Birchgrove, previously known as The Balmain 12ft Skiff Club . It was renamed the Balmain Sailing Club.
As the clubhouse and deck were in disrepair, a fundraising and building program was organised. Many enthusiastic and hardworking volunteers came along to transform the club into the facility it is today.

In those first months the deck was too dangerous to use, and it was not possible to hold dinghy races. The first race was soon held, and is now celebrated with the Birthday Plate – first won by “Layla” – a Hood 20

Comment from a club member at the time of the club's revival:
I was among the first wave of members and recall, among other things, the early working bee in which we turned over the deck timbers as the undersides were in good condition while the exposed surfaces had deteriorated badly. As we toiled with the crowbars and large hammers, one of the female members leaned out of the upstairs window and claimed she could "smell the testosterone from here!"

A this time, there was a group sailing on Mondays from Birkenhead Point -- the Birkenhead Yacht Club -- and, as this club disbanded, a lot of members joined Balmain Sailing Club -- and the club was underway -- with the rebuilding of the deck, the inclusion of dinghies and the establishment of a sailing school.  Under the guidance of the first office bearers and committee, the club began to grow and is still growing today.
Some cruising activity was enjoyed with picnic BBQs at Store Beach, the ‘Two Cats’ Race/Cruise (Tiger Town to Lion Island) and an annual Easter cruise.  A cruising captain’s role was established and became part of the sailing committee.  Sailaways were held to locations within Sydney Harbour, and there were always members undertaking longer voyages -- something that continues to this day.

Up to 70 boats participate in the Friday twilights, and 30 boats on Sundays, along with active cruising division which rounds out the Club’s activities.

Today BSC is a friendly community based sailing club with active training, racing, cruising and social programs. The emphasis is on fun; providing friendly competition and sailing-related activities in a social atmosphere.