The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC) & Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (RSYS) DF65 Divisions held their fourth Inter-Club Challenge at the Squadron (RSYS), Kirribilli on 2nd June 2026. Both Clubs provided two teams of 5 sailors. (10 boats per Club).
We were met with overcast, cold and gusty conditions, 5kt – 15+ kt gusts “in the pond”, and with a sense of nervous anticipation we sipped our coffees and contemplated the biggest decision of the day . . . . which rig to use ? . . .
After a few sailors braved and tested the early conditions, it became apparent that the A+ was too big . . the B rig to small . . . that leaves the A rig . . . . so with the start time looming, coffees were hurriedly downed, nervous pre-race ablutions carried out, boats were re-rigged and re-tuned and the course was set. The time for friendly banter was over. It was now time to get serious and go racing.
Both Clubs had high expectations of success, however, after the first few races, it became apparent that whilst racing was very close, the RPAYC sailors generally had their measure and showed that they were going to be very hard to beat. Team RPAYC regularly had 3 to 4 sailors in the top five of each race.
Great course, great racing and a genuine camaraderie between the sailors of each club made it a fun and enjoyable morning on the water and later in the Club for lunch.
Standouts on the day were Warwick Crossman and Dave Burke, although close on their heels were Greig Ebeling & Simon Grosser.
Well done, everyone, on a dominant display, and we look forward to the next Inter-Club Challenge event.
Greg Thomson
Team Captain