by Commodore Robert McClelland
Performance Cruising close encounters – photo by Andrea Francolini
RPAYC boats have once again made their mark in the Whitsundays, with strong performances across multiple divisions and a podium finish in the hotly contested Performance Racing fleet. The week delivered classic trade wind conditions — steady breezes between 15 and 28 knots — making for fast, tactical, and highly competitive racing across all fleets.
Performance Racing
3rd – Organised Chaos – Garry Gudmunson
In a fleet stacked with talent, Organised Chaos delivered an outstanding series to claim 3rd overall. Garry Gudmunson and crew thrived in the fresh breezes, with top-five finishes in most races and sharp tactical calls in everything from short upwind battles to long downwind runs. This result is a testament to great teamwork and disciplined sailing against some of the best in the business.
Under control on Organised Chaos – Photo by Andrea Francolini
Performance Cruising Div 1
Performance Cruising close encounters – photo by Andrea Francolini
1st – Antipodes – Geoff Hill
Antipodes dominated the division, claiming victory with four race wins and never placing outside the top six. Geoff Hill’s team combined precision starts, slick sail handling, and expert course management to take home the series win in emphatic style. The consistent 15–28 knot conditions saw Antipodes in her element, powering through the fleet with pace and control.
2nd – La Troisieme Mitemps – Matt Doyle
Keeping the pressure on all week, La Troisieme Mitemps secured 2nd overall with a string of podium finishes, including three second places and a win. This gave RPAYC a remarkable one-two finish in the division.
Performance Cruising Div 2
5th – Banter – Mike Robertson
A first-race win set Banter up for a strong series. Despite some mid-fleet scores in the middle of the regatta, Mike Robertson’s crew handled the fresh conditions well to finish 5th overall in a tightly packed leaderboard.
Trailables & Sports Boats Div 2
6th – Botany Access – Justin Brownbill
Battling a few tough results early, Botany Access bounced back with a podium in Race 4 and solid performances in the breeze to end the week 6th overall. The team showed they could mix it with the leaders when conditions suited.
Wrap-Up
With a win, a second, and a third in major divisions — plus solid mid-fleet results in the remaining fleets — RPAYC crews once again showcased the Club’s depth of talent and competitive spirit. In a week of perfect sailing winds, from 15 to 28 knots every day, the Alfreds boats rose to the challenge and delivered an outstanding showing at Airlie Beach Race Week 2025.