The Yachtsman 2017-2018 RPAYC Yachtsman 2016-2017 | Page 7

VICE COMMODORE
ACTION ON THE WATER
A
s the 2016/17 season draws to an end,
our focus now turns to the conclusion
of our Sesquicentenary year with our
forthcoming Gala Dinner and Garden
Party celebrations in October.
There is much going on behind the scenes. The
archives committee is in full swing as the final touches
are placed on our birthday celebration for Sunday 15
October. Currently the downstairs foyer is being altered
to provide for a larger Reception desk, (incorporating
the sailing office) and the hanging of our History Wall
presentation. Archives committee has also been busy
sorting out our books and a library will be added to
the Edinburgh Lounge. Take a look around the Club
grounds and you will spy the History Walk – what a busy
committee! Again, our thanks to the Archive Committee,
Richard Hudson, David West, David Kennedy, David
McDonald, Rob Cole, Julia Hornsby (aka Clubperson of
the Year), Bruce Staples, Peter Kennett, Bill Ebsary and
John Lanser.
Another busy year on the race course. Sailing events
including State and National Etchells Championships,
the Jubilee Huntingfield Cup, the MC38 Nationals
and the Inaugural Friends of David Booth Race to
name a few. The Old Timer’s Race attracted a record
crowd and a lot of laughs. In recognition of the RPAYC
champions, we held a Yachting Champions Dinner
– what an incredible list of sailors and achievements!
Congratulations to Jason Waterhouse and his cousin Lisa
Darmanin claiming the Silver at the Rio Olympics in
the Nacra 17s, Mixed Multihull and the Paralympians
Daniel Fitzgibbon and Liesl Tesch claiming Gold in the
Scud 18s. All members of the Club are very proud to
note that the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club has been
represented by members in every Olympics since 1964.
Natasha Bryant and Annie Wilmot won the Youth
Worlds in the 29’ers. Sean Connor won the Viper World
Championship and Martin Cross the World Masters in
the Weta Class. The depth of the Alfreds was again on
display at the 35th America’s Cup with many of world’s
top sailors having learnt their craft as juniors at RPAYC.
So our history of producing champions continues!
As I write this article, our Youth Development
Women’s team led by Clare Costanzo, Jess Angus,
Emma May and Hannah Lanz, head off to Balboa Yacht
Club Newport, California to compete in Governor’s
Cup and the 2017 World Sailing Youth Match Racing
Championships. Good luck Girls!
Congratulations to our new Life member, Russell
Murphy for his tireless input to Club life over many years,
and to Julia Hornsby as Clubperson of the Year for her
energy and commitment – she does so much around our
Club from Archives to Race Management!
Currently, our cruising members are engaged in the
Coral Coast Cruise. I know Rear Commodore Leon
Wilson will have some great stories to relay about the trip.
Their timely departure in May allowed some relief on our
busy Marina while A-Arm was being reconstructed. Our
cruisers will return by 15 October to enjoy the Garden
Party. I understand next year’s Cruise is to Mallorca!
It’s a tough life for some!
Other projects planned to be completed by Christmas
include a new reception and office area to provide better
access for members to staff, filling in of the Old Crystal
Bay Slipway and a state of the art floating ramp. This
will allow all manner of off the beach craft to launch
at Crystal Bay. This facility will certainly transform the
Crystal Bay area into a hive of activity.
This year the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club’s IdS
program has focused on “Soldier On” with Club coach
Tom Spithill, supported by a fantastic group of reliable
and giving volunteers, providing many a veteran and
their families fabulous experiences on Pittwater. On 8
YAC H T SM A N
5