IN what is being described as a "low act" irreplaceable pictures and trophies are being swiped from the Cairns Yacht Club ahead of its impending demolition.

Commodore David Kelly said photographs from the notice board and pictures from the walls suddenly started going missing on news the 90-year-old clubhouse’s days were numbered.

"The Commodore's Cup is also missing," he said.

"It is a pretty important trophy.

"I think it is a low act."

Mr Kelly said some of the missing pictures included pictures of long gone Cairns boats that had won state and national titles.

"It is a big part of the history of the club and Cairns," he said.

While Mr Kelly said the club was set to have its final night in the old rooms on September 20, Cairns Regional Council yesterday passed a motion at its planning meeting that may launch a rearguard bid to save the clubhouse.

The council moved that it hold discussions with Cairns Ports and the State Government about the future of the club building and site to be retained for the community.

After robust debate led by Cr Di Forsyth in favour of attempting to rescue the club, tempered by Cr Paul Gregory urging caution in raising community expectations, the motion was supported unanimously.

However, the chances of the council succeeding in saving the existing club site before the bulldozers move in and the club itself moves to Marlin Marina appear slim.

Mr Kelly yesterday confirmed that a tender to demolish the clubhouse had been accepted by the committee.

He said that meant there would be sufficient time for the site to be cleared by the Cairns Ports October 17 deadline.

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