spectators with a great viewing platform , not to mention a handy refuge for those on support ribs to take a moment to warm up .
One of the Club ’ s Elliott 7s was proudly displayed at the Overseas Passenger Terminal for visitors to view , conveying to those on land that sailing would be the new sport for Invictus 2018 . The other six were all part of the sailing demonstration , crewed by veterans and each accompanied by an RPAYC member which included ; Commodore Ian Audsley , Integrated disAbled Sailing ( IdS ) Board of Governors representative Norm Weaver , William Sherman , Nial Powers and Rod Walton . Also in support ribs were members Simon Grosser , Jim Bullough and Geoff Sherman .
The fleet racing kicked off just after 12.30pm and there was plenty of wind , plenty of Sydney icons and plenty of passion with some close racing in Farm Cove . Prince Harry made his way out to greet the fleet at around 1.30pm as thunder rolled through as though announcing his arrival on water . He made his way to Tom Spithill ’ s rib first where he spoke with Tommy and veteran David Savage ( Soldier On Ambassador ) inquiring about the program that RPAYC has run for veterans . Unfazed by the now pelting rain , The Prince then made his way over to talk to crews on other boats who happily took a moment out of racing to fill him in on the benefits they have received from participating in the RPAYC and Soldier On sailing program . After 15-20 minutes out on water , Prince Harry made his way back to shore . Soon after Prince Harry left , racing was abandoned due to the threat of lightning strikes .
Back in the bar Tom Spithill couldn ’ t remove the smile from his face when asked about the demonstration fleet race he had just coordinated , not to mention his chance to meet Prince Harry . “ It ’ s just amazing . The people , the volunteers , the veterans . It ’ s been an epic day . No amount of rain could dampen the spirits of everyone here and I just can ’ t wait until October next year ! Prince Harry seemed like a really nice bloke . He has a military background and founded the Invictus Games so I have a lot of respect for that ,” said Tom Spithill , who was also announced as a technical sailing advisor to the 2018 Games .
While the weather continued to show its presence , the spirit and meaning of Invictus shone through as everyone talked through what a great day they had . Veterans and their families conveyed their gratitude for all the Club has done to assist the veterans with one veteran ’ s wife commenting to the Commodore , “ this program has helped him heal . The only time his mind is quiet is when he is sailing ”.
We now look forward to the preparations ahead for the 2018 Invictus Games which is sure to be another proud moment in RPAYC history .
More than 500 competitors from 18 nations will compete in 10 different adaptive sports in Sydney from 20-27 October in 2018 . The RPAYC , CYCA , and RSYS will play a key part in hosting the sailing component of the games . The events will be staged across Greater Sydney , including Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour .
For further information , please visit : www . invictusgames2018 . org
RPAYC coach , Tom Spithill , has worked tirelessly with his Club ’ s volunteers over the last two years in developing a sailing program for veterans through Soldier On as part of the Club ’ s award winning IdS Program . Over 70 veterans have taken part in the program facilitating their rehabilitation out on the water by participating in a sport focused on teamwork , trust and mateship .
“ It ’ s been a rewarding and privileged part of my career to help the country ’ s veterans get back on track and enjoy sailing on Pittwater . The members have stepped up and really helped out which has seen it grow and it will be great to show off our achievements when the Club helps to launch the 2018 Invictus Games !” Said Tom Spithill .
The Club ’ s last brush with royalty was when Harry ’ s grandfather , Prince Philip laid the foundation stone of its clubhouse in 1968 . Commodore Ian Audsley commented , “ This is another wonderful and proud moment in our Club ’ s history . We are currently celebrating our Sesquicentennial year and are still hopeful that a member of the royal family will accept our invitation to help us celebrate the big day later this year !”
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