Commodore’s Report
Sailing is not just for Sailors
The King’s Birthday long weekend showcased the breadth and strength of participation at Royal Brighton Yacht Club, with members competing across a range of events that highlighted sailing opportunities for all ages and experience levels.
At the senior end of the fleet, RBYC and QCYC sailors took part in the Alan Robinson Trophy Race to Queenscliff. The race was sailed in ideal conditions although the breeze did ease towards the end of the race. Congratulations to Another Chapter on a line honours victory while, Windspeed, skippered by George Hooper, claimed the PHS honours.
Meanwhile, RBYC was well represented at the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta, where sailors joined competitors from around the country in celebrating women’s participation in the sport. The RBYC Adams 10 Serious Yahoo, skippered by Katie Holroyd, secured second place (AMS) and third place (EHC) overall in Division 1, finishing just a single point (EHC) behind Jacobina and Bullet. RBYC was also represented by veteran skipper Rosie Colahan’s Northshore 340 Encore. Rosie has been a strong supporter of women’s sailing over the years. The regatta continues to be an important event for developing skills, building confidence and creating pathways for women to engage in keelboat racing at all levels.
Our youngest sailors were also in action, competing in the King’s Cup Regatta hosted by the Club. The event provided valuable coaching and racing experience for junior members, allowing them to test their skills, build friendships and further their development in a supportive and competitive environment. Special thanks to Patron John Bertrand and special guest Jessica Watson for hosting the very well received pizza and movie night. In a very competitive fleet, RBYC sailors featured prominently in the results with podium placings by Theo Alston (2nd Open Fleet), Clovis Goussard, (1st Intermediate Fleet), Hunter Bryant (2nd Intermediate Fleet), Jensen Bryant (2nd Green Fleet) and Alexander Cheung (3rd Green Fleet). Congratulations to all competitors and a big thank you to everyone involved in organising and volunteering for the event. Based on feedback, the King’s Cup cemented RBYC’s reputation as a premier regatta venue.
These activities reflect a key strategic aim of RBYC to grow participation in sailing. This objective aligns closely with Australian Sailing’s Sailing 2032 Strategy and Participation Plan, which seeks to get “more people on the water, in more ways, more often.” Sailing opportunities at RBYC are available to all members, regardless of membership category, with a variety of pathways to get involved.
Whether through formal training courses, joining an existing racing or cruising crew, volunteering at club events, or participating in junior programs, youth racing, women’s sailing programs e.g. BLISS and KISS, club racing and offshore races, members can engage with sailing in ways that suit their interests and experience.
By making sailing accessible, inclusive and flexible, and providing opportunities across all ages and stages of participation, RBYC continues to create opportunities for more people to get on the water, foster a vibrant club community, and build lifelong connections with the sport both on and off the water.
Wishing you fair winds and following seas and remember no bananas at sea.
Peter Demura
Commodore