The Yachtsman 2017-2018 RPAYC Yachtsman 2016-2017 | Page 106
VA L E
JOHN LINCOLN (JACK) GALE
1926-2017
PITTWATER YACHTING LEGEND
Y
achting on Pittwater and Sydney has lost
a pioneer with the recent death of Jack
Gale at the age of 91. Coincidentally, Jack
died exactly two years after his beloved
wife, Joan. Jack is survived by his two sons
Geoff and Rob.
The youngest of five children, Jack had an idyllic
childhood growing up in North Narrabeen and it was at
this time he developed his love of the water. Following
his education Jack was employed as a telegraph operator.
He enlisted during WWII at the age of eighteen and was
posted to the Z force in communications.
Following his war service, Jack worked as a delivery
driver until 1956 when he accepted a position as caretaker
and boatyard manager at The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht
Club (Pittwater Division). At that time the Club facilities
at Pittwater were quite basic, consisting of a boatshed,
rudimentary slipway and the two bedroom cottage which
the Club erected for Jack, Joan and their young son Geoff
to occupy.
Jack was dedicated to the Club, taking part
enthusiastically, methodically and comprehensively in
the many and varied building programmes and other
projects which shaped the current wonderful facilities
enjoyed to day by The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.
Over the years Jack held many positions with the
Club including Boatyard Manager, Yachting Secretary
and, ultimately, Secretary/Manager.
It was during his years as Yachting Manager that Jack
achieved a reputation not first in Sydney but in Australia
and world-wide as an innovative, dedicated and skilful
yacht race manager and administrator.
Jack pioneered the use of what became known as the
Barrenjoey Circle racecourse which gained a reputation
for its challenging sea conditions, its fair winds, and
relative lack of tidal influence. A winning crew on the
Barrenjoey Circle could justly be proud of their efforts!
Jack’s skill and competence as a race manager resulted
in the Club gaining a stellar reputation for conducting
yachting championships. Assisted by his wonderful team,
Jack and the Club conducted many World, Australian
and State Championships on “the Circle” in 5.5’s,
Solings, E22’s, 6 metres and other classes.
In addition, Jack conducted the Club’s busy schedule
of inshore and offshore yachting. It was not unusual
for Jack to start an offshore race at 8.00pm on a Friday
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night and then be out laying the offshore marks for the
Saturday events at 6.00am.
Prior to his assuming the position of Yachting
Manager Jack sailed with the late Tony Carr in the 5.5
“Altair”, finishing runner up to Sir William Northam
in the 1964 Olympic Trials. Jack also sailed several
Montague Island races on various boats but he never
professed a love for offshore sailing, preferring one
design racing.
Jack also sailed aboard Gretel II in the 1977 Americas
Cup challenger trials. He had previously commentated
on radio at earlier Americas Cup events and did so
again in 1983 at which time he resumed his on-air rivalry
with American Yachting commentator Norrie Hoyt.
Their on-air banter was legendary for its critical insights
and humour.
After retiring from the RPAYC in 1988, Jack
continued running RPAYC races and regattas as the
Club’s race officer and in 1994 was made a Life Member
of the Club. In 2014, the Club named its new training
facility The Jack Gale Centre, in honour of Jack and the
significant contributions he made to the Club and the
sport on Pittwater.
Jack enjoyed life, especially yacht racing and golf.
He possessed a wonderful sense of humour and was a
great raconteur with an encyclopaedic knowledge of sail
numbers, yachts, their skippers and crews.
Jack and Joan were extremely hospitable and visitors
to their home were genuinely most welcome. Following
Joan’s passing Jack liked nothing better than providing
advice to anyone who asked provided that he could
indulge in a glass of his favourite Sauvignon Blanc.
He will be sadly missed by the RPAYC, its members,
the entire yachting community and all those who
remember him.
PETER KENNETT