Yachtklub Achenkirch YKA
Yachtklub Achenkirch (YKA) is a traditional sailing club on Lake Achensee in Tyrol, the largest lake in the region. The club grounds lie on the eastern lakeside road near Achenkirch and include a clubhouse, a large pier with moorings, a crane, nearly 60 buoys, shore berths, a slipway and a dinghy jetty. The club races mainly Surprise, Dyas, Optimist as well as ILCA and youth classes; national and international regattas are part of the regular programme. Youth training, the annual youth week and the Kids Achensee Opti Cup shape junior sailing. Founded in 1974/75 and celebrating 50 years in 2025, YKA combines racing, community and Safe Sailing on the Tyrolean Sea.
History
On 25 October 1974, 20 sailors resolved to found their own sailing club. On 31 October 1974 the statutes were adopted at the first general meeting; the club has been called Yachtklub Achenkirch (YKA) ever since. Ing. Dieter Wieser was elected chairman. In spring 1975 YKA opened its first season with a few dinghies at the Sixenhof site. On 1 January 1976 the club secured a lakeside lease that remains its home; fencing and a slipway followed. In 1977 the first floating pier created a yacht harbour. In 1981 YKA joined the Austrian Sailing Federation (ÖSV) and the Tyrolean Sailing Clubs Association (VTS). A boat crane followed in 1983 and an electric winch in 1985. On 1 June 1989 the first motorised rescue boat entered service; on 9 September 1989 the timber-block clubhouse was inaugurated. In 1991 adjoining TIWAG land was leased; in 1992 a new hydraulic crane was commissioned. At Whitsun 1995 the club celebrated 20 years. In 1996 YKA launched one of Austria’s first sailing-club websites. In 1997 the race committee boat „Scholastika“ was purchased and the first Monas Eurochallenge hosted. The pier was extended in 1999. In 2000 four Optimists founded youth training; the club also marked its 25th anniversary. In 2001 a marquee for about 120 people, a race office, a second floating pier and the Surprise Eurochallenge followed. In 2002 YKA hosted the Micro World Championship with 46 boats from seven nations. In 2005 it staged the Surprise European Cup. In 2006 the website was redesigned and a new Zodiac rescue RIB acquired. In 2007 the pier was renewed and widened. YKA repeatedly hosted Austrian Surprise championships (including 2007, 2010, 2014). In 2012, together with SCTWV, it co-hosted Austrian youth championships and hosted Laser and Zoom 8. In 2015 the terrace was renovated and the 40th anniversary celebrated. In 2017 YKA, reportedly the last Tyrolean sports venue without grid power, was connected to the public electricity network and again hosted a Monas Eurochallenge. Clubhouse renovation followed in 2024. On 28 June 2025 Yachtklub Achenkirch celebrated 50 years with 110 guests. After 30 years as president, Siegi Schwarz stepped down on 10 August 2025; leadership passed to former vice-president Josef Ascher, who serves as president.
Information
Facilities
Clubhouse with terrace and sanitary facilities, large pier with moorings, crane, nearly 60 buoys, shore berths, slipway, dinghy jetty, event marquee and race office
Activities
Regattas and events on Lake Achensee (including Surprise, Dyas, yardstick), youth training, youth week, Kids Achensee Opti Cup, club festivals, spring clean-up, Safe Sailing and water-rescue drills
Youth section
Active youth section with youth training, annual youth week (children from age 6), Kids Achensee Opti Cup and support in Optimist and further junior classes
Parking
Paid parking before access restriction
Guest berths
Yes, guest berths on request