A Community Club
Royal Brighton Yacht Club was very different when I was introduced to the establishment as a pre-teen, back in the day. The current building barely resembles what stood there previously. There was a slipway and storage yard, the yard man lived in a cottage where the upper car park is today. The pier was a timber construction, there was no hardstand, no marina, no attenuator and the yachts such as Winston Churchill and others, were on swing moorings where Doggie beach stands today.
Much has changed. What stands out in my mind as the most important change is the slow but steady course we have sailed from a male dominated exclusive sailing club to a wonderful and inclusive community organisation.
It is 25 years this month since a small group of swimmers wrote to the club and requested to “come across”. Steadily over that time the swimmers have grown their numbers, both male and female and contributed and assisted in making our club the most welcoming community club I have ever encountered.
Our youth sailing programs continue to provide excellent facilities and training for young boys and girls along with the parents who enjoy our hospitality.
A number of community and business organisations choose our club to run their events in our facilities bringing many people into our welcoming club.
It makes me proud to be a member of Royal Brighton Yacht Club.
Regattas
It would be remiss of me not to mention the recent regattas that the club has run so successfully. The Optimist State Championships with over 80 entries run over the long weekend were closely followed by the Etchells State Championships last weekend with 22 entries. Both regattas included visitors from across the country and overseas.
The staff and volunteers did an outstanding job with excellent organisation at both events both on and off the water, including first class race management. Hospitality for spectators and competitors was equally first class. How wonderful were both events at showcasing our magnificent club. Congratulations and thanks to all involved.
Coming up next on 28-29 March is the VxOne State Championship. Then on 6-8 June is the Kings Cup for the Optimist Class. Last year was a roaring success and Event Patron John Bertrand is confident this year will be even bigger and better. We look forward to seeing the young and happy sailors at the Club for the event.