The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club joins the broader sailing community in acknowledging the passing of Hugh Treharne OAM — a remarkable sailor, sailmaker, and lifelong contributor to the sport we all love.
Hugh’s name is woven through some of the proudest chapters of Australian sailing history. His role as tactician aboard Australia II during the 1983 America’s Cup is well known — a campaign that broke the longest winning streak in world sport and placed Australian sailing firmly on the global stage.
But those who knew Hugh understand that his real strength was never about the limelight. He was a humble, practical sailor — someone who always looked ahead, focused on the task, and worked quietly behind the scenes to make others, and the boats they sailed, perform at their very best.
Hugh’s skill as a sailmaker, strategist, and mentor influenced generations of sailors. His spinnaker aboard Australia II, regarded as one of the finest sails of that famous regatta, is just one example of the quiet excellence he brought to every campaign.
For many years, Hugh called Pittwater home, raising his family by the water. His children, Rob, Analiese, and Sam, all grew up immersed in the sailing community, with Sam going on to represent Australia as part of the national sailboarding team. Many within the RPAYC family will remember sailing alongside Hugh, his family, and his broader circle of friends and competitors across Pittwater.
Hugh never sought the spotlight. His focus was always on the team, the preparation, and the love of the sport. His legacy isn’t just in trophies or headlines — it’s in the generations of sailors he quietly encouraged, the high standards he set, and the deep respect he earned across the sailing world.
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club extends our sincere condolences to Hugh’s wife Dixie, to Rob, Analiese, Sam, and the entire Treharne family. We honour Hugh’s contribution to sailing and his lifelong example of humility, dedication, and quiet excellence.
Fair winds, Hugh — your legacy sails on.