Rhapsody Claims Victory at RPEYC Classic Yacht Regatta
Point Piper, NSW — April 2026 — Elegance, craftsmanship, and expert seamanship converged this past weekend as Rhapsody secured a standout victory at the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club (RPEYC) Classic Yacht Regatta, held out of the prestigious Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club.
Owned by Chris Hancock, Rhapsody is a superb example of classic yacht heritage brought to life on the racecourse. Designed by celebrated naval architect William Luders, she embodies a golden era of yacht design, where performance and beauty were seamlessly intertwined. Constructed from richly grained Honduras mahogany, the vessel is a testament to enduring craftsmanship and structural elegance—qualities that were on full display throughout the regatta.
Facing a competitive fleet of classic yachts, Rhapsody delivered a commanding performance across the series. Her balance, responsiveness, and pace in shifting conditions distinguished her on the water, while her crew executed with precision and cohesion. This performance saw Rhapsody claim both line honours and overall victory on Performance Handicap System (PHS) in Division 2, a rare double that highlights her outright speed as well as her consistency across the regatta.
Keeping Rhapsody honest throughout the racing was the classic 5.5-metre yacht Pam, one of a pair of classic 5.5s in the fleet alongside Crest, which also competed strongly throughout the regatta. Demonstrating consistency and tactical strength, Pam held off a determined group of Etchells-class boats to secure second place over the line—an achievement that underscored both the pedigree of the 5.5 class and the depth of competition.
“We’re incredibly proud of how Rhapsody performed,” said a spokesperson for the team. “She’s not just a yacht—she’s a living piece of maritime history. To see her sailing at this level, and winning, is something truly special.”
The RPEYC Classic Yacht Regatta remains a highlight of the sailing calendar, celebrating the heritage and enduring appeal of classic yacht design. Rhapsody’s victory underscores the continued relevance of traditional materials and design excellence in contemporary racing.
Thank you to the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club for hosting such a great day’s yachting. It was also fantastic to see fellow members of the club showing their support and contributing to the success of the event.