submarine at sandringham yacht club

Not many marinas can boast a 100-year-old submarine, but this one does

Topic: History

This submarine has been a fixture at the Sandringham Yacht Club since 1930. ( ABC News: Billy Draper )

By the time Australia gets the first of its next fleet of submarines, J-7 will be 113 years old, and won't have sailed anywhere in a century.

J-7 may be a familiar sight to dozens of sailors who stride past her every day at Sandringham Yacht Club, but most Melburnians won't even know she's there.

Once one of the fastest submarines in the world, the only place she's going these days is deeper into the mud.

"She was quite remarkable," the Sandringham Yacht Club's historian Graeme Disney said.

"She had a range of 5,000 miles. That's extraordinary for First World War times." 

So how did this once cutting-edge submarine built for the British Navy end up rusting away next to fancy yachts and speed boats in a marina in Melbourne? Because everything new eventually becomes obsolete, and then you have to either throw it away or find some other use for it.

In J-7's case, it was a bit of both.

The fastest thing under the water

One of the J-class submarines under construction in Plymouth. ( Supplied: State Library of Victoria )

In the early days of World War I, Britain heard rumours that the Germans were building a fleet of U-boats capable of speeds much greater than any British submarine.

The rumours turned out to be false, but the British built a new class of submarines anyway.

The J-class submarines were capable of speeds of up to 19 knots at the surface, making them the fastest submarine in the world at the time.

They didn't see a lot of action during the war, but did manage to sink a U-boat and damage a couple of warships.

One of the subs, J-6, was accidentally sunk by a British ship after the captain mistook the J on the vessel's conning tower for a U and assumed it was a German submarine.

At the end of the war, Britain gave the six remaining J-class submarines to Australia as a gift.

Australia hadn't had much luck with submarines to that point, losing the only two it had during World War I within a year of their construction.

If the Australian government thought they were getting a great deal, they must've been remarkably disappointed when the J-class fleet limped into Australian waters in July 1919.

Never look a gift sub in the mouth

After a three-month voyage, during which several of the submarines broke down, they were found to be almost unusable.

One of the subs was unable to dive, which was something of an issue for a vessel that was supposed to spend much of its time underwater.

The J-7 submarine beneath Britain's R33 airship before sailing to Australia in 1919. ( Supplied: Australian War Memorial )

After an expensive refit, the submarines were put into service, with four of them based at Osborne House in Geelong, and two in Sydney.

The six submarines lasted just a few years in the Royal Australian Navy, with big cuts to defence spending sealing their fate in 1922. 

The subs were expensive to run and the general feeling in the government was that the country didn't really need them. The enemy was defeated, who were they protecting us from? Dolphins?

The J-7 submarine saw limited service in the British Navy before it was gifted to Australia in 1919. ( Supplied: Australian War Memorial )

The decision to sell the submarines for scrap did not go down well with everyone. The former district naval officer for Victoria, Captain J.T. Richardson, was very cranky indeed.

"To scrap the six J-class submarines would be criminal," he said in February 1923.

But, the decision was made and the subs were put up for sale, with two conditions: that whoever bought them would remove them within 42 days of purchase, and would destroy them within 18 months of purchase.

A three-dimensional image of the J-3 submarine wreck, which lies in water off Swan Island, near Queenscliff. ( Supplied: CSIRO )

The Melbourne Salvage Company bought four of them, which were used for bombing practice outside Port Phillip Heads by Australian aircraft in 1926.

The pilots must've needed the practice as it was reported in The Argus that no direct hits were made, but no bomb landed "more than about 200 feet away".

The wrecks of those four submarines are popular dive sites. Another of the J-class submarines lies in about 6 metres of water at Swan Island, near Queenscliff. 

J-7 finds a permanent home at Sandringham

The J-7 submarine surrounded by yachts at Sandringham. ( ABC News: Billy Draper )

In the mid-1920s, Sandringham Yacht Club had hoped to buy HMAS Cerberus, which had been the depot ship for the six J-class submarines, and sink it as a breakwater.

They missed out, but instead bought the J-7 which was sunk in 1930.

Years later a stone breakwater was built, once again rendering the J-7 obsolete when all it was required to do was sit in the water and stop waves from crashing.

When the club's marina was built, it was considered too expensive to remove the sub and, anyhow, many of the members were quite attached to it.

"It's our sub," Graeme Disney said.

The submarine was purchased by Sandringham Yacht Club in 1930 and was sunk as a breakwater. ( ABC News: Billy Draper )

Graeme used to snorkle around the J-7 when he was a teenager 65 years ago, and remembers when it was in a lot better shape than it is now.

"If we dived at the side and scraped off the barnacles and seaweed you were presented with pristine grey painted steel," he said.

The pristine paint is long gone, and J-7 is now very much looking her age, peeling and crumbling slowly but surely into the bay next to millions of dollars' worth of luxury pleasure boats.

Graeme still sees people new to the marina do a double-take when they see the rusting ribs protruding from the water for the first time.

"So many people contacted me to say they had no idea Sandringham had a submarine," he said.

"Most people know about the Cerberus in Half Moon Bay but they don't know about the sub because as you can see it's buried in the midst of the marina."

Visitors to the marina are more likely to see birds on this submarine than sailors. ( ABC News: Billy Draper )

There's been a long-running but largely unsuccessful campaign to get funding to maintain the wreck of HMAS Cerberus, but there's not much hope of that kind of effort for the J-7.

"J-7 is nowhere near as significant as Cerberus, Cerberus is the last example in the world of a breastwork monitor, if we can't get funding for that the hope of getting funding for J-7 is less than nothing," Graeme said.

"My guess is it will just be allowed to rust away."

This submarine has been a fixture at the Sandringham Yacht Club since 1930. Pic - Billy Draper

Sandringham Yacht Club’s 100-year-old submarine

By the time Australia gets the first of its next fleet of submarines, J-7 will be 113 years old, and won’t have sailed anywhere in a century.

J-7 may be a familiar sight to dozens of sailors who stride past her every day at Sandringham Yacht Club, but most Melburnians won’t even know she’s there.

Once one of the fastest submarines in the world, the only place she’s going these days is deeper into the mud.

“She was quite remarkable,” the Sandringham Yacht Club’s historian Graeme Disney said.

“She had a range of 5,000 miles. That’s extraordinary for First World War times.” 

For the full story, see: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-26/this-marina-is-home-to-a-100-year-old-submarine/100442728?

By Tim Callanan

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J7 Submarine Edit View on Map

Description.

The J7 Submarine at Sandringham Yacht Club is a unique visible feature of the marina, and is historically significant as one of the Royal Australian Navy's earliest submarines, predated only by the AE-1 and AE-2.

The J-7 differed from the other J-class submarines. The J7's submerged displacement of 1,760 tons was 60 tons less than that of her sister boats. The control room was repositioned further aft by circa 60 ft (18 m), between the main engine rooms. The conning tower moved with it. The 3-inch HA gun was mounted in a lower position at the forward end of the superstructure.

Dive Type: Wreck Dive

Imported from The Scuba Doctor

Shore access

References Edit

Submarine J7 at Sandringham Yacht Club marina; 1998; P3183

Sandringham and District Historical Society Inc.

Submarine J7 at Sandringham Yacht Club marina

Old submarine said to be reasonably intact below water

10 x 15 cm : col. print

Sandringham Yacht Club

Yacht clubs

Sandringham (Vic.)

J7 (Submarine)

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Sandringham Yacht Club Marina

Nestled on the coastline of Victoria’s charming Bayside, the Sandringham Yacht Club Marina offers a unique blend of nautical luxury, pristine natural beauty, and vibrant community spirit. As one of the largest and most prestigious yacht clubs in Australia, it has been a central hub for sailing enthusiasts, boaters, and locals for decades. With its first-rate facilities, variety of marine services, and bustling event calendar, Sandringham Yacht Club Marina invites all to experience the ultimate maritime lifestyle.

The Sandringham Yacht Club Marina is located in the picturesque suburb of Sandringham, approximately 16 kilometers southeast of Melbourne’s Central Business District. Overlooking the serene waters of Port Phillip Bay, the marina boasts stunning panoramic views and offers immediate access to some of Victoria’s best sailing waters.

Approach to the Marina (Marina Entry and Navigation)

The approach to Sandringham Yacht Club Marina is accessible and straightforward for all mariners. Located near the northern tip of Port Phillip Bay, it’s identifiable by the club’s distinctive buildings and the line-up of docked vessels. Navigation to the marina is well-marked, with lit channel markers guiding the way. Boaters are advised to proceed slowly, adhere to all marine traffic regulations, and maintain vigilant observation at all times.

Specifications of the Marina

Sandringham Yacht Club Marina is impressively equipped, boasting over 350 berths of varying sizes to accommodate a wide spectrum of vessels. The marina can house boats ranging from smaller sailing yachts to larger motor yachts, with a maximum length of up to 20 meters and a draft of 3 meters. Each berth is well-appointed with essential amenities such as fresh water supply, electricity, and Wi-Fi connectivity. High-quality fuel services are also available for ease of refuelling. The marina ensures top-tier security with around-the-clock surveillance, providing peace of mind for all boat owners.

Infrastructure, Services, and Facilities

With a commitment to providing an exceptional maritime experience, the Sandringham Yacht Club Marina features top-notch infrastructure, a suite of services, and a plethora of facilities. These include secure storage lockers, boat maintenance and repair services, a state-of-the-art ship chandlery, and an efficient waste management system. Weather information services are also available for sailors.

Amenities in the Marina and Nearby

The Sandringham Yacht Club Marina is home to a variety of amenities designed to enhance comfort and convenience for its patrons. These include modern restrooms, shower facilities, and laundry services. For culinary delights, the marina precinct houses several restaurants and cafes, offering a range of dining options with stunning marina views. Beyond the marina, the charming suburb of Sandringham provides a variety of attractions. From vibrant eateries and shopping boutiques to beautiful parks and walking trails, there’s something for everyone.

Events in Marina

Sandringham Yacht Club Marina is a hub of activity throughout the year, hosting a variety of events that celebrate the marine lifestyle. The marina is renowned for its annual sailing regattas, boat shows, and fishing competitions. Additionally, social events such as food and wine festivals, music concerts, and community gatherings add to the marina’s lively atmosphere.

How to Get There

Sandringham Yacht Club Marina’s prime location in Melbourne, Australia , makes it easily accessible from various parts of the country and beyond. Here are the most common ways to reach the marina:

The nearest major airport to Sandringham Yacht Club Marina is Melbourne Airport , which accommodates both domestic and international flights. Once you arrive at the airport, the marina is approximately a 40-minute drive away. You can opt for taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber, or car rental services that are readily available at the airport.

If you are travelling by car, Sandringham Yacht Club Marina is well-connected via Melbourne’s extensive road network. If you’re coming from Melbourne CBD, take the M1 and exit at South Rd/B27 in Brighton East. Follow South Rd and Beach Rd/B33 to Jetty Rd in Sandringham. The marina is about a 30-minute drive from Melbourne’s city centre.

By Public Transport:

Sandringham Yacht Club Marina is also accessible via Melbourne’s efficient public transport system. Trains, trams, and buses service the area, with stops close to the marina. The Sandringham train line from Flinders Street Station in Melbourne’s city centre will take you to Sandringham Station, just a short walk from the marina.

For those arriving by sea, navigate towards Port Phillip Bay. The entrance to Sandringham Yacht Club Marina is easily identifiable, with the marina’s distinctive buildings serving as a guide. Follow the lit channel markers to safely enter the marina.

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Attractions Nearby

The marina’s prime location allows easy access to a plethora of local attractions. These include the Bayside Coastal Arts Trail, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, and the charming Sandringham Village. Furthermore, the marina is a stone’s throw away from Melbourne’s CBD, known for its bustling arts scene, culinary delights, and iconic landmarks.

What types of berths are available at Sandringham Yacht Club Marina?

Sandringham Yacht Club Marina features over 350 berths of varying sizes, designed to accommodate a wide range of vessels, from smaller sailing yachts to larger motor yachts.

What services and facilities does Sandringham Yacht Club Marina offer?

The marina offers a range of services and facilities, including fresh water, electricity, Wi-Fi at each berth, boat repair and maintenance services, waste management facilities, and weather information services. There are also fuel services for easy refuelling.

How can I reach Sandringham Yacht Club Marina?

Sandringham Yacht Club Marina is conveniently located in Melbourne and can be reached by air, road, and sea. Melbourne Airport is approximately a 40-minute drive away, and the city's public transport system also provides easy access. By sea, it's a matter of navigating towards Port Phillip Bay and following the channel markers to the marina entrance.

What events does Sandringham Yacht Club Marina host throughout the year?

Sandringham Yacht Club Marina hosts various events throughout the year, including annual sailing regattas, boat shows, and fishing competitions. It also hosts social events such as food and wine festivals, music concerts, and community gatherings.

What amenities are available at Sandringham Yacht Club Marina?

Amenities at Sandringham Yacht Club Marina include modern restrooms, shower facilities, laundry services, a convenience store, and several restaurants and cafes.

What attractions can I find near Sandringham Yacht Club Marina?

Nearby attractions include the Bayside Coastal Arts Trail, the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, and the charming Sandringham Village. The marina is also a short distance from Melbourne's CBD, known for its vibrant arts scene and culinary delights.

What is the maximum length and draft of boats that Sandringham Yacht Club Marina can accommodate?

Sandringham Yacht Club Marina can accommodate boats up to 20 meters in length and with a maximum draft of 3 meters.

How is the security at Sandringham Yacht Club Marina?

Security is a priority at Sandringham Yacht Club Marina. The marina is monitored 24/7 with state-of-the-art security systems, ensuring the safety and peace of mind for boat owners.

What dining options are available at Sandringham Yacht Club Marina?

Sandringham Yacht Club Marina is home to several cafes and restaurants, where visitors can enjoy meals and drinks while taking in the beautiful marina views. The options range from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.

Are there any special regulations for navigating into Sandringham Yacht Club Marina?

When navigating into Sandringham Yacht Club Marina, mariners must observe the lit channel markers, maintain a slow speed, respect the priority of outgoing vessels, and adhere to all signage. These measures ensure safe and orderly navigation in the marina

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Business Description

Situated on the foreshore of Port Phillip Bay, the Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC), one of Australia’s most progressive and awarded yacht clubs, presenting world class sporting and event facilities right on the water’s edge.

Our 356 berth floating marina, Boating Academy, waterfront support services, newly built clubhouse and reciprocal rights with yacht clubs worldwide, offers Melbourne sailors an incomparable membership opportunity. Whether you’re an experienced hand or exploring a new venture to discover the sea, SYC welcomes you.

SYC members enjoy a lively club atmosphere thanks to year round industry events, boating activities and sailing regattas. Our a la carte restaurant offers a special dining experience with picturesque views across the bay, as do our Members’ Lounge and Members’ Bar where you can sit and relax with a wine or coffee.

For those seeking a distinctive location for an upcoming event, you can’t go past our luxurious clubhouse. Stunning bay views, versatile rooms, and superior food and beverage service make this the perfect venue.

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• Jetty Road, Sandringham Victoria 3191, Australia
• 03 9599 0999
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• http://www.syc.com.au
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