With boats belonging to international entrants arriving in Australia, the temptation to take part in the upcoming 5.5 Metre Class World Championship proved too strong for some big names on home soil, who have now signed on the dotted line for the event, to be hosted by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) on Pittwater this summer.

To be held from 9-13 January, the Championship and its lead-in events are expected to attract around 27 boats; 13 Moderns, nine Evolutions and five Classic 5.5 Metre boats.

On noting the talent that would contest the Worlds, Phil Smidmore OAM and Rob Brown OAM, members of Australia II’s winning team at the 1983 America Cup, have put their hands up.  

Smidmore, a former winner of the 5.5 Metre Scandinavian Gold Cup the Worlds twice and mast man on Australia II, will crew on Skagerak for Steve Brajkovich. Brown, a former Australian Etchells champion, three-time 18 foot skiff J.J. Giltinan (unofficial Worlds) champion and multiple 18s Australian champion, is to helm Alpha Crucis.

“My experience in the Etchells will help. It’s just a matter of putting in the time,” Brown said. “I’ve had a go off Pittwater. We did alright, which got me excited, not to mention the overseas competition that’s coming.

Among the big names heading to Pittwater from overseas are the Worlds’ winners from the past three years and the top three from the 2019 Worlds: Kristian Nergaard from Norway (Artemis XIV), Mark Holowesko with his New Moon 2 and Gavin McKinney (John B), both from The Bahamas.  

There are also entries from Germany, Great Britain and Switzerland, However, the Australians have been putting in practice on home turf and will be lying in wait… 

“It’s been amazing being out there sailing against the three eras of boats with their different shapes, but when you’re out there sailing along, you forget they’re different. At times you are going the same speed. I’m enjoying the class.”

Brown’s crew, including Simon Smith, was set to go, but his middle crew can no longer make it: “We’re feverishly looking for a person who will fit in and have a bit of fun with it while being competitive. We need someone 95 to 100 kilos who is a good trimmer with a good tactical brain,” the Pittwater local says.

“Thanks have to go to Martin Cross, the class president, who has put in a huge amount of work to make this Championship happen - and he got the class up and running again at The Alfreds,” Brown ended. 

For his part, Cross said, “Many of the historic Australian Evolution and Classic boats have been renovated. They are gleaming and ready to go,” adding: “The competition in the Evolution fleet will be intense, as we have some fast former World Championship and Gold Cup winning boats going head-to-head. 

Most intriguing will be the showdown between the Classics Alfredo Delli’s Carabella (Italy) and Damian Macey’s renovated Baragoola (Australia). Both will be out to prove which boat really is the fastest Classic.

Principal Race Officer for the Gold Cup and 5.5 Metre Worlds is Denis Thompson; one of Australia’s most experienced race officials, while the UK’s Jamie Clark will chair the International Jury. Among those joining Clark on the jury are Australian Richard Slater, the Chief Umpire for the 36^th America’s Cup, and Steve Hatch, who has officiated at the Olympic Games and Americas Cup. 

For those wishing to emulate some of the 'legends' in the 5.5 Metre there is still time to buy a boat. Please see boats for sale at: www.5.5class.org/boats-for-sale

Notice of Race and all information: www.rpayc.com.au/sailing/5-5m-world-champ-2020

Di Pearson, 5.5 Metre Worlds media

Further media information:

Di Pearson, phone: 0410 792 131

About Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club is based on Pittwater on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and offers year round inshore and offshore racing, cruising, centreboard dinghy racing, sail training and courses plus has a large marina accommodating up to 352 vessels. There is also a modern boatyard with comprehensive marine services to help maintain your vessel and parking is plentiful. For more information, go to: https://www.rpayc.com.au/

Club Coach Tom Spithill will be finishing up in his position as Head Coach at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Feb/ March 2020 (date to be announced).

Since commencing full time work at the Yacht Club in 2007, Tom worked as a sailing administrator, and was instrumental in launching the “Force 24 Super Series”, which helped encourage members of all ages to compete in an exciting format.

The position of head coach became available, and Tom seamlessly transitioned into that roll, overseeing the clubs extensive sail training program.

Tom was involved with developing the Carl Halverson Scholarship program and the implementation of the Green fleet. These programs helped to transition non-sailing families from learn to sail programs into regular club racing.

The Youth Development Program has continued to excel under Tom’s leadership. Some notable achievements whilst the squad have been under Toms Guidance have been:
*First all-female team to win the Harken Youth International Match Racing Regatta. (Milly Bennett)
* First Female helm and first all-female team to win the Hardy Cup international Match Racing Regatta (Clare Costanzo)
* 2016 Youth Match Racing World Champions (William Dargaville).

Tom has also been a driving force in the RPAYC award winning “Integrated Disabled Sailing Program”, working with organisations such as Soldier On, St John Of God and Homes for Heroes. Working with the participants who range from veterans, current serving and first responders and helping them in their recovery by organising sailing and family days.

Tom played a major part in the delivery of the Invictus games launch in addition to the Games itself in Sydney, taking on the role as Sports Competition Manger for Sailing. The Games was the largest Multi Sports games since the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Over the years Tom has been recognised state wide and nationally with Coach of the Year and Sports Professional of the Year Awards.

Tom plans to enjoy some travelling and explore some upcoming sailing opportunities as he sees where this next chapter takes him.

Prior to being full time at the Alfred’s, Tom worked casually instructing sailing and mark laying back when he was 15, and plans to still help out where he can.
“I was on $10 an hour when I started instructing here at the club, and I have fond memories of spending time with Gary E.  The club has been a part of my life since I was born, I did my first regatta here when I was 3 years old, someone’s crew forgot to turn up and my older Brother and Sister were already sailing so my dad chucked me on board and I reportedly slept most of the day!”
“I want to thank the members of the club for giving me the opportunity to work at such an amazing club, the friendships I have forged here are life long, and I will now enjoy resuming my membership here at the club” commented a clearly nostalgic and emotional Tom.

Tom has been a very important staff member at the Club for many years and we will miss his contribution and banter in the office, including his 'technical support' skills. We wish him well in his new ventures and look forward to seeing him out on the water and enjoying the club as a member again. Good luck Tom.

When Tommy met Prince Harry - Invictus Games                                                                                                                             Sail GP Q & A / Harken Welcome Function 

A Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) team skippered by Alastair Gifford has won the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s (RPAYC) Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship on Pittwater this weekend, successfully defending the title won by fellow club member Jordon Stevenson last year.

In the final, Gifford’s team of Henry Angus, Chester Duffett, Hunter Gardyne and Seb Lardies defeated the world ranked No. 20 team from Wales, skippered by Matthew Whitfield from Penarth Yacht Club. It means that Gifford pockets the $1200 winner’s cheque, with $800 going to Wales as runner-up.

It did not go all Gifford’s way. He had to fight back from a deficit of two down in the final, but the Kiwis fought back to win the next three matches in the best of five, to take the title.

Gifford said this afternoon: “The standard of competition was pretty high; so overall, it was a pretty hard-fought event.”

On defending the title won by Stevenson last year, Gifford said, “We take pride in the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. We have a good group of guys and girls there - and good program. The Club backs us.

“We knew it was going to be tight competition, so we’re very happy with how we went, especially coming up against the Welsh who are number 20 in the world,” ended Gifford, whose crew went in world ranked 117. 

Gifford, though, has plenty of racing experience across the board, including representing New Zealand at the 2014 Youth Olympics, and has raced internationally in anything from Optimists, Bytes and Laser Radials apart from match racing.

Of his team, the confident skipper said: “We had a little bit of practice before we came here, but it’s the first time we’ve raced together.” 

Throughout the event, the winners lost only four matches, two in the round robin, and two in the final. In the semi-finals, they took on the RPAYC all-female team skippered by Juliet Costanzo and beat them 3-0, while Whitfield’s Welsh team sailed against the other RPAYC team skippered by Alistair Read. The Welsh team won 3-1.

Tom Spithill, the RPAYC’s head coach, commented: “The regatta went very smoothly. The breeze got up to 22 knots on the first day, and really tested everyone’s boat handling. It was light to moderate for the rest; a good all-round package. It showed who can sail well in all conditions.”

Spithill continued, “We’re very pleased with the standard of the competition. Even the world number 20 had matches taken off him, so it shows how competitive all the teams were - they all come from established yacht clubs with good youth programs in place. 

On the efforts of the RPAYC teams, Spithill said, “We are absolutely thrilled we had both RPAYC in the semis. It’s the first time and shows the depth of talent we have. Both teams had the potential to have a crack at this event.

Ten international teams took part in the 27th Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship. Clubs represented were: RPAYC, Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (Jed Cruickshank), Darwin Sailing Club (Finn Niemeier) and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, (Hugo Stoner).

The international line-up was completed by Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club in New Zealand (Jonathon Barnett) and Ireland’s Royal Irish Yacht Club (Niall Malone).

A Sportsmanship award of $250 went to Jed Cruickshank’s team, while the Social Media prize of $250 was awarded to the team from Wales.

The Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship could not be made possible without the assistance of some two dozen volunteers, local members, as well as the international and national umpires.

Special thanks to Harken, a leading manufacturer and marketer of quality sailboat hardware and accessories, which continues to support this event for a 22nd year.

For all the results, please visit the official website: www.intyouthmatchracingchampionship.com.au

By Di Pearson/RPAYC media

Follow the regatta:

On Facebook: @RPAYCYD

On Instagram: @rpayc

On Twitter: @RPAYCYouthMatch

After two round robins of racing in the Harken Youth International Match Racing Regatta on Pittwater, the top four teams have been identified. 

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Clubs team skippered by Alistair Read and Juliet Costanzo have snared two of the four spots in the semifinals, finishing tied and 4^th respectively on 12 wins.
Top ranked seed (World Sailing open ranked 20) Mathew Whitfield representing Penarth Yacht Club (Wales) is ranked 2^nd on 14 wins, behind regatta leader Alistair Gifford representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (NZL) on 16 wins.

On getting into the top four a happy Costanzo commented “We (the girls), are really enjoying sailing together. We are not phased on who we get paired up to race against, as we feel like we have a good shot at the 3 higher placed teams!”

“We are hoping that our fellow club members come out and cheer loud for both Alfred’s teams, so we can capitalize on the home team advantage!” commented a spirited Costanzo.

The semifinals and finals are scheduled to take place tomorrow (Sunday 24^th November), with racing getting underway at 1000hrs.

Tonight Alistair Gifford, as regatta leader will have the luxury of picking his opponent for the semi finals

To view live results throughout the day, follow this link: https://www.matchracingresults.com/2019/harken-international-youth-championship/

Spithill Media Services

A fantastic welcome ceremony got underway for the 2019 Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship hosted by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. The star-studded line-up of 10 youth (under 23) teams from both local and international clubs came together to socialize, meet each other and members of the club at the pre regatta official welcome function before the competition starts today.

Commodore Michael Lockley welcomed competitors, members & guests to the event before handing over to Harken's National Sales & Technical Manager Callum Cecil who reiterated Harken's support of the event and Harken's ongoing commitment to sailing from the youth & dinghy level all the way through to the Grand Prix & Americas Cup.

World number 20 and the bookies favourite Matt Whitfield representing Penarth Yacht Club, Wales, said he was confident his newly established team could come together to get the top prize “We are really looking forward to getting out on the water, being able to wear shorts and a t-shirt at this time of year is amazing”.

The highlight of the evening was special guests from Australian SailGP Team, skipper Tom Slingsby & Trimmer Ky Hurst; who brought along their newest piece of silverware to add to their ‘poolroom’, the magnificent ‘Sail Grand Prix Championship Trophy (Sail GP).

After both kids and adults alike managed to snap a picture with Tom, Ky and the trophy, they were all inspired by both of their unique challenges and accomplishments as they listened to the top sailors in not only Australia but the world.

The winner of the 2017 Harken, Leonard Takahashi subsequently went on to sail for the Japanese SailGP team. MC Tom Spithill asked both Tom & Ky whether he sees these kinds of high-profile events, particularly the Harken, as a breeding ground for future emerging stars stepping up into the big league, to which Tom Slingsby commented “Absolutely, Kinley Fowler our teammate on SailAus GP is a good example, he has now got his name on both the Sail GP and the Harken ‘Rockin Robin’ Trophy”.

The in-depth Q & A style session was a valuable asset to all the sailors present, with the key points of setting a goal and never ever giving up, combined with the more hours on water the more an athlete will develop their skills.

SailGP is not just about racing at high speeds in 50 footers, they have launched their ‘Inspire” Program for grassroot sailors. Slingsby proudly announced that for Sydney in February 2020 the Waszp Class dinghy will be involved in a pre-race event on Sydney Harbour followed by the SailGP event. SailGP believes that sailing should be truly accessible to all, which is a mentality the RPAYC also believes in. Through SailGP Inspire Learning, young people can get a real taste of the sport with hands-on lessons, mentorship and team building. This is learning by doing, and a step towards skills that last a lifetime, regardless of experience. Inspire learning introduces students at local host venues to sailing as well as the science behind the sport. 

For the 50 Harken Competitors out on Pittwater, NSW today, all are chomping at the opportunity to compete in the club’s fleet of Elliott 7 Keelboats and get their names engraved on the trophy.  Day 1 of racing kicks off at 1000hrs in what should be a typical spring day with a building Northeasterly seabreeze forecast for the afternoon.

Live Results can be followed at: https://www.matchracingresults.com/2019/harken-international-youth-championship/

Follow the regatta:

On Facebook: @RPAYCYD

On Instagram: @rpayc

On Twitter: @RPAYCYouthMatch

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                             19 November, 2019 

Countdown on and special guests for Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship

An international cast will take to the race course on Pittwater for the 27^th Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship, to be hosted by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) from 20-24 November, 2019.

An even split of Australian and international teams will be in line for a cash price of $1200 to the winning team, $800 for the runner-up, while $500 will go to the most improved.

A Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron team, skippered by Jordon Stevenson, took the trophy home last year. Be warned, the home of the America’s Cup is back to compete with two teams whose skippers are Robert McCutcheon and Alastair Gifford.  

However, the top ranked crew is that of Wales’ Penarth Yacht Club. Matthew Whitfield’s team is 20th in the official World Sailing Match Racing Rankings, followed by an Australian team from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, skippered by Hugo Stoner, ranked 103^rd.

Other clubs represented include two from the host, RPAYC, to be skippered by Juliet Costanzo and Alistair Read respectively, with one each from Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (Jed Cruickshank) and Darwin Sailing Club (Finn Niemeier).

The internationals line-up is completed by a team each from Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club in New Zealand (Jonathon Barnett) and Ireland’s Royal Irish Yacht Club (Niall Malone).

In a major coup for the event, after registration and practice racing on Wednesday 20 November, special guests Tom Slingsby and Ky Hurst will put in an appearance at the Welcome Function where they will take part in a Question and Answer session on SailGP.

Slingsby and his Australian SailGP crew, including Hurst, won the inaugural SailGP this year and the pair is looked up to by sailors around the world for their various sporting achievements.

The event highlights where this current group of youth sailors can end up down the track. It also supports the importance of encouraging youths to continue on with competitive sailing and to dream big, as did previous competitors who have gone on to carve a name for themselves.  

The RPAYC is pleased to announce that the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Offshore Yacht Race is back with a new date and is open to everyone. On the 3^rd April 2020 at 1300hrs the 230nm short ocean sprint to Coffs Harbour will start from the entrance to Pittwater. The race is open to offshore capable yachts and multihulls racing fully crewed or two-handed. 

“The Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Offshore Yacht Race has a proud place in the history of the RPAYC, regularly attracting over 100 boats in its heyday. Sailors also talk about the race fondly, a great length and a fun and friendly destination making it popular” explains Commodore Michael Lockley, first to enter the race with his optimised and well travelled Farr 45, Pretty Woman.

“Finding a space in the calendar has been the challenge, going head to head with the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race between Christmas and New Year just does not make sense, particularly in the races 75^th year. However, April appears the perfect time, before Easter so boats can continue to Brisbane for the Brisbane to Gladstone Race the following week, return south to Port Stephens for the Sail Port Stephens Regatta at the end of the month or it is an easy trip back home to Pittwater/Sydney” says Nick Elliott, Race Director.

Entry is open and the Notice of Race can be found at: https://www.rpayc.com.au/sailing/club-marine-pittwater-to-coffs-yacht-race-2020

For more information or questions please contact the RPAYC Sailing Office.

Adult Sailing Programs 

Thursday Twilight Discover Sailing Experience

What better way to try sailing and jump into Club life than with our Thursday Discover Sailing Experience.
For beginners and those with some sailing experience, held weekly from 7 Nov - 19 Dec, 5-8pm. Our Australian Sailing Instructors will teach you the basic skills and terms of sailing before joining the Thursday Twilight non-spinnaker race. Social and Fun and Open to ALL!

REGISTER HERE (by 12pm each Thursday)

Adult Learn to Sail & Development Course

Saturday Afternoon or Sunday Afternoon Course options from beginner up.
Options include Start Crewing, Start Skippering through to Start Racing. 1-4pm commencing this Weekend. 

• Saturday 16 November
• Sunday 10 November - commenced

REGISTER HERE

The Alfred's Australian Sailing Windsurfing Courses 

The RPAYC offers a simple training pathway for all ages wanting to get into windsurfing or for those seasoned sailors to develop their skills.

Training is delivered by Australian Sailing (AS) accredited instructors following a national syllabus and taught using Club Windsurfers and or BYO Board and Kit. 

Times: Rigged for 8:30 on water - 10:30
23 November - 14 December (4 sessions)

Time: 5:00 - 7:00
18 November - 9 December (4 sessions)

If you want to discover windsurfing, we will provide a safe, fun, and affordable environment to build your skills.

REGISTER HERE