MHYC entered the 80s and celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1989. During this decade MHYC conducted its first World championship for the J24 class in 1982 and another Worlds for the International 505 class in 1988. The Navigator's Association as formed in 1983 to become another strong unit of club activity and in 1986 Shores Restaurant opened under a lease arrangement. The 1988 Australian Bicentenary was marked by a welcome of some of the Tall Ships to the club and an Around Australia Yacht Race was staged to celebrate the occasion with club yachts "Otella", "Apple Endeavour" and trimaran, "Verbatim" all placing in race divisions.

 During the 80s Twilight Races, The 3 Ports Race and the Philips Night Race all emerged as exciting MHYC activities. Despite the economic difficulties in the community during the 1980s MHYC, through the tremendous efforts of club members and volunteers, remained a progressive and viable organisation. MHYC emerged from the 80s a stronger outfit with the largest membership and yacht register of any yacht club in Australia. The club had established an excellent racing record, a comprehensive yearly calendar of first-class events, an enthusiastic Cruising Division, a tremendous junior membership program and first-rate training and safety schemes.