AS the Cairns Yacht Club slips closer to the eviction date ordered by the State Government, its fortunes may be changing. 

Yesterday, a proposal was put before the Cairns Regional Council to try to have the Yacht Club building listed on its heritage register in a last-ditch effort to prevent its looming demolition in September.

And while club commodore David Kelly was last week lamenting the theft of the Commodore's Cup trophy from the clubrooms, yesterday he had a smile on his face after the memorabilia was returned.

Members had searched high and low for the trophy after it was noticed missing last week.

On Friday, The Cairns Post reported the theft and Mr Kelly's appeal for its return.

"Earlier this week, I went into the sailing office and, lo and behold, it was sitting near the stage," Mr Kelly said.

"I would like to thank the paper for pricking the conscience of the person who had 'borrowed' it."

Mr Kelly also responded to concerns raised by The Cairns Post readers that members would lose the cheap food and drink benefits they enjoy when the club moves to its new base at Marlin Marina.

Under new arrangements, the club would no longer have its own bar and restaurant and members would instead have access to an independently run venue called the Salthouse.

Mr Kelly said the restaurant managers had assured him that Yacht Club patrons would receive significant benefits.

At yesterday's Cairns Regional Council meetings, Cr Di Forsyth tried to have the yacht club building placed on the council's heritage register.

But instead of the council voting on her recommendation, the matter was referred to next week’s meeting so a report could be prepared before a decision was made.

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