The Loss of Tai Tam – Key ingredients for a successful mid-ocean rescue
Friday November 20th, 7pm – Guest Speaker Dinner
For our November Guest Speaker Dinner, Jeremy and Jemma Cooper have kindly agreed to tell the story of the loss of their yacht Tai Tam and their subsequent mid-ocean rescue. Tai Tam, which departed RBYC in early 2026 to cruise to NZ and then on to the South Pacific, was a 2019 model, 52’ cruising yacht, lost after a collision with a sperm whale while returning from Fiji to NZ. Jeremy and Jemma’s talk will cover the overall trip, key steps in preparing for it, events leading up to the sinking, and how the crew, rescue services and rescue vessels responded.
This promises to be a very interesting and informative evening, and we are expecting a large crowd, so reservations are essential (contact Reception on 9592 3092 or email [email protected]). $40.00 per person is payable on the night, inclusive of a two-course dinner.
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An information evening and briefing for the 2027 Bass Strait Cruise (Sat Jan 30th to Sunday Feb 14th, 2027) will be held at 6pm on Friday December 4th, 2026, in the Committee Room of the RBYC Clubhouse. Please email expressions of interest to Brenton Smith at [email protected].
The emphasis of this “Cruise in Company” is on having fun, and the camaraderie and safety of being in the company of other boats. This cruise is a great opportunity for less experienced skippers/crews to gain experience in the company of more experienced skippers and crews, and to visit locations beyond the usual Bay locations. Social events take place along the way, including the annual Cruising Group Bocce championship, Klopp competitions, and a themed BBQ. We welcome sailing and power boats to join in and participate.
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The annual Christmas Hardstand Party will be held on Saturday the 5th of December from 6pm onwards. Come along and enjoy our annual end of year get together to celebrate the year with friends and fellow sailing colleagues. BYO food and drinks and cook up a feast on the BBQ. Here’s hoping the weather gods are smiling, and we can enjoy the hardstand, but in case of inclement weather, we will make alternative arrangements (as has been the case over the past several years, when we have had to relocate and celebrate in the Jock Sturrock Centre – here’s hoping for good weather this year!) All welcome
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Looking further ahead into 2027, the annual Cruising Group Birthday Cruise is scheduled for Sunday January 17th. This will be the 37th Birthday Cruise following the formation of the Cruising Group in 1991.