By Marnie Irving – Club Captain
While many of our sailors have escaped north for some sunshine and warm breezes, there’s still been no shortage of activity back here at the club. Between our weekly racing, the Friday night Members’ Draw, and some great learning sessions, it’s been a lively winter at RBYC.
Learning from the Best – SMART Classes
Last Wednesday, our very own Sailor of the Year, Brendan Jukes, ran a fantastic 90-minute session on one of the trickiest parts of racing—getting a good start.
About 30 members gathered in the Members’ Bar (with the fire keeping things cosy) to hear Brendan explain the ins and outs of pre-race preparation, what factors influence a strong start, and just how much practice it takes to nail it. Everyone came away with new insights—and a reminder that while you might be able to win from a good start, it’s a lot harder if you begin with a bad one!
The best part of evenings like this is that they show what being part of RBYC is all about—sharing knowledge and learning from each other in a relaxed, friendly setting. If you missed this one, don’t worry—there are two more sessions coming up on 27 August and 3 September.
Safety First – Severe Weather Scenario
We all know sailing depends on the weather—and sometimes the weather can really test us. Last Thursday, Immediate Past Commodore Niesje Hees led a 2.5-hour interactive workshop on how we, as a club, should respond to severe weather.
Around 30 of our race management volunteers and Sailing Office team rolled up their sleeves to work through real-life scenarios, from race protocols and rescue priorities to how we communicate and document everything when things get tough.
The session was professional, insightful, and above all, practical. It really showed the depth of knowledge we have in our community and the importance we place on keeping everyone safe on the water.
Get Involved
A big thank you to everyone who’s been part of these sessions so far—whether you’ve shared your knowledge, asked a question, or just joined in the discussion. It’s this kind of participation that makes our club such a special place.
If you haven’t been along yet, we’d love to see you at the upcoming sessions. They’re a great way to sharpen your sailing skills, stay connected with fellow members, and enjoy a relaxed night at the club.
See you at RBYC!