I’d like to open this week’s newsletter by highlighting the terrific article from RBYC junior member Theo Alston, which you can read below. Theo competed in the 2025 Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp and Regatta and received some financial support from the RBYC Yachting Foundation. . On behalf of all RBYC members, I’d like to congratulate Theo on his team selection and results in Qingdao. Please read Theos story here.
On Saturday, Royal Brighton Yacht Club proudly opened its 151st sailing season with a spectacular celebration on a beautiful Port Phillip day. The sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze set the scene for a perfect day on the water, with 58 boats taking part.
Proceedings began with the traditional opening ceremony and blessing of the fleet by Rev Ian Morrison from St Andrews. After which, a single gunshot echoed across the bay, marking the official start of the season. The Club burgee was unfurled, and Commander Helen Ward RAN delivered the opening dedication on behalf of our Patron, Commander Ben Favelle CSC, Commanding Officer of HMAS Cerberus.
The traditional sail past followed, leading into a series of lively races that filled the bay with colour and energy. Congratulations to all the winners in the OTB, on design and keelboat classes.
Congratulations to Caledonia for winning Best Dressed Boat, while the crew of Joan Allen, dressed in togas and gold shields, and the Star Wars crew from Serendipity tied for Best Dressed Crew. It was heartening to see so many boats out, creating a vibrant and memorable spectacle. The celebrations carried on into the evening, making it a truly fitting start to another exciting season at our Club.
On display on the day were twelve sails painted by local schools and a group of members. Local schools were invited to paint the sails in recognition of our Club’s 150th Anniversary and there is a very strong theme of the bay, it’s marine life and the environmental challenges our waterways face. This is just another example of the how the Club connects with the community and vice versa. There were some truly amazing works of art on display.
On behalf of the members of the Royal Brighton Yacht Club, I’d like to thank pupils and teachers from the following schools for all their efforts that provided such a colourful backdrop to our celebrations, Hampton Primary, Hampton East, St Leonards (2 sails), Star of the Sea, St Mary’s Hampton, St Finbars, Sacred Heart Sandringham, Sandringham Primary, Sandringham East Primary and Brighton Primary. I’d also like to thank RBYC members Sue Cassidy and her team for making this happen and RBYC members Andy Poulton and Glenn Ferguson for hanging the sails.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas and remember no bananas at sea.
Peter Demura
Commodore
You can see the fabulous photos from Paula Marszalak here . The password is RBYC
