The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) hosted an unforgettable evening on Saturday, 16 November 2024, with the highly anticipated Commodore’s Gala Dinner. Set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of the club’s premier venue, the event brought together over 100 members, friends, and supporters of the RPAYC community to celebrate a year of remarkable achievements and raise much-needed funds for the club’s Alfred’s Community Sailing (ACS) programs and future initiatives.
The Gala Dinner, which sold out days before the event, was a testament to the strong sense of community at RPAYC. The excitement surrounding the evening was palpable, reflecting the dedication of RPAYC members to the club’s core values of diversity, inclusion, and fostering the love of sailing among all ages and abilities.
RPAYC Commodore, Robert McClelland, kicked off the evening with a heartfelt address, thanking attendees for their ongoing support. He emphasised the club’s commitment to expanding accessibility to sailing through the ACS program, which has become a vital resource for the local community. “The Commodore’s Gala is more than just a celebration—it’s a reflection of the passion and dedication that make the RPAYC such a special place. We are proud to see our members and supporters come together to celebrate the sport we love and to contribute to our vision for a more inclusive sailing community,” said Commodore McClelland.
The evening featured a sumptuous three-course dinner paired with fine wines, and guests were treated to live music by the popular Aston Martinis. A major highlight of the event was the lively silent and live auctions, where attendees competed for a range of exclusive items, including sail coaching sessions, weekend camping packages, and an unforgettable luxury sail experience onboard the Commodore’s yacht. The highly anticipated auction items proved a huge success, with bidding wars igniting some of the night’s most exciting moments.
Proceeds from the event’s auctions will directly support the ACS program, helping fund upcoming initiatives and events that will benefit sailors of all abilities. The biggest initiative on the horizon is the HANSA Worlds 2025, an exciting and high-profile international sailing event that RPAYC is proudly hosting in collaboration with the HANSA Class Association. This event will attract sailors from around the world, further enhancing the club’s reputation as a hub for accessible and inclusive sailing.
The HANSA Worlds 2025 will be one of the most significant events in the club’s history, showcasing the talents of sailors with disabilities, as well as providing a platform for participants to compete at the highest level. The event will also serve to increase awareness of the HANSA class of boats, which are specifically designed to be accessible to people of all abilities. making the sport more inclusive for all members of the community, regardless of their physical challenges.
The success of the 2024 Commodore’s Gala Dinner marks yet another milestone in RPAYC’s storied history as a leader in yachting excellence, community spirit, and inclusivity. The club looks forward to continuing to host events that bring together sailors, supporters, and the broader community, and to furthering its mission to make sailing a sport accessible to everyone.
RPAYC would like to extend its sincere gratitude to all the sponsors, volunteers, and guests who made the evening possible. Thank you also to our guest speakers for sharing your inspiring personal stories and connection to the ACS and community support programs;
• Nic Douglas – Adventures of a Sailor Girl
• John Sanderson – President of the Australian HANSA Class Association
• Chris Mitchell – Founder, designer and builder of the HANSA Class
• Liesl Tesch – AM, BSc, MP for Gosford and Olympic Medallist
• Nicole Delle Coste – ACS Participant, Founder of Backup-for-life and former Police Officer
The HANSA charity race held 15 November was a prelude to the Gala Dinner, with sailors competing in the 3.8nm race from Newport to Palm Beach.
The fun event raised a significant amount to support the HANSA Worlds 2025. John Smidmore took the win in a very evenly matched field, who all crossed the line within a few minutes of each other. Competitors celebrated with family and friends with a beachside BBQ.
The funds raised at both the Gala Dinner and HANSA charity race will go a long way in supporting the club’s ambitious plans for the year ahead, including the HANSA Worlds 2025 and the continued expansion of the Alfred’s Community Sailing program.
