At the 2026 RPAYC Annual Yachting Presentation, members, family and friends celebrated another outstanding season on and off the water.
Members achieved success at major regattas around Australia and overseas, while the Club was recognised as NSW Sailing Club of the Year. Special Acknowledgment was made regarding the increasing success of youth and women’s sailing programs, along with the volunteers and staff who support the Club year-round.
Several special awards recognised outstanding contributions and achievements across the season.
Hayley Fisher and Charlie Verity received the Dame Pattie Awards for the Youth Development Squad, while Michael Ritchie’s Revolver claimed the Colin “Fossil” White Gun Boat Trophy.
Scott Robertson and Stephen Jurd aboard Banter earned the Participation Award after contesting 72 races throughout the season, while Verity Powers and Alan Smith received Honourable Achievement Awards for exceptional crew participation.
Brad Payten’s Moonshine secured the Charlie Barr Trophy as the most improved boat in Division 3, and Emily McCutcheon was recognised with the SheSails Award for her contribution to growing women’s sailing participation at RPAYC and beyond.
The Trygve Halvorsen Trophy for Offshore Achievement of the Year was awarded to Stacey Jackson, while Frank Walker was named Yachting Volunteer of the Year for his ongoing contribution to safety, navigation support and race management.
Steve McConaghy received the Club Yachtsperson of the Year Award, while Organised Chaos, skippered by Garry Gudmunson, claimed the Alan Rich Trophy for the best-performing overall club yacht.
At the 2026 RPAYC Annual Yachting Presentation, Commodore Robert McClelland delivered a heartfelt reflection on the season:
“It is fantastic to see such a strong turnout tonight, with around 150 people here celebrating another remarkable year of sailing at the Alfreds,” the Commodore remarked.
He continued: “Throughout the 2025–26 season, members represented the Club proudly at major regattas including Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach, Sail Port Stephens and the Sydney to Hobart.”
“This year RPAYC has two teams heading to the Youth World Championships, three teams progressing through the Optimist international pathway, and Daniel Kemp’s team selected for the Youth Match Racing World Championship in Denmark, a terrific reflection of the strength of our youth program.”
“Club members also continued to compete on the world stage. Mike Ritchie and Chris Way represented RPAYC at the New York Yacht Club Invitational Regatta. At the same time, Katie Pellew and six fellow members were selected for the Australian team for the inaugural New York Yacht Club International Women’s Championship in Newport, Rhode Island.”
“John Bacon again competed internationally in the 5.5 Metre class, Chris Way and Peter Farrugia raced at the Platu 25 Worlds in Thailand, and Louis Tilley enjoyed another standout season in the WASZP class.”
“One of the great moments for Australian sailing this year was seeing James Spithill inducted into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame, a proud moment for RPAYC.”
“The Club was also honoured to be named NSW Sailing Club of the Year and a national finalist, recognising the contribution of members, volunteers and staff across all areas of the Club.”
“Congratulations also to Ted Anderson on receiving a Lifetime Recognition Award, and to Vice Commodore Julia Hornsby on being recognised nationally as Australian Sailing Volunteer of the Year,” the Commodore concluded.
