PRSC was founded in 1964. Prior to this time, Port Adelaide Sailing Club sponsored dinghy sailing on the Port River. Indeed, recreational sailing on the Port River goes way back to the 1890’s
When a proposal was made to move Port Adelaide Club racing to Gulf waters at Semaphore, a group of dinghy sailing enthusiasts broke away and continued sailing in the Port River.
At first, the racing was conducted from “Heron Beach”, so named for the popularity of the Heron class sailing boat in the new Club. This beach is located on the western shore of the Port River, opposite the North Arm. Only rudimentary facilities were available in the early days, but the Club thrived as more and more sailors flocked to the Heron class and the challenging but protected waters of the Port River.
In 1966, the Club was presented with an opportunity to establish itself further. The Adelaide Speedboat Club that operated from Snowden Beach was moving to the North Arm. PRSC was offered the soon to be vacated Speedboat Clubrooms for the sum of 1500 pounds, to be repaid at 500 pounds a year over three years. The young Club took on the challenge and relocated to these Clubrooms, which have since been extended and are still in use today. The number of classes sailed by Club members expanded and the Club continued to grow.
PRSC boasts a long list of State and National Champions in many classes. The waters of the Port River are ideal for junior sailing, and the Holdfast Trainer class has long been the foundation of a successful junior training program. Another feature of the Club is its friendly social atmosphere, combined with the family orientation that has been in place since the Club was founded. There are many examples of families in the Club with three generations on the water, with sailors from seven to over seventy enjoying their sport. Junior sailors who have grown up together in the Club have married, linking families and creating a close knit spirit. Despite this, new members are made very welcome and quickly feel a part of the Club. Assistance is freely given to newer sailors and a training program is in place to improve skills. Parking is plentiful and launching from the Club beach is a straightforward exercise, with no shore break and a short run to the water from the rigging area.
The Club celebrated their 50th Anniversary since its formation in 2013/14 sailing season.