An invitation to participate in RPAYC's 5th biennial member survey will be emailed to all RPAYC members, over the age of 18, on Monday 14 October 2019 by independent research company, Taverner Research. The email will include your unique link to participate.  Please look out for the email in your inbox (check your Spam folder as well!) from rpayc@taverner.com.au and Subject: RPAYC Membership Feedback for 2019.

Every member, over the age of 18, has the opportunity to enter the prize draw for the chance to win $500 credit to spend on any RPAYC product or service, or one of five Friday night dinners for two at Alfred's Table.

Thank you in advance for completing the survey.  Your feedback is important to continue to grow and enhance the Club for the benefit of all members.

If you do not receive the survey email or your email address has changed, please advise Reception at reception@rpayc.com.au.

Click here for the 2019 Member Survey prize draw - Terms & Conditions

Reception & Tender Service

Saturday: 0800 - 1700
Sunday: 0800 - 1800
Monday: 0800 - 1800

Bar Trading Hours 

Saturday: 0800 - 1900
Sunday: 0800 - 1930
Monday: 0800 - 1800

Bistro Trading Hours 

Saturday: 0800 - 1500
Sunday: 0800 - 1900
Including Sunday Roast Dinner 
Monday: 0800 - 1500

Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club held their Inaugural “Thirkell Trophy” over the weekend. This under 23 Youth Match Racing Regatta was run in the clubs recently purchased second hand fleet of Elliott 6’s. NCYC purchased these 8 Elliott’s which were the boats used in the 2012 London Olympics, and are in near new condition.

Racing was conducted over two days in the harbour, in close quarters racing. The Alfreds was represented by two teams from the Youth Development Program, with Alistair Read and Cam Whiteside skippering. Both teams managed to make the semis, with Read finishing on equal points to Cole Tapper (CYCA) and Whiteside coming in third ranked.

Tapper elected to verse Miller (NCYC), leavening the other semis for both Alfreds team to battle it out.

Both Tapper and Read won their semis convincingly and progressed to the finals. In the finals, Read and Tapper found themselves in close matches. Tapper was getting the initial edge of the start line with Read using his upwind speed to force a lead change. Tapper and team proved to be the better team on the day and took the semi finals 3-1. Cam Whiteside finished a credible 3rd at his first event on the helm.

A big thank you to Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club for hosting a great event.

Our two teams comprised of:

* Alistair Read (Skipper), Emma Rankin and Sean Gregory

* Cam Whiteside (Skipper),  Jasmine Bridge and Tom Quarrie

The 2019 David Lukins Memorial regatta once again saw some of the RPAYC’s best sailors assemble for what has become one of the most sought-after trophies in the club, the David Lukins Memorial Trophy.

The regatta is run in memory of the late David Lukins, who was a tireless volunteer and well-respected member at the Alfred’s during his long association with the club.

The ages of the competitors competing this year ranged from 15 through to 60, where nine teams competed in this two-day match racing event run in the club’s fleet of Elliott 7 keelboats.

After the completion of the round robin, the points were tight, with the top 4 spots hotly contested.

Murray Gordon (TEAM FOMO), managed to only lose one race in the round robin, to finish as top placed competitor. He chose Pat Langley (TEAM VAIKOBI) to verse, which was a surprising choice as Langley had finished 2nd behind Gordon in the round robin.

Malcolm Parker (TEAM Better late then never) and Nick “Chewbacca” Garland (TEAM HARKEN) filled up the other two semi-final berths.

Langley managed to surprise Gordon, who was the regatta favourite going into this competition having won this event twice previously.

Garland also managed to do a great job with both boat handling and speed to proceed to the finals, defeating Parker in the process.

The finals saw Nick Garland take the first race with a convincing win over Pat Langley.

The second race saw an aggressive prestart with the umpires penalising Langley for not keeping clear.

Langley however managed to keep control off the start line to lead around the course. By the final downwind Langley had amassed enough of a lead to undertake his penalty turn prior to finishing...or so he thought!

Disaster struck for Langley when he was unable to complete the penalty turn due to the spinnaker not being lowered below the boom (a requirement when match racing). Frustration was evident on Langley’s team as Garland sailed on by to steal the win in Steven Bradbury style.

For what would be the final race, disaster struck for Langley, who was unaware the start sequence had started for the best race. Langley was changing the spinnaker over to the other side of the boat, when suddenly Garland came and started to attack. Langley copped a penalty for not entering, and to add further insult to injury, damage to the Elliott’s steering system saw Langley have to reluctantly throw in the towel.

As a formality, Nick Garland and his team of Julian Plante, Ian McKillop & Grant Pellew had to complete the course on their lonesome.

On the final leg for the finish, it was clear that this was a very important win for Garland and his team with both Nick and team principle Grant Pellew both visibly emotional.

The team crossed the line to take the finals 3-0 in front of a large spectator fleet, which included members of the Lukins Family.

Commodore Michael Lockley thanked the large contingent of volunteers of umpires and race management who made this event possible.

David’s daughter Kylie was then invited up to present the beautiful Trophy in honour of her Father.

On receiving the Trophy, a clearly overwhelmed Garland had the following things to say “Out of all the sailing achievements I have had, nothing means more to me than being able to get my name on this trophy. David Lukins, was a very special person. He selflessly did so much for the sport of sailing, this club and personally for myself and other young sailors, through the youth development program”

“My team describes me like a bad owner driver, and they are probably right” joked Garland.

“I can’t thank them (my team) enough. I’ve been bridesmaid so many times before, reaching the semis and not progressing any further. Now we have done it!”

Full placings below:

1st Place Nick Garland (TEAM HARKEN) Julian Plante, Ian McKillop, Grant Pellew

2nd Place Pat Langley (TEAM VAIKOBI) Trent Barnabas, Paul Gudmunson & Pete Winter

3rd Place Murray Gordon (TEAM FOMO) Shane Lukins, Billy Sykes & James Catts

4th Place Malcolm Parker (TEAM Better Late Than Never)

5th Place Alistair Read (TEAM YD BLUE)

6th Place James Farquharson (TEAM GRAND V)

7th Place Chris Way (TEAM EASY TIGER)

8th Place Craig Souter (TEAM COCO)

9th Place Juliet Costanzo (TEAM YD RED)

The sailing office is now taking entries for the Women’s Twilight Series which starts October 29 and finishes March 23, 2020.

With new fleet captains Nicole Butcher, Evelyn Curtis and Lisa Ratcliff up and running, there is a renewed push to get more club boats out racing, and more women sailing in the series.

If you are an RPAYC boat owner who has enough female crew to compete we’d love to see you on the start line. Entry is free for full members, enter via https://www.rpayc.com.au/sailing/yacht-racing/online-entry-system

If you are an owner willing to offer your boat for the ten-race spinnaker & non-spinnaker series but don’t have enough crew, register via TopYacht and let the sailing office know your situation. They and the fleet captains will try and match you with a suitable crew over the coming weeks.

If you are a female member looking for a crew spot, the fleet captains are building a register to match owners with enthusiastic crew. Email sailing@rpayc.com.au to register yourself and please include ‘Women’s Twilight Series’ in the subject line, then details of your sailing experience and contact information in the email body.

Members can also lease an Elliott 7 for the series. Please contact the RPAYC sailing office to arrange.

Avalon Travel Agency TravelView is kindly donating travel vouchers for 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd places weekly and Mistral Clothing is throwing their support behind the series, with lucky door prizes. 

If you have any questions about the twilight series please contact the sailing office who can put you in touch with our representatives. 

Evelyn, Nicole, Lisa

Photo - Thank You to Dee Why Camera Club 

The 2019 David Lukins Match Racing Regatta gets underway this weekend, run out of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.

The regatta is run in memory of the late David Lukins, who was a tireless volunteer and well respected member at the Alfred’s during his long association with the club.

An exciting forecast is on the cards for tomorrow with 20 knots from the North East predicted for the entire day, which should see some fast paced match racing in the clubs fleet of Elliott 7 keelboats.

Coming in as top seed in the world sailing open match race rankings at 165 is Youth Development squad member Juliet Costanzo. Juliet also comes in as 20th in the world for the women’s match racing ranking. An impressive feat considering Juliet is still eligible for youth events. “Wow no pressure” joked Costanzo, when notified she is the top ranked competitor. “We spend more time than anyone else in these boats through our training in the Youth Development Program, so we are hoping our boat handling gives us an edge against our opponents” commented a determined Costanzo. Juliet’s older sister Clare has been runner up the last two years, so I’m sure Juliet wants to go one better to have bragging rights at Christmas.

Pat Langley comes in with recent form, having qualified for the David Lukins through his recent win in the Dustbuster series.

Murray Gordon is also dusting off his sailing cardigan as he re-joins the competition this year. Murray is a 3 time winner of this event. Twice as skipper and once as crew. On-board with Gordon is David’s son Shane Lukins, who has also previously won the event as crew.

This event is arguably becoming one of the most competitive club events and sought after trophy to win with some big names on the winners list.

Silver medallist Nina Curtis and Jason Waterhouse have both had their names etched on this magnificent trophy. Former Youth Match Racing Worlds Champion Will Dargaville also joins the list of winners.

For the past 3 years Club Coach Tom Spithill has had a stronghold on the trophy, earning straight wins on the trot.

However with Spithill out with injury, and a diverse range of competitors coming from varying sailing backgrounds, this year’s spoils could go to either of the 9 teams competing.

There certainly won’t be any easy matches, particularly with the line-up of skippers listed below.

Please come out and watch the spectacular racing on the beautiful waters of Pittwater.

Last year’s 2018 semi-finalist (From Left to right) Clare Costanzo, Nick “Tangles” Garland, Pat Langley and Tom Spithill

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                         12 September, 2019

To start on Sydney Harbour at 1pm on 30 January 2021, the inaugural Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2021, organised by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) in NSW in association with the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), is already gaining momentum with over 100 Expressions of Interest received. Credit: Tilly Lock Media

The race will be the centrepiece of a summer of major yachting events in Australia and New Zealand, starting with the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on 26 December, and finishing in Auckland Harbour in time for RNZYS’s 150th Anniversary celebrations (for full details and visit: www.rnzys.org.nz)  and the 36th America’s Cup.

Sporting rivalry between Australia and our friends across the paddock is well-documented, making this an enticing opportunity for sailors in both countries, and from outside, to take part. Foreign entities have already shown interest, lured by the whole package. And for international parties wishing to take part, RPAYC is talking to Sevenstar Yacht Transport to provide shipping at the best possible rates.

“It is an exciting time in yachting. The Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2021 will be a special race in itself, but careful consideration also went into the timing of our race. It’s placement on the sailing calendar offers the keen yachtie plenty of options before and after the race,” RPAYC spokesperson, Rob McClelland said.

“Down the track, we will also have further exciting news to share with prospective entrants in relation to the race,” ended McClelland, not wanting to give too much away at this early stage.

A Category 1 race of 1250 nautical miles, the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2021 is open to offshore racing yachts, inclusive of a double-handed division (IRC, ORCi and PHS categories) superyachts, ocean racing multihulls (OMR rated)and incorporates a rally for cruisers. The race also provides cruising opportunities in New Zealand, the Pacific and to home ports before and after.

“The Club has been a pioneer in NSW in including and encouraging multihulls and double-handed entries into our offshore races, in particular our major events such as the Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Yacht Race and the Pittwater to Paradise Regatta,” McClelland commented.

Among the early entries for the race, which finishes off RNZYS at Westhaven Marina where crowds will be gathered to welcome boats in, are RPAYC members Richard Hudson and Ian Edwards.

What an experience Canada was. A trip filled with learning, hard racing and good times. 

As we arrived in Kingston I was filled with excitement and some expected nerves as it was my first international regatta. After meeting all the kids on the Aussie team, I settled in and felt more comfortable as they were all so outgoing and friendly. Setting up the charter was a breeze and within no time I was out there with the team training hard to gather as much information about the venue as I could. The conditions varied but was, for the majority of the time, a light 8 knot thermal breeze which was highly shifty and unpredictable. It was great because we were able to do practice races with some other countries such as Singapore, Italy, Hungary and Switzerland giving me the opportunity to race against new athletes.

After the 5 days of training we had 2 rest days where the team went for a walk to the pier, went to get lunch and did more team bonding. At the end of the rest days we had the opening ceremony. It was such a surreal feeling wearing the Australian gear, representing my country and my club RPAYC. The opening ceremony was great as our gear was highly desired by the athletes from other countries (especially the inflatable kangaroos!) so we were able to meet more new people and the whole night was so much fun.

The next morning was racing. Day 1 was considerably light air, gusting to 7 knots. The race committee sent us out and managed to start a race. I was in the lead until they abandoned racing because of the lack of wind which left me disappointed but impressed with my performance. The race committee ended up sending us in meaning no racing day 1.

Day 2 rolled around and that morning I was eager to head out as there was a 15 knot sea breeze forecast which ended up being 20 gusting 25 knots. This was my favourite day of racing as the heavy wind made the racing fitness based. Especially because the race committee decided on 3 races to make up for no racing on day 1.  Whoever got fatigued the least was getting good results. My results for the day were a 21, 19 and 18 which I was thrilled with. These results put me in 36th after day 2. All the hard work with Tana at Sail Fit really paid off!

CYCA triumphs at John Messenger Women’s Match Racing Regatta

Jess Tavener, Emma Byrne, India Howard (skipper), Angelique Kear, Jess Grimes and Peter Messenger (Messenger family representative). Credit - CYCA

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s (CYCA) India Howard, Jess Grimes, Emma Byrne, Jess Tavener and Ange Kear have won the 2019 John Messenger Women’s Match Racing Regatta which has been run annually since 1996, defeating Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club's Juliet Costanzo 2-0 in the finals.

Before Howard and Costanzo reached the finals, the two Australian teams had to beat their cross Tasman rivals from New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS), whom secured two semi-final berths and finished in third and fourth after the round robin.

In the first semi-final, round robin winner Juliet Costanzo chose to race RNZYS's Emma Hyde and defeated her 2-0. Costanzo was the clear leader after the round robin, winning thirteen of her fourteen races.

This left another Australia versus New Zealand semi-final, matching India Howard who finished second after the round robin on 12-2, to race Megan Thomson who completed the round robin with a sore card of 11-3. Their semi-final went to the third and final race with Howard coming back from 0-1 down to win 2-1.

In the finals, Howard and her team executed stronger starts and converted both early leads to race victories to secure their first John Messenger Women’s Match Racing Regatta title.

“We are really pleased with how the weekend went. We developed as a team throughout the regatta and got it all together for the final. It’s a fantastic result for us,” commented Howard after racing.

In the seventh and eights sail off, their was an upset victory with RNZYS’s Brooke Adamson, who was previously without a race victory, winning the sail off 2-1. In the fifth and sixth sail off, Maddie O’Shea beat CYCA’s Chelsea Williams 2-1 to take fifth place.

Final placings:

1.       India Howard – Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

2.       Juliet Costanzo – Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club

3.       Megan Thomson – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

4.       Emma Hyde - Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

5.       Maddie O’Shea – Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron

6.       Chelsea Williams – Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

7.       Brooke Adamson - Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

8.       Tanya Kelly – Mooloolaba Yacht Club

There is still time to buy a 5.5m for the Worlds coming up from the 3rd January to 13th January 2020 at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.   There will be more and more boats arriving over the next few weeks and there are many club members that have already bought boats to compete.  There are now 14 RPAYC boats that are being worked up for the Worlds!  These are:

Classics Pre 1970:
Kings Cross
Barragoola

Evolutions 1970-1993:
Antares
Skagerak
Rhapsody
Arunga
Marriotte
Arunga X
Shank (new name not known yet)
Tangalooma
Ku-Ring-Gai

Moderns Post 1994
Alpha Crucis
Ku-Ring-Gai 2
Beta Crucis 

There is still plenty of time to join the throng as there are many 5.5ms that are for sale.  Please see the for sale lists below.  It is easy to look up the history of any 5.5m on the class database by just searching the name or sail number https://5.5inventory.org/  

Hoegh Autoliners are one of our major sponsors and are offering inexpensive RoRo shipping from Europe of 5.5ms to Australia for the Worlds (around $5.5K).   The last dates to ship from Europe in time for the Worlds is the end of October.  So there has never been a better to look and consider joining us for the Worlds!

After the Worlds the 5.5m you will have a great club boat.  Easy to sail with a self tacking jib and requiring only 2-3 crew.  Remember you never really own a 5.5m you just look after it for the next generation!

If you need any more information on any of the boats or contact details email General Boat Enquires link here https://www.5.5class.org/contact

Click Here to view all boats for sale