I am deeply honoured to share that the Royal Brighton Yacht Club has been named Australian Sailing’s Victorian Yacht Club of the Year. Accepting this award on behalf on RBYC members during our 150th anniversary year makes the recognition all the more special.
This honour is for the generations of people who, over 150 years, have shaped the spirit and legacy of our Club. From our beginnings in 1875, when two locals cleaning their yachts on the beach sparked a friendly race, yachting at our Club has always been about people, —the sailors who compete with passion and determination, the volunteers who give their time without fuss, and the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
In the submission to Australian Sailing, the Club noted its extensive racing and cruising calendar, training, inclusivity and low cost entry to sailing, key regattas and events during the 2024-25 season, community programs and partnerships, volunteer participation and support, sustainability and improved access initiatives, a strong governance framework and strategic plan. By honouring its past and investing in its future, our Club is continually evolving to ensure improved services to members, greater participation on the water and integration with the local community.
From a modest shed on the foreshore, RBYC has grown into a respected international sailing venue. Though our footprint is small, our influence and legacy are significant. This award is a tribute to values that endure—excellence, fellowship, and love of the sea—and to the countless members who have kept those values alive.
At the Australian Sailing presentation on Friday, RBYC sailor Peter Coleman, was honoured with his second consecutive Victorian Para Sailor of the Year award. Peter is no stranger to para sailing and over the past year has had notable success at local, State, National and International sailing events. These include:
- 1st Para, 2nd Open, Australian Hansa Championships,
- 5th Para and 8th Open, World Hansa Championships,
- 1st Para and 3rd Open Australian 2.4mR Championships.
Also, Peter was awarded 2024-25 RBYC trophy for Outstanding Achievement in Sailing at National and International Level. Apart from his on water escapades, Peter is highly respected among able-bodied and para sailors alike for his leadership, advocacy, innovation, and volunteer work.
We are also proud to acknowledge the following achievements:
- John Savage (long-standing member), Laura Harding, and Tess Lloyd (past members) – recipients of Australian Sailing’s Barrenjoey Medal, the sport’s highest honour
- Rod McKenna – finalist for Volunteer of the Year
- Rear Commodore Cath Hurley and Club Captain Marnie Irving – finalists for the She Sails award
Congratulations to Peter, John, Cath, Marnie, Rod, Laura, and Tess — and to all who contribute to making RBYC a Club we can be proud of.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas and remember no bananas at sea.
Peter Demura
Commodore