For Gordon Ingate, the Classic Yacht Regatta wasn’t just another race; it was the final chapter of one of sailing’s most remarkable lives. And for RPAYC member Cameron Miles, it was a moment he won’t forget.
Just nine days after celebrating his 100th birthday, Ingate took to the water one last time, competing in the inaugural Classic Yacht Regatta. Two weeks later, he had passed, cementing the day as both a celebration and a quiet farewell.
A number of members from the RPAYC took to the water for the inaugural Classic Yacht Regatta hosted by the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club on Saturday, 11 April. Cameron Miles, Stephen Robson and their better halves represented RPAYC on Ventura. It was a quintessential Sydney autumn day; light winds, clear skies, and plenty of sunshine. In true timber boat racing fashion, the emphasis extended beyond speed to include presentation and style.
The crew of Ventura captured the spirit of a bygone era, impeccably dressed in matching linen pants, white shirts, cravats, scarves, Panama hats – with Cam and Steve wearing the navy blue RPAYC reefer jackets. It must have worked because Ventura claimed the top honours in the Concours d’Elegance Award, standing out as the oldest vessel in the fleet. Skipper Steve Robson remarked with good humour, “It’s fortunate we dressed up, because we would not have won for speed. There were some seriously quick timber racing boats out there. It was an honour to sail in the fleet, including Gordon Ingate, in what was his last race. ”
More than 60 classic timber yachts competed across five divisions, with handicap racing conducted under both PHS and IRC systems. While the fleet delivered impressive performances throughout the day, one of the standout moments came from Gordon Ingate. Just nine days after celebrating his 100th birthday, Ingate skippered his 28-footer to an impressive third place in Division 5. In a fitting twist of history, Gordon also secured the All Comers Trophy, an award last claimed by Ventura some 93 years ago in Tasmania, adding a memorable and symbolic note to an already remarkable day on the water.
