The fickle Spring weather once more proved to be our nemesis. Strong winds on Saturday kept the one design fleet ashore, while a passage race replaced the scheduled windward/leeward races for the keelboats contesting the York Syme (Div1), Bushy Beavis Trophy (Div 2) and the Sarawaki Cup (Div 3). Congratulations to all who competed and the winners across all divisions and rating categories.
With the weather improving, Sunday proved to be a perfect day for off the beach sailing, or at least before it turned ugly with the passing of a cold front. There were over 50 boats on the water in the afternoon including a racing fleet of 20 ILCAs and RS100s, and training fleets of 27 Optis, 6 Quests, 2 iQs. Fortunately, everyone returned safely to the beach before the passing of the cold front.
Prior to the junior fleet leaving the beach, I had the privilege of welcoming our junior sailors and their parents to the opening of the summer sailing season. Together with our Honorary Life Member John Bertrand AO, and Leah Keh, Vice President, Victorian International Optimist Dinghy Association, we spoke about the unparalleled opportunity for RBYC and Victorian Opti sailors have at RBYC in the lead up to the 2027 Opti Nationals to be held at the Club. Between now and then, in addition to Club racing and training, our Opti sailors will have the opportunity to sail at RBYC in the 2025 and 2026 Sail Melbourne Regattas, the Opti State titles in March 2026 and the King’s Cup regatta over the June long weekend. Talk about a home ground advantage! Important as preparing for competitive sailing is, in his brief talk John emphasised the importance of having fun while sailing, making friends, simply “watching the bubbles go by” and the rest will follow. Who can argue with that.
On behalf of the members, I’d like to congratulate Edward Jukes on being appointed the RBYC Junior Club Captain and Oscar Waldron on his appointment as RBYC Youth Club Captain. Both of these sailors have already had achieved some significant sailing milestones and I’m confident that in turn their leadership will inspire our junior sailors.
The junior training fleet and racing fleets continue to grow and we are now seeing an increased number of children and parents becoming involved. Such is the demand for Tackers places; the Club is in urgent need of more plastic Optis. If you have a plastic Opti good condition that is not being used, perhaps you could consider donating to the club or contacting the Club’s Sailing Office regarding other possible arrangements.
Australian Sailing Awards
Following the success at the Australian Sailing Victorian Sailing Awards, where the Club was awarded Victorian Yacht Club of the Year (Div A) and Peter Coleman, Victorian Para Sailor of Year, RBYC and Peter, in recognition of their respective achievements, are finalists for the Australia wide awards. The announcement of the winners for each category be in Sydney on Friday 14 November at the Australian National Maritime Museum in conjunction with the Australian Sailing Hall of Fame Induction.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas and remember no bananas at sea.
Peter Demura
Commodore