royal yacht club sailing lessons

Learn To Sail

Learn to sail at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria.  Royals welcomes new sailors and new Members. People of all backgrounds, ages and abilities are encouraged to learn to sail – no prior experience is necessary.

If you are interested in a learn to sail course, contact us for more information about our programs. We are more than happy to discuss the many sailing opportunities available at the Club. Royals offers courses to help get to grips with both   keelboats   and   dinghies.  If you are not sure where you should start your sailing journey, please contact us and we can make a recommendation based on your preference and ability.

You can find out more about trying sailing by contacting our Sail Training Development Manager on (03) 9391 1277 or by email at   [email protected]

DISCOVER SAILING

Discover Sailing is a campaign initiated by   Australian Sailing   (formerly Yachting Australia). It is designed for people who are new to sailing. RYCV takes part in the campaign by running Discover Sailing Days on a regular basis. We also offer Discover Sailing experiences to all those who are interested.

If you’re trying sailing for the first time there are some   handy tips   which will help to ensure your safety and enjoyment.

DISCOVER SAILING DAY

Discover Sailing Days are a great opportunity to try sailing for the first time.  Best of all, they’re completely free of charge! Royal Yacht Club of Victoria hosts regular Discover Sailing Days, which are open to all members of the community.

Trained Instructors and volunteers, who sail regularly from the Club will provide you with all of the required safety equipment. Let us show you just how much fun sailing can be.

Our Club bar and restaurant will be open so bring your family and make a day of it!

To keep up to date on when the next Discover Sailing Day will take place. Like RYCV on Facebook or contact the office by calling (03) 9397 1277 or emailing   [email protected] .

DISCOVER SAILING EXPERIENCE

A Discover Sailing Experience is ideal for people who are new to sailing and want to try it in a fun and safe environment. In the three-hour session, you will receive a briefing on safety and sailing before we head out on the water. You can expect a thrilling and enjoyable sail out on Port Phillip. Our fully qualified Australian Sailing (formerly Yachting Australia) instructors will be on hand at all times.

Upon returning to the shore you will be invited back to our club house to debrief from the day’s sailing and discuss further sailing opportunities. The Discover Sailing Experience is a great team building activity and is the perfect day out for partners, friends, families and work colleagues.

The cost for this experience is $120 per person for a 3-hour session, with all safety gear included.

Bookings can be made as a group, or individually if you would like to meet others who are new to sailing.

WHAT TYPE OF BOAT SHOULD I CHOOSE?

For those who aren’t sure what type of boat is right for them, it may help to know the main differences between   dinghies   and keelboats.

Dinghies are single or two-person light, planning hull, centerboard boats. They are easy to handle in light to medium winds and offer an exhilarating ride when the breeze comes up. Body weight is used to balance the boat against the wind.

Keelboats are larger than dinghies, typically being around 20-30ft in length. Many classes are much less physically demanding than dinghies, making them ideal for those who are less active or who have a disability.

DON’T HAVE A BOAT TO SAIL ON?

With many designs needing crews of three (or more) there are always owners on the lookout for reliable crew.  If you cannot afford to buy your own boat, this is one of the most cost effective routes into sailing.  It is also a great way to work out what type of sailing is best of you.

If you are a more experienced sailor and/or you would like to get involved in club racing, create a ‘Crew’ account on   MySail . This will add you to a database that is used by boats all over the Bay, to help pair you up with a great skipper.

For more information or assistance, contact the office at   [email protected]

If you already have sailing experience, you can also   hire out one of the Club-owned keelboats or dinghies .   Get in some extra training or just go for a casual sail in Hobsons Bay! We don’t recommend this option if you are new to sailing.

BECOME A MEMBER

Becoming a member at Royal Yacht Club of Victoria not only welcomes you to become a part of the close sailing community.  It also grants you access to a number of great   benefits at the club .

Day Passes   are available for casual sailors, but if you are a regular visitor at the club you are encouraged to consider signing up for one of our many membership options.

Take a look at our   membership page   for more information on how you can join.

Have a question?

You can find out more about trying sailing by contacting our Sail Training Development Manager on (03) 9397 1277 or by email.

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Adults Learn to Sail

Keelboat crew & helm course.

• Sail as part of a team!
• $410 per student
• 5 Sailing Sessions 
• From 8am – 12:15pm
• All equipment provided

You’ll be out on the water from week one with our qualified instructors.

Suitable for Adults 18 years +, this course is the perfect starting point for any individual looking to learn the ropes.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, or looking to re-fresh your keelboat sailing skills – This is the course for you!

Topics covered in the Keelboat Crew & Helm Course:

• Skills & Maneuvers
• Weather & Navigation
• Sailing a course
• Man-Over-Board (MOB)

Upcoming Course Dates

Saturdays, 14th October – 11th November 2023

Saturdays, 18th november – 16th december 2023, saturdays, 13th january – 17th february 2024, saturdays, 9th march – 13th april 2024, sundays, 28th april –  26th may 2024, sundays, 9th june – 7th july 2024, sundays, 21st july – 18th august 2024, sundays, 1st september – 6th october 2024.

ENQUIRE TODAY

Discover more about our adult learn to sail courses.

Phone: 9389 1555 Email: reception@rpyc.com.au

Alternatively, contact our Boating Department: Phone:  9423 5519 Email: sportsadmin@rpyc.com.au

We look forward to seeing you out there!

27 jan (jan 27) 08:00 02 mar (mar 2) 12:15 Keelboat Crew & Helm 1 & 2 January 13, 20, February 3, 10, 17

09 mar (mar 9) 08:00 13 apr (apr 13) 12:15 Keelboat Crew & Helm 1 & 2 March 9, 16, 23, April 6, 13

28 apr (apr 28) 08:00 26 may (may 26) 12:15 Keelboat Crew & Helm 1 & 2 April 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26

09 jun (jun 9) 08:00 07 jul (jul 7) 12:15 Keelboat Crew & Helm 1 & 2 June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 7

21 jul (jul 21) 08:00 18 aug (aug 18) 12:15 Keelboat Crew & Helm 1 & 2 July 21, 28 August 4, 11, 18

01 sep 08:00 06 oct (oct 6) 12:15 Keelboat Crew & Helm 1 & 2 September 1, 8, 15, 29 October 6

OUR LOCATIONS

Royal Perth Yacht Club

Australia II Drive, Crawley Western Australia

P +61 8 9389 1555

E [email protected]

Fremantle Annexe

51 Mews Road, Fremantle, Western Australia

P +61 8 9430 4590

E [email protected]

  |   N48 27.2' W123 17.7' |     WEBCAMS

Sailing Programs

Rvyc sailing programs.

Find information below about our Learn to Sail programs, our accomplished Sailing Team and Funding Information for Club members competing at various levels of competition. 

About the RVYC Sailing Program

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club Sailing Program Mission Statement: Sailing programs at RVYC provide adventurous, inclusive and quality programs for the community.We value sportsmanship, excellence and sailing for life. RVYC has one of the highest quality sailing programs in the country. Our Sailing Programs have been recognized by Sail Canada for our sailing excellence and our innovative programming. We've got an excellent team of coaches with award winning coach and Sailing Director, Stephen McBride at the helm.

We are leaders in developing Sail Canada's CANSail programs and offer a full range of programming from Opti Wet Feet, CANSail 1 - 6 & Chutes and Wires as well as our unique Intro to Skiffs, Intro to Keelboat and the Salty Sisters courses. We also offer many opportunites for school programs to experience our wonderful coast. We welcome all ages and abilities, from landlubbers to Olympic dreamers.   SAILING BROCHURE    REGISTER NOW    CONTACT SAILING   

All of our programs run on Holiday Mondays!

Learn to Sail - Youth Sailing Programs 

Cansail optimist programs (under 11 years).

A camp designed for little sailors wanting to familiarize themselves with salt water, sea life and sailing. Focusing on fun and being comfortable and safe on the water and on the docks. 

Sail Canada’s accredited introduction to Optimist sailing, this program introduces children to sailing in a fun environment. With two sailors per boat, children work on the basics of sailing in a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere.

Sail Canada accredited advanced Optimist sailing course. Opti Advanced teaches sailors to sail all by themselves. Young sailors continue to develop basic sailing skills learned in Opti Basic as well as introduce more advanced skills with increased independence.

Sail Canada accredited course which uses games to integrate advanced Opti sailing skills with an introduction to elements of sportsmanship and teamwork. Learn how to sail fast in a team environment!

CANSail Programs (Over 11 years)

Basic sailing course for new sailors or those with limited sailing experience. Sailors will learn the fundamentals and be introduced to the sport of sailing. The course includes safety, crewing, steering and seamanship. Sailors also learn basic physical literacy through activities and games.

Sailors build on existing skills in all types of conditions and to a higher level of proficiency. Through on water games and activities sailors are introduced to concepts such as right of way, reading wind and waves, as well as many other skills.

CANSail Fast incorporates the higher level sailing skills. Focus is on integrating boat handling and fast sailing skills with fun. Centered around the training camp atmosphere, sailors will refine advanced sailing skills and learn tactics, strategy, racing basics and regatta preparation.

Build on your advanced skills with the addition of spinnaker and trapeze! Chutes and Wires is designed specifically to integrate these and other advanced doublehanded skills such as tuning and team communication; a must for double handed sailors.

For sailors looking for speed and excitement, this course offers an intro to the world of skiff sailing. Basic boat handling, trapeze, and asymmetrical spinnaker technique in the 29er will be the focus of this action packed course. Sailors must have instructor permission to register.

Learn to Sail - Adult Sailing Programs

Adult cansail programs (over 18 years).

Evening classes for Sail Canada accredited CANSail basic sailing skills. This is an adult class for the beginner sailor or those with limited experience to learn in our Club 420 dinghies. 

Mondays & Wednesday , 6:00-9:00 for 4 weeks.

Advanced sailing skills for those who have completed CANSail basic. Sailors will work on refining their sailing skills in heavier winds, work on boat handling and will be introduced to concepts of right of way and reading the wind. This will integrate skills around spinnaker and trapeze in the Club 420.

Tuesdays and Thursday, 6:00-9:00 in August.

This course introduces the novice or experienced dinghy sailor to the world of keelboat sailing. In our fleet of Martin 242’s, sailors will learn the art of sailing, crew work, docking and seamanship. Come enjoy sailing the picturesque waters of Cadboro Bay and Oak Bay.

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00-9:00 for 4 weeks.

Join our intrepid group of ladies aged 18+ as they conquer the waters of Cadboro Bay in a fun and relaxed learning environment. Focus is on individual development and building confidence. Sessions run Saturdays from 9-12 and include debriefs over lunch. If you’re an 18+ lady and want to sail, then this group is for you!

Saturday mornings from 9:00-12:30, for 8 weeks.

Cancellation Policy for Registered Classes

If you need to cancel a course, please let us know as soon as possible. If you cancel outside of two weeks prior to the start date of your course, you'll receive a refund, less a $50 cancellation fee. Unfortunately we don't offer refunds within two weeks of the start date of your course.

School Sailing Information

Introduce your class to sailing in an afternoon or create a custom learn to sail program.

We're happy to work with a number of schools around lower Vancouver Island. Our school sailing programs are a great way for students to experience our wonderful coastline. They're also a great way to teach communication, teamwork and abstract and critical thinking skills in an engaging environment. Our school programs are designed to meet Sport Canada's Long Term Athlete Development Model by fostering fundamental movement skills and healthy play.

Our basic session is a two or three hour introduction to sailing, in a fun and safe way. We're very open to creating a program which suits your needs. Costs start at $20 per student per session.

We also have a wonderful School Sailing League which runs April to June. Check out our program guide here for more information.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected] or 250-592-6113

Sailing Team Information

The RVYC Sailing Team is an opportunity for the growth and development of sailing and racing skills in a co-operative and supportive environment. RVYC athletes become ambassadors for our club and forge lifelong friendships through the social network of the Sailing Team.

At the helm of the RVYC Sailing Program is our award winning Coach and Sailing Program Coordinator, Stephen McBride. Stephen is assisted by Sail Canada competitive development coaches Hannah Stevens and Fraser Smith with high standards of safety and skill in teaching sailing and racing. Below is a description of each of the teams that make up the RVYC Racing Program.

Our youngest members enter the Optimist Sailing Team. Opti Team members are aged 15 and under. Typically sailors start at age 8. The Senior Sailing Team sails double-handed in 420, 29er and 49er's and the single-handed Laser or Laser Radial. The transition occurs around age 15 when the athlete weighs 120-130lbs and has the appropriate height for the boats. 

The Sailing Team runs three sessions per year: January to March, April to June and September to November. Specific dates will be updated for the following session. Please contact us for the current training schedule at [email protected]  

Download a copy of the RVYC Sailing Team Athlete Parent Handbook here.

REGISTER Sailing Team Cancellation Policy:

A cancellation fee of $50 plus less any time spent training will be charged to all cancelled registrations.

The Opti and Senior Sailing Teams participate in a variety of Local, Provincial, National and International events. The team participates in many of the events on the BC Circuit as well as  the Island Circuit. For information about dates and locations of various events please check out www.bcsailing.bc.ca and www.sailing.ca , or talk with your coach.

At Home Regattas

Sailing Team members are encouraged to participate in Home Regattas. Online registration can be found through the Royal Victoria Yacht Club website. The Notice of Race (NOR) is posted on the RVYC website which outlines the times, costs and meals. There is often an early bird deadline, which allows some cost savings.

If space permits, families are encouraged to billet sailors traveling from out of town. This helps build inter club and team relationships which makes it easier to find places to billet when the team heads to an away regatta. Please contact [email protected] if you are able to billet sailors for an upcoming regatta.

Away Regattas

The privilege to travel to an away regatta is always at the coach’s discretion. It is important to communicate with your coach regarding your preparedness. Opti Sailing Team members are generally expected to travel with a parent due to their age. Volunteer parents are always needed to make this traveling possible.

The Notice of Race (NOR) will be posted on the website of the hosting yacht club giving all the details for the racing, cost and meals. Registration procedures vary, but are often online.

Sailing Team procedures involve telling the coach you are planning to attend well in advance so that trailer space, drivers and rides and billeting or accommodation details can be arranged ahead of time.

Athletes and parents load trailers during Wednesday and Thursday practices. Athletes are responsible for making certain their own gear is loaded. Know the departure date and make sure you know when your ride is leaving. It is important to contact your ride directly so everyone is in the know. It is recommended to bring $25 per day for food on the ferry and incidentals. Cell phones make contacting your child easy while they are away although they do not always respond; keep trying. Please be assured that you will be contacted immediately if there is an emergency.  Athletes need to inquire when the trailers are being unloaded and show up to assist in the process. Typically on the Tuesday after the event. Loading and unloading trailers is a group activity.

Sailing Team travel costs (transporting boats and athletes, and accommodation costs) to these regattas are billed to the participants on a per person basis. Parents who are incurring costs from towing and driving athletes need to fill in an Expense Claim Form-Reimbursement Form . It is important to state on the form whom you drove for billing purposes.  Please submit your forms to the Head Coach within three weeks of the event so we can bill the expenses appropriately.

Any special circumstances for your child needs to be discussed with the coach well ahead of time. Please keep medical information current.

Regatta Funding

Funding information.

Royal Victoria Yacht Club maintains four Racing Funds: a) Junior Development Fund b) Intermediate Racing Fund c) Olympic/Paralympic Fund  d) National/International Racing Fund (Discretionary fund via RFC) The RVYC Annual outlines the administration, disbursement, and principles of the Racing Funds. It contains specific information about each fund and should be referenced by each applicant. The rules surrounding the funds are as outlined in the RVYC Annual, plus these instructions and guidelines outlined below.  The Racing Funds Committee also administers the Wall of Excellence; see the RVYC Annual for details. 

Introduction

These Funds are in place to provide opportunities for RVYC members to attain their highest goals in the competitive sailing. The approval for disbursement of these funds must follow a set of rules to ensure fairness for all and respect for the generosity of the club and its members. The purpose of these Funds is to promote participation by members of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in National and International yachting events, or their qualifiers, and to financially assist such endeavours. The funds do not support local regattas such as most of the BC Circuit events and “local” events in neighbouring regions. To qualify the event must incorporate a spirit of higher performance or regional /national / international competition.   The Intermediate Fund is meant to assist “bridging the gap” between youth sailing and higher pursuits such as appropriate World Championships and International Games such as the Olympic Games.  Pursuits focused on a single event are better funded through the National / International Racing Fund. In this case, a team should submit a letter of application to the Chair of the Racing Funds Committee providing details of the event and the funds requested.  This should be done as early as possible in the fiscal year.  The process and forms described below are not used for the National / International Fund.  An important consideration for funding is how you represent your club. The expectation is that you will put forward your best effort to attain your goals. This includes being committed to pursuing sailing as an elite athlete, planning your events, training hard, planning your travel and accommodations appropriately and conducting yourself as an ambassador of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Failing to represent the club appropriately can result in the forfeiture of funding. The Racing Funds Committee, as outlined in the Annual, administers all racing funds. This committee reviews the applications for funding and decide what level of funding will be awarded. The Racing Funds Committee meets twice a year, as a minimum. The Spring meeting is to meet applicants, review applications and determine budget estimates. The Fall meeting is to review applicants actual expenses, review results, and issue funding.  The year for funding purposes runs October 1st – September 30th of the following year. This follows the club’s financial year and can be challenging if one or more events fall in the subsequent funding period. 

Approved Expenses

Process for application for funding.

***Funding Spreadsheet is available from the Sailing Office.  It should be used and submitted in an editable format for the committee to compile the data. 

For the Spring

1. Use the provided funding spreadsheet and customize it to your event schedule. 2. Estimate your amounts of approved expenses. Use the Funding Spreadsheet. (Ensure name, member number, class and estimated costs for each event are filled out) 3. Write a cover letter giving an outline of your goals, training plan including fitness. 4. Submit  the above documents to the Sailing Office one week before the Spring meeting, each year (Date announced each winter.) 5. Attend the spring meeting to introduce yourself and outline your plans.

For the Fall

1. Keep all receipts except for per diem expenses i.e. food as you attend events. 2. In September, complete Funding Spreadsheet with name and year and actual costs and submit electronically in a editable format. Attach/submit receipts physically or electronically (preferred). 3. Write a cover letter outlining your results during the season. 4. Submit the actual costs documents to the Sailing Office. Due September 15th annually.

Post Funding Received

1. Write a thank you letter to the Club, Attention: Chair of the Racing Funds Committee. How much Funding can I expect? 1. RVYC will not fund all of your costs. The Funds provide a percentage of approved expenses based on the current available monies. 2. It is expected that the athlete will cover his or her costs up front and then be reimbursed by the Fund. 3. The Club endeavours to send reimbursement cheques by the end of the club's fiscal year, September 30th or as close to that date as possible.

FunSail Program

Looking to get out on the water this weekend.

Please drop by the sailing office to join us for our FunSail Program, running each Saturday from 12 to 16 hrs, and Sunday from 10 to 15 hrs.

During these hours, we are happy to sign out our Club 420's, optis, paddleboards, and kayaks for members and friends to come down and get out on the water.

*Please note that paddleboards and kayaks are first come first served on weekends, and will not be available for online booking.

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Are you aware of the protected seabed habitats that lie hidden under the water's surface? Read our top tips for anchoring and mooring with care.

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About the RYA

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Welcome to the RCYC Sailing Academy

The RCYC Sailing Academy was formally established in 2012 at the Royal Cape Yacht Club, Cape Town Elliot basin, Table Bay, Duncan Road. The Academy was initially created as the Royal Cape Yacht Club’s CSI program, which was aimed at addressing the lack of access to our sport, for marginalized communities.

The Academy was formed with the aim to create opportunities for previously disadvantaged youth and address the imbalance of representation of people of colour within the Club.  We often work with The homestead foundation for street children and the Emagqabini education foundation , tutoring kids in Khayelitsha. The Academy found a pool for new students, who represented the most under-resourced communities in our society and aim to empower the kids through sailing and hopefully someday they will become a strong constituency of our sport and redress our diversity challenge.

In 2018 we registered as an NPO with our primary focus being skills development through sailing. The Academy has a standing committee which reports to the Executives of the Club.  In 2019 the Academy registered as a PBO and was approved in 2020 with qualifying criteria being skills development and welfare.

RCYC Sailing Academy runs its sailing programs mostly on weekends and we participate in big regattas and other races. The Academy has a variety of boats including 6 L26 boats  and 1 Lavranos 36  and undertakes sailing training during weekends and regattas. The L26 design is believed to be conducive for beginners, as the nature of it forces individual to be hands on all the times and enforces team work in many occasions. The Academy has more than 6 skippers, one Offshore Skipper and one senior instructor, who are fully qualified and experienced.

Our training program takes place between 10h00 to 15h00 weekend days, unless otherwise indicated. The program has been very instrumental in developing and nurturing raw sailing talent and the development of new skills, team work and sportsmanship amongst our students.

Previous success stories include Yonela Mkaza who was invited to Spain in 2018 to experience keelboat sailing. Two students, Yonela Tenela and Daniel Agulhas have coached sailing programmes in the American Summer Camps, in 2019.  Lebogang January took part in a Youth Regatta in New Zealand in 2020. One of our instructors, Athi Vena, is now  instructing at Milnerton Aquatic Club. Academy instructor Sibu Sizato has his Offshore Skippers ticket and has represented South Africa at World Championships.

The Academy crew has competed in the 2023 Cape2Rio race on board of “Alexforbes Archangel” a Lavranos 36. The Alexforbes ArchAngel crew comprised of skipper Sibusiso Sizatu (30), first mate Daniel Agulhas (29), Renaldo Tshepo Mohale (29), Azile Arosi (22) and Justin Peters (21).  The Academy are very proud of their 3 rd place result, winning the Punte Del Este trophy and the Telescope Trophy for Offshore Youth.

Latest News

Download the 2023 Annual Report below. RCYC ACADEMY 2023 REPORT

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This past weekend RCYC Sailing Academy students visited Robben Island, courtesy of the Water Front…

ADULT SAILING PROGRAMS

Adult Sailing at RCYC offers sailing programs for every skill level. Let RCYC help make your first step to becoming a confident sailor, pick up where you left off years ago, or join a program to meet other sailors and continue developing your abilities.   Why choose RCYC Adult Sailing?

• Friendly, experienced instructors & race coaches
• Fantastic environment in Toronto Harbour & Island
• Meet RCYC sailors and make long-lasting relationships
• Continue sailing with new programs every season

Learn to Sail Intro to Sailing -  A one day introductory course designed to give a quick overview of sailing before joining a full course. 

Adult cansail 1&2 -  this learn to sail course follows the sail canada curriculum that teaches the basic fundamental skills in a safe and fun environment. this is a sail canada certification course., keelboat courses, private lessons, rcyc member only programs, club ideal 18 fleet -  join the club-owned fleet to access our sailboats all season and become part of the active community., women's sailing -  this sailing program for our female sailors is always popular and engaging for rcyc members to connect every week., skills clinics -  join one of our clinics to improve your sailing skills. , family learn to sail -  learn to sail with a family member. this one day clinic covers the basics of sailing to help you get started or improve your skills. , learn to sail, intro to sailing  .

A one day introductory course designed to give a quick overview of sailing before joining a full course. Sailors are guided by friendly instructors in small class sizes to create a memorable adventure with friends or family. The day begins with a lesson on basic theory followed by demonstrations before heading out on the water for some practical experience. This course is perfect for beginners or as quick review. Bring a friend and spend your day on Toronto Island learning how to sail. Intro to Sailing is a foundation to begin working towards the Adult CANSail 1&2 certification. 2024 Dates:   Session 1 - May 25 Session 2 - May 26  Session 3 - June 1  Session 4 - June 2 Register  

Adult CANSail Program Begin your journey towards becoming a certified sailor this summer with CANSail 1 or continue building your basic sailing skills with CANSail 2. The Sail Canada CANSail program is designed to be a set of progressive learn-to-sail standards focused on providing sailors with a solid foundation of core skills. It allows sailors to learn and progress in any type of boat and consolidates key skills and solid experiences before adding complex skills.      With RCYC's CANSail program, participants learn theory on shore and develop fundamental skills on the water. Lessons include sail trim, helming, boat maneuvers and safety procedures taught by experienced instructors in small class sizes. Sailors can continue to work on CANSail levels with private lessons throughout the year. Over the 8 weeknights, sailors will be evaluated on their developing skills and provided with updates on their tracked progress. A Sail Canada certification course.  

• Tuesday & Wednesday evening – from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  

Basic Cruising Course Learn to Cruise safely as both skipper and crew of a keelboat in moderate wind and sea conditions by day. The focus of this course is on the development of basic sailing and seamanship skills as well as the knowledge needed to make the decisions expected of a skipper. This is a Sail Canada Certification course.   Option: 

Monday & wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 pm for four weeks.

• ​Saturday & Sunday all day for two consecutive weekends 

Session 1 - June 3 to 26  Session 2 - July 3 to 29 Session 3 - July 31 to August 28 

Racing Programs

Intro to keelboat racing, member only programs, ideal 18 fleet, women's sailing, skills sessions.

Spinnaker Clinic 101  Learn the basics of sailing with a spinnaker. This one day course will cover hoisting, dousing, proper poles set up and sail trim. All levels welcome. Spinnaker Clinic 201  This is an advanced clinic that builds on the skills from Spinnaker Clinic 1. This clinic will cover complex hoists and douses, gybing and tactics. It is recommend to have completed Spinnaker Clinic 1. Starting Clinic  Participants will learn the basics of starting before practicing on the water. This course will cover time& distance, favour sides and crew communications. This clinic is recommended for Intermediate to advanced levels. Intro to Racing 101  This clinic follows up on our winter seminars. After a short review, participants will hit the water and run through various drills to better understand racing. This clinic will the different aspects of the race course include starts, how to sail the course and tactical decisions. Coaching will be provided through the racing for immediate learning. Recommend for new or beginner racers. Intro to Racing 201  Building upon Intro to Racing 101, this clinic will focus on starting techniques and race strategy to help get around the course faster. Coaching will be provided through the racing for immediate learning.

Family Intro to Sailing

Enjoy this one-day clinic with a family member as you learn the basics skills of sailing. 1 the course will cover fundamental on shore and on water skills. no experience is necessary.  date:  2024 dates coming soon, stand up paddleboard.

Royal Geelong Yacht Club Home of the Festival of Sails

RGYC Sailing Academy

The RGYC Sailing Academy is the premier Discover Sailing centre in south-west Victoria, offering learn to sail courses in Geelong for all ages, powerboat courses and further training opportunities.

RGYC is an  Australian Sailing  accredited  Discover Sailing  center, offering courses for everyone from the age of seven and up. This includes Tackers for primary school aged kids,  Out There Sailing for teenagers,  Dinghy Learn to Sail  and Keelboat Learn to Sail for late teens to adults. The Sailing Academy runs courses beginning in Spring through to the end of Autumn each year.

Learn more about our programs by clicking on the images below.

Learn To Sail Courses

Tackers Kids Learn To Sail

OutThere Sailing Youth Learn To sail

Dinghy Courses Adult Learn To Sail

Keelboat Courses Adult Learn to Sail

Women on Water Female Sailing

Powerboat Courses Learn to operate a powerboat

Other Training First Aid, CPR and more

RGYC’s professional staff ensure that our learn to sail programs in Geelong are fun, safe and affordable, and ran in accordance with Australian Sailing’s best practices. Awarded the 2017 Victorian Discover Sailing Centre of the Year, our Sailing Academy accommodates over 200 students per year under our professional and friendly qualified Instructors and Assistant Instructors.

For more information about any of our courses, please contact our friendly staff in the Sailing Academy.

Phone: (03) 5229 3705 Email: [email protected]

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Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

Latest News at RBYC

March 04, 2024

Easter/Spring Holiday Sailing Classes

Easter/Spring Holiday Classes now open for registration!

November 17, 2023

International Council of Yacht Clubs Membership

The Club joins the International Council of Yacht Clubs.

August 17, 2021

RBYC Fitted Dinghy Host Day

Shifty Winds for the 2021 RBYC Fitted Dinghy Host Day

August 16, 2021

History Making All Female Contest Crew

Historical First All Women's Fitted Dinghy Team - August 8, 2021

July 20, 2021

History Corner - July

As we celebrate the 2022 Olympics here's a quick summary of Bermuda & the Club's history with the event.

April 08, 2021

Welcome Team Denmark & SailGP

RBYC announces adopted SailGP team is Team Denmark!

Hours of Operation

Lunch monday to friday: 12:00pm - 2:30pm brunch saturday: 11:00am - 2:30pm friday happy hour/dinner: 5:00pm - 9pm (bar will stay open later as required), subscribe to rbyc newsletter.

Welcome to the Royal Malta Yacht Club

Founded in 1835.

Passion & Heritage

Sailing is not just a journey across the water; it is a dance with the wind, an embrace of freedom, and a connection to the timeless beauty of nature.".

Located right on the water in Ta’ Xbiex Marina the club offers extraordinary facilities which include a lounge bar and dining area with outdoor terraces, roof top terrace, conference rooms, a fitness room with changing rooms, waterfront facilities for small boats and a seasonal marina for larger boats.

Malta with its wonderful weather has a great lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for sport and the club is an ideal base for yachtsmen whether for racing or cruising at any time of year. It is a favourite port of call for members of renowned yacht clubs from all over the world with which the club has reciprocal agreements.

The club is run by a committee elected by the full members of the club. The members vary in age and profession but share a common passion for, yachting and the social life that is generated around the club. It is not necessary to own a boat to be a member of the club and enjoy the benefits of a yacht club in a beautiful waterfront location.

The RMYC Story

Royal malta yacht club established.

Malta Yacht Club

Blue Ensign

World War 2

Off-shore races.

Middle Sea Race Trophy Creation

First edition of Middle Sea Race

Club Premises moved to Manoel Island

Post of commodore assumed by chairman of the general committee.

International Sailing Events

Formation of Malta Yachting Federation

Valletta yacht club.

Reverts to Original Name - Royal Malta Yacht Club

Get to know, the rmyc committee.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club depends heavily through the voluntary contribution of its membership to govern and operate its programmes. The Club Committee, made up of nine members, is elected by the Club’s members at the Annual General Meeting, conducts areas of management which falls within their remit.

David Cremona

• [email protected]

David Cremona has been a full member of the RMYC since 2001. This is his fourth term in office. In 2020 he served in the role of  Rear Commodore House.

He has taken part in various races organised by the Club with his boat Breezer both in IRC rated races as well as the Cruiser Class. He also participated as a crew in the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

David is presently a property sales negotiator, having worked in the real estate industry for the past 17 years. This followed years as a General Manager / Director with a leading pharmaceutical distributor and importer of baby foods , foodstuffs and medical equipment.

He is an active member of the Royal Malta Yacht Club.  This will be David’s fourth year as the Club Commodore.

Mark Napier

Vice Commodore & Hon. Secretary

• [email protected]

Mark Napier has been an active member of the Royal Malta Yacht Club ever since being introduced to the club at the age of 12. He has participated in many Club races and has assisted in race management on many occasions.

He has been continuously elected to serve on committee since 1998 where he has served the Club as Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer, Rear Commodore Cruising, Rear Commodore House and as Vice Commodore. He was one of the key members involved in relocating and rebuilding the Club house and was deeply involved in the setting up and shaping the organisation of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Mark has held various directorships and worked in senior management all his professional life, starting off in textiles, then moving on to producing equestrian and marine related products, and in recent years has been managing a foreign owned Pharmaceutical Company.

In 2020 Mark was one again elected to the Committee retained his role of Honorary Secretary. In 2023, he also took on the role of Vice-Commodore, a role he retains in 2024.

He is married to Nadine and has two children – John and Elena.

Hon. Treasurer

• [email protected]

Unlike most of his Committee member colleagues Mark started sailing at a much more mature age even if in 1968 when a very young kid he scrupulously followed the first Middle Sea Race via the local media and vouched that one day he would do this race.

Mark became a member of the RMYC in 1999 when the late Arthur Podesta was Commodore. This was a life transformation move as he eventually started sailing with Arthur and family, participating in most local races and 7 Rolex Middle Sea Races between 2004 and 2010. There was a great deal of success and satisfaction and Mark got elected onto the RMYC Committee on several occasions since then serving as Treasurer and Secretary. Mark chaired a COVID-19 task force during last years’ RMSR which was crucial in making the race happen.

In 2024, Mark will retain his role as Hon. Treasurer, a post he has held for the past four years.

Georges Bonello Dupuis

Rear Commodore (Special Events)

• [email protected]

Georges has served as a committee member of the Royal Malta Yacht Club between 1997 to 2012. He was elected Commodore of the Club in January 2000, a post he held until February 2012.

Throughout his tenure, Georges drove a program of change and re-energised the RMYC from a traditional ageing colonial social club to a dynamic, energised and recognised entity turning it from a local outlook into an internationally recognised establishment that has a place within the top rankings of clubs around the world. He focused on increasing corporate level sponsorship participation through the introduction of a number of new events in which companies were given exposure to affiliate their brand with the boating fraternity. Enticed companies such as BMW, Vodafone, Rolex SA, Bank of Valletta, AirMalta together with the Malta Tourism and Maritime Authorities amongst others.

He was influential and the main driving force in securing the Rolex sponsorship for the Middle Sea Race and place it in the world rankings of international yachting to a position of significance and status as one of the “must do” races for every yachtsman, professional or Corinthian. He was responsible in successfully negotiating with Government and private stakeholders the reallocation of the RMYC to suitable location. He also spearheaded the new Clubhouse built in Ta’ Xbiex and in 2021 was responsible for the refurbishment and maintenance programme undertaken by the Club.

In 2024 Georges will retain his role of Special Events, particularly focusing on the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Georges is a very keen yachtsman and regularly raced shorthanded offshore races on board Escape. Georges enjoys cruising extensively.

Mario Debono

Rear Commodore (House)

• [email protected]

Mario Debono has been sailing from a very young age. He took his first steps on the water at the tender age of 3 years old, on his grandfather’s sailing luzzu at that time. His passion was and still is sailing, and he cruises and races extensively with the Club.

Mario’s interests are anything to do with the sea. He believes very much that the older generation should encourage the younger generation to sail. He is married to Jackie Drury and has two children, with a son who sails with the Jarhead Foundation and has just done his first Middle Sea Race and with a daughter who trains at the club’s sailing school.

In business, Mario runs several companies ranging from Pharmaceuticals, construction and IT Services. He is also President of the Pharmacy Section of the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises and a Council member, and is involved in running the Pharmacy Of Your Choice Scheme, of which he was the creator and promoter. Mario is offering his long experience in business to the Club, so that it can develop further and grow.

Mario Debono is passionate about the promotion of Malta as a yachting destination and centre of excellence, not just in sailing but also all types of activities on the water.

This is Mario’s fourth year as Rear Commodore (House).

Adrian Gauci Borda

Rear Commodore (Sailing)

Following his father’s footsteps Adrian is a very keen sailor who started sailing at the age of 18 on the laser now known as the ILCA7 class. Adrian was part of the national team in the Laser class until 2003 Small Nations Games held in Malta. An experience he defines as UNIQUE, having sailed multiple times abroad including Mediterranean games, World Championships, European circuit and Olympic qualifying events.

Adrian was also involved in Match racing held by RMYC and racing in the J/70 one design sport boat class. He is also the co-founder of the SB20 one design class in Malta having set the Association, affiliated the class with Malta’s Sailing Authority and the SB20 World council. The class consists of 8 boats locally has been established in 2017.  The last few years have seen Adrian progress from round the cans and coastal races to fully blown offshore racing, previously on Maltese Falcon 2 and more recently on Be Free.

Nowadays, Adrian is very much involved in race organization, and voluntarily dedicates his time to dinghy ranking events, international races organized by local Clubs. Although the move to race organisation is not easy, with the right help and mentorship it is possible.

“Sailing is a sport for young and old to enjoy in any form, whether it is sailing, socially, volunteering we all form part of the same family”

This year, 2024 will be Adrian’s second year in the role of Rear Commodore (Sailing)

Edgar Warrington

Edgar Warrington first joined the RMYC Committee in the late 1990s and since then occupied a number of roles, particularly relating to the role of House due to his background in Catering. He has also, since 1996 contributed his time during the Middle Sea Race. Edgar spent many years racing on the yacht Moondance and has a Rolex Middle Sea Race participation under his belt.

James Villette

James Villette has been a family member of the RMYC since 2017.  James started sailing dinghies from a young age in the UK. He raced Toppers and GP14s before racing Lasers and 420s as part of the British Youth Squad.

In Malta James races on the Ice 52RS Otra Vez.

James works as a manager for one of the Big Four accounting firms.

James’ children, Sophie and George race for the RMYC in the ILCA 4 and Optimist classes.

Amata Camilleri

Amata’s early career path saw her work in the healthcare sector, spending three years working as a nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital.  Following that, she spent a year as a Claims Assistant with a local insurance company, gaining insights into the administrative side of healthcare. Transitioning into pharmacy management, she dedicated 15 years to overseeing operations in two pharmacies, honing further her organisational and managerial skills. In 2002, still in the healthcare sector, I ventured into human resources in a private hospital.

For over two decades, she has worked with the Assocjazzjoni Volontarja Lourdes, of which she was president for twenty years. During this time she tirelessly coordinated volunteers and resources, ensuring that individuals facing illness receives the support and care they deserved.

Alongside my commitment to healthcare, she has also been an active member of the Royal Malta Yacht Club, offering my  assistance for more than twenty editions of the Rolex Middle Sea Race (RMSR).

The Commodore is elected annually by the Committee from amongst its members at a meeting chaired by the person having obtained the majority of votes during the election of the Committee, or otherwise by the most senior officer of the previous Committee present.

The elected Commodore nominates Officers to be approved by election amongst the members of the Committee.   All Officers with the exception of the Commodore may or may not be appointed at the discretion of the Committee.

Mr John Ripard Sr is the Honorary President of the Royal Malta Yacht Club.

Past Officers

Vice commodores, thank you to, our sponsors.

The Royal Malta Yacht Club relies on the support sponsors give it and is always ready to welcome companies and organisations willing to support and organise yacht racing events.

If you would like to know more about how your company can get involved in our Yacht Racing Sponsorship Programme please fill out the submission form below.

The leading name in luxury wristwatches, Rolex has been the pre-eminent symbol of performance and prestige for over a century, as it continues to expand its long history of achievement and innovation. ROLEX sponsor many premier sailing events worldwide and are the exclusive title sponsor of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Website: https://elcol.com/rolex/

Bank of Valletta

Bank of Valletta are the sponsors of the BOV Gozo Weekend Regatta. The BOV Group is a leading financial services provider in Malta, providing a full range of financial services including investment banking, private banking, fund management, bancassurance and stockbroking through its national network of 41 branches, a Corporate Centre, 5 Business Centres and a Wealth Management arm.

Website: https://www.bov.com/

Camilleri Marine

Camilleri Marine offer a wide range of services and products for all  yacht and boat needs. Camilleri Marine offers Malta Fishing Products, Commercial and Pleasure Boats Products, Yacht Products and acts as a Super Yacht Agency.

Website: https://camillerimarine.com/

Malta Tourism Authority

VisitMalta (Malta Tourism Authority) is all about bringing people together, creating and fostering relationships, through the excitement of travel, adventure and much more. Essentially, VisitMalta is the main regulator and motivator for the tourism industry in Malta. VisitMalta is also the industry’s motivator, its business partner, Malta’s brand promoter, and sees to it that meaningful partnerships with all the tourism stakeholders, and with world-renowned organisations and brands, are formed, maintained, and managed.

Website: https://www.visitmalta.com/

Grand Hotel Excelsior

As the premier destination among 5-star Valletta hotels, the Grand Hotel Excelsior is ideally located on the doorstep of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Capital City of Valletta, with all its major attractions, culture, art treasures, and historical architectural gems. This acclaimed Valletta Malta hotel prides itself in providing the discerning traveller with magnificent accommodation, breathtaking views of Marsamxett harbour and Manoel Island, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, and an unforgettable dining experience. Its central position allows for easy travel to all parts of the Maltese islands.

Website: https://www.excelsior.com.mt

Medcomms Limited is a family run company established on the island of Malta since 1965. Since then, the company has been synonymous within the marine electronic industry.  Strategically located in the centre of the Mediterranean, Medcomms Limited plays a key role in supporting the marine industry with the latest electronic equipment imperative for navigation and the safety of vessels at sea.

Website: http://www.medcomms.com.mt/

International Yacht Paint

Mac Med Limited was established in 2005 driven by a greater demand for high qualityproducts used in local infrastructure and the environment. Besides distributing a full range of locally manufactured Wall Paints under licence from Crown UK plc., Mac Med also took over the distribution of AkzoNobel’s International Paint ® , that had started via a sister company in 1996. These high performance coatings are destined for application in the Yacht, Marine, Protective and Aerospace coatings markets. Today, Mac Med also represents other world leading brands exclusively, amongst which are Knauf ®, Saint-Gobain’s Weber ® , Stanley ® Tools and Philips ® Lighting.

The strength of International Paint® in the antifouling product sector is considerable and has been its backbone since its beginnings in the UK in 1881.  To many professionals and pleasure boaters, International Paint® is the antifouling paint company.  Products such as Micron® 99 demonstrate this very well.  Years after its launch locally, it continues to remain the benchmark for long term fouling protection thanks to its patented technology. That exemplifies our company ethos of ‘ bring ing all things technol ogical to the surface ’ .

Website: https://www.macmedgroup.com.mt/

RLR Yachting

Being the oldest of its kind on the island, RLR Yachting harbors the most experienced sailors and tradesmen in Malta. The yacht agency with a difference.

Website: https://rlryachting.com/

SportMalta   operates under the  re mit  of the Ministry for Education and Sport.  Sport Malta’s core purpose is to inspire Maltese and transform the nation through sport  and t hrough innovative, fun and meaningful sporting experiences.

Website: https://sportmalta.mt/about/

Yachting Malta

Yachting Malta’s primary role is to identify and attract high profile yachting events to the Maltese Islands. Yachting Malta also aims to enhance the quality and growth of already established events. Another role is to foster and promote yachting and associated international activities with an emphasis on the young.  This includes education and training in the fundamentals of sailing, powerboat racing and water safety.

Website: https://yachtingmalta.org/

Zhik is never far from the water. We challenge the status quo, identify problems, and find breakthrough solutions to continually set the benchmark. Tested and proven, Zhik gear is the choice of Olympic and world champions around the globe.

Website: https://www.zhik.com/

The Royal Malta Yacht Club depends on its volunteer members. With so many sailing and social events scheduled throughout the year there is no shortage of opportunities for volunteers to lend a hand. All those who are interested in becoming an RMYC volunteer please send an email to: [email protected].

The success of the many events organised by the RMYC is attributed to the help we receive from our volunteers. Events such as the Rolex Middle Sea Race and the many races in the Club’s Racing Calendar focus around a group of people who give their time to make sure that events such as these are a great success for the Club.

Volunteers also enjoy the possibility of learning race management skills and the camaraderie that comes with being part of a team that has many varied responsibilities. Individual volunteers work on major national and international regattas. Although this requires a lot of work, these regattas offer the chance to meet sailors from all over the world

Volunteers don’t have to be an active sailor to participate in the many events that are conducted out of the RMYC. There are a variety of interesting roles that can be undertaken that are an integral part of a successful event or function. For many years the Royal Malta Yacht Club has found the support of volunteers to manage weekend races for Club boats through to being involved in the starting procedures of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Year-in and year-out, RMYC members respond to the call and lend a helping hand. Committees are organized to manage the operations and events of the Club and here too members and helpers are always welcome.

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INTRODUCTION TO SAILING

Adult Sail Training

Sail training, rowing & paddle sports training.

RHKYC SAILING NEWSLETTER

Sail training courses additional spaces notification list, contact us:.

General Enquiries, Gloria Yeung [email protected]  / +852 2812 7063  Centre Manager, Antonio Franco [email protected]  / +852 2812 7303 Senior Sailing Instructor, Kelvin Lau  [email protected]  / +852 2812 7303 Sailing Instructor, Patrick Chung  [email protected]  / +852 2812 7303  MI Sailing and Marine Manager,   Luke Van der Kamp  [email protected]  / +852 2812 0172

GET IN TOUCH

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Kellett Island, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong View location map Tel: (852) 2832 2817 Fax: (852) 2572 5399

Newport Yacht Club

• Board of Directors
• Past Commodores
• Honorary Life Members
• Lounge Hours
• Room Rental
• Reciprocity
• NYC Vision Mission Values
• Identify the Burgee Contest
• Advertisers
• PHRF / Cruising
• Predicted Log
• NYC Regatta Schedule
• Race Committee
• Classic Yacht Regatta
• Bermuda 1-2
• Offshore 160
• New England Solo/ Twin
• Mitchell Memorial and Columbus Regattas
• Jester Challenge
• Junior Sailing
• Visiting Yacht Club Burgees

• Friday, March 22 2024

March 2024 Burgee

Posted on March 18, 2024 - Burgee

DATES TO REMEMBER

13 April:  Dock Day! 8:30am

May 1:  Paddle Safety Class 6:30pm

May 4: Entry level Race Committee training

May 11: Cruise planning social gathering

May 18: Couples Cruising Safety Full Day Seminar 

May 21: Paddle Safety Class 6:30pm

COMMODORE’S CORNER

Happy March to all:

The St. Patrick’s day parade was be held on Saturday March 16th. Our kitchen staff prepared a delicious corned beef and cabbage dinner with all the fixings after the parade.

The search for a new general manager has been started. Advertising will begin appearing in local media outlets. If you have a referral, please direct to Vice Commodore F.J. Ritt [email protected]

As part of the club’s effort to control costs, a fee of 3% will soon be added to all payments when a credit card is used by a member for all club charges. This helps offset the fee charged by credit card companies. Members will be informed via blast email when the practice becomes effective for food and beverage in the lounge point of sale computer system.

On Sunday March 10th we all turned our clocks ahead one hour, providing us with longer daylight and the beginning of warmer sun. With that in mind, the club staff is getting ready for a great 2024 boating season. It was a mild winter so that should mean a hot summer!!! Our commissioning day is coming quickly, it will be held on Saturday June 1st, details to follow.

Wishing you and yours a happy spring!

All the best,

Bob and Rosalie

NEW FEATURE: DO YOU KNOW?

Question: What is the proper way to fly flags on a gaff-rigged pole?

That is probably the most frequently asked question received by the USPS Flag & Etiquette Committee. Gaff-rigged poles are used by navies, boaters and yacht clubs around the world. Onshore, the “yacht club style flagpole” with a gaff represents the mast of a ship. A gaff-rigged pole may, or may not, have a yardarm or crosstree.

Many people are confused about the proper way to fly the national ensign from a gaff-rigged pole. As depicted in the drawing on the left, the national ensign should be flown from the gaff and the club or organization burgee should be flown at the masthead.

The gaff-rigged pole had its origins at sea. Because of all the sail carried by the rigging of these vessels, the flag of a nation could not be clearly viewed if it was placed at the top of the mast. The stern of the vessel was the position of command and the captain’s quarters were located aft. Early boats also had the nobleman’s banner, king’s banner, or English ensign staff fixed to the stern rail. As sails changed, long booms sweep across the stern rail every time the ship tacked, so the ensign staff had to be removed when the ship was under way. Since the captain and other officers were still aft, the nearest position from which they found it practical to fly the ensign was the gaff. Over time, this became the place of honor to display the national flag. When the ship was moored, the ensign staff was set up again on the stern rail. 

This was the practice in the eighteenth century, when the U.S. Navy was created. Now that warships are made of steel and the signal mast no longer carries a boom, our navy still flies the ensign at the gaff peak when under way and at the ensign staff when not underway. There is no law specifying how a flag should fly on a gaff-rigged pole, instead it is based on long standing nautical tradition. 

The usual argument given by those that think it is wrong to fly the national ensign from the gaff is that the national ensign is flying below a club burgee or other flag contrary to the Flag Code. Notice that even when the national ensign is flown from the stern of a ship, it is lower in height than other flags flying on the ship. When the ensign is flown from a gaff-rigged pole, a flag flown at the top of the mast is not considered above the ensign because it is not being flown directly above the ensign on the same halyard.

The ensign should be flown from the highest point of honor, and over time, that has become the peak of the gaff. Flying the national ensign from the top of the mast while flying another flag at the gaff would be flying another flag in a position of superior honor since the peak of the gaff is the highest point of honor.

Sourced from United States Power Squadron

FLEET CAPTAIN

Congratulations to Dennis Ferreira on his appointment as Fleet Captain. His first message is a request. Please give him your thoughts. See below.

Get ready for some summer fun in and around the water!

As your fleet captain, I am looking for your input. Please take just a few minutes to click this link and RESPOND TO A SIMPLE SURVEY https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q7MLTJD to help me plan activities of interest to you. I am also organizing a social on May 11 to discuss potential cruise opportunities and have spoken with Adirondack about a Club sail in June…more details to follow. I’m looking forward to a great season of sailing and boating with my fellow club members.

Dennis Ferreira, Fleet Captain.

A SAIL RACING TRADITION

The Royal Western Yacht Club of England will run its major transatlantic races, the Original Single-handed Transatlantic Race ( OSTAR ) and the Two-handed Transatlantic Race ( TWOSTAR) , again in 2024. Once again the Newport Yacht Club will support this highly significant sailing event as it has for nearly a quarter century.

Per the Royal Western, the OSTAR represents the birth of transoceanic single handed oceanic sailing, noting “in 1956 Blondie Hasler became interested in the challenges of offshore singlehanded sailing – “one man, one boat, the ocean…”. Over the next few years he conceived of a transatlantic race against the prevailing winds and currents whose purpose was to develop the necessary seamanship, equipment and techniques.

One hundred sailors sent in letters of intent for this race, only eight started and five finished. “Self-steering gear was in its most basic homemade form, roller-reefing sails were just a dream and there were no satellite navigation systems or weather routing, just hand-held compasses and sextants. The five pioneer yachtsmen took very different options, with Blondie Hasler (Jester 25ft) opting for an extreme Northern route, Francis Chichester (Gipsy Moth III 40ft) and David Lewis (Cardinal Vertue 25ft) on the Great Circle route and Val Howells (Eira 25ft) and Jean Lacombe (Cap Horn 21.5ft) on the Azores route.”

The 2024 race will commence on 5 May.  Newport Yacht Club Past Commodore Norm Bailey, who also serves as assistant race director for the Royal Western Yacht Club will be on hand for the start in the U.K., returning to the U.S. on 7 May.

The Newport Yacht Club will once again host the finish of the race, with the first competitors expected to arrive twenty to twenty-one days after the start. This will coincide with our 1 June Commissioning Day for the Club and the Commodore of the Royal Western is expected to be here for the event.

All who finish the race will receive a medallion from the City of Newport.  Commodore Bob Antignano will award the OSTAR Line Honors winner the famous Around the World Alone trophy plate currently housed in our Club’s display cabinet. 

The Club is very active in single-handed sailing events with many devoted competitors and is pleased to support this time-honored sailing tradition.

JUNIOR SAILING COULD USE YOUR HELP

The goal is to keep the program affordable, so the fees charged do not cover the full cost of operating the program, requiring the raising of additional funds. Fortunately, through the generosity of donors, 15% of the campers who participated in the program last year received scholarships.  Scholarship donations are greatly appreciated; however, those donations are restricted specifically for scholarships and cannot be used for any other purpose. 

Unrestricted donations are needed to help cover other program costs such as fleet maintenance, fleet replacement and increased costs for wages, fuel and insurance.

 How can you help you ask? Easy, sponsor one of the Junior Sailing boats.  Simply decide on a name which could be your spouse, family, your pet, a favorite location. . . your choice and it will be placed on one of the boats in the Junior Sailing fleet.  Your generous $500 donation will go a long way to help keep the Newport Yacht Club Junior Sailing program one of the top programs on Narragansett Bay.

What will Sponsors Receive?

• Personal Name, Business name or an appropriate name / saying on forward quarter of a junior sailing dinghy. (4” X 36” max)
• Thank you note with picture of camper sailing in branded boat to be e-mailed to you.
• Recognition on the public-facing home page of the NYC website.
• Recognition in the NYC Burgee e-newsletter
• On-water exposure – June – August. Approximately 60% of time on water in Newport Harbor 40% in East passage / Narraganset Bay.

Please feel free to contact the Junior Sailing Committee to sponsor your boat:

Michael Barszcz             609-553-7258   [email protected]  

Albert Sgambato            401-230-8804   [email protected]  

Aedan Gleeson                              508-294-5383  [email protected]  

Steve Morin                      617-640-0589  [email protected]

FLOAT AND DOCK

Our spring 2024 dock day is on April 13 at 8:30 am. We need about a dozen volunteers to prepare our marina for the 2024 summer season. If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to Andy Vouras at  [email protected] .

After all the marina contracts are finalized by the end of March, we plan to open the waiting lists for slips, corral spaces and dinghy and kayak rack spaces in April.  Space remains tight.  The first step is to get on the appropriate list if you are interested.  No action required yet, but please look for an announcement in early April regarding how to apply.

You may have noticed a new item in the Members-only section in the club website. Now all marina assignments are posted on-line in addition to the hallway bulletin board for everyone’s convenience.

Andy Vouras Chair, Float and Dock Committee

REGATTA COMMITTEE

Even at this early stage we’re getting ready for the start of the sailing season, and there are several new things worth letting you know about:

On May 4 th we’re hosting a free entry level training for those wanting to join the Race Committee Team and you can get the details from the notices that Jackie Dietrich has posted at the Club.   It’s meant to be fun and informative with a free sandwich lunch, and we’ll be backing up the training subsequently with several on-the-water race simulations using the Club regatta boat “Volunteer”.  Please go to the calendar of events on the Club website to register for this training.

On a more technical level, we’ve asked the Ensigns to conform to the two season racing format that other classes use on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and they’ve graciously consented.  (Future race scorers will be grateful!)

We’re also working with Fleet Captain Dennis Ferreira to help encourage our members (both youth and not-so-youth members) to have a bit more fun with mainly self-directed races in July and August.  We also expect that racing might sometimes deteriorate to enjoyment of a sunset sail, as there aren’t any particular rules for these “races”.  We can use Sail Newport’s J22s and possibly also the Club’s 420s for this.  This is meant to be a fun and social mixing event for all ages and abilities.  To gauge your interest in this the Fleet Captain has initiated a survey and we’d be grateful for as much feedback as possible so that we can get our plans in motion.

Looking for a fun-filled racing season!

Alan Renfrew Chair, Regatta Committee

COMMUNITY SPIRIT-BLOOD DRIVE THANK YOU

Our Club started its 39th year of hosting blood drives with another successful effort on February 25th and met the goal of 15 successful donations with both reserved and walk-in donors participating.  Thank you to the lifesavers who gave a bit of themselves to help others in need.  

Congratulations and fair winds to Harry and Agnes Scott, stalwart blood donation coordinators for 34 years!  Their dedication saw the club surpass its 30th anniversary of blood donations in 2015 and has resulted in over 1,000 pints donated over their many years of service to the club and the (now) Rhode Island Blood Center.  Harry and Agnes were there for every yearly drive, and for the past 15 years twice a year welcoming donors and coordinating the specifics between the Blood Center and our Club.  The blood center staff have always fought for the chance to work our drives, Harry and Agnes made these drives possible.  

With Harry’s mentorship, Mary Jo Valdes and Dave Davis have stepped up in his and Agnes’ stead.  If you have any questions (or fears) of blood donation, don’t hesitate to contact either of us.  We hope you plan to donate at the next blood drive in early June.

OFFSHORE COMMITTEE

Registration for the Offshore 160 and the New England Solo/Twin is now open and they have started coming in.  New for this year will be trackers on all the boats similar to the trackers used for the Bermuda One-Two.

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8 Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Philippines to Moor Your Boat In

FoodfindsAsia.com | 8 Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Philippines to Moor Your Boat In | Filipinos’ history as a maritime people date back to prehistoric times. In fact, the Philippines’ basic sociopolitical unit today, the barangay, traces its etymological origins to the balangay , the ancient outrigger boats that were used by precolonial Filipino communities to explore and conquer islands this side of the Pacific. As a people belonging to a seafaring culture, it’s no wonder that modern Filipinos are taking a retrospective look at their glorious past as Austronesian mariners and are developing a renewed love for the ocean and marinas as present-day yachtsmen.

Today, Philippine marinas look to accommodate more and more yachts and other pleasure watercrafts as the years go by. In 2017, an ASEAN Briefing op-ed piece named the Philippines as a country with high potential in yacht industry growth. The natural beauty of the Philippine islands and its fantastic bays, combined with a growing interest in leisurely sea travel, can explain the spike in yachting activities throughout the country.

Are you part of the demographic that’s become enamored of the yachting lifestyle? Do you want to know where in the country you can berth your watercraft? Leading sailboat and motorboat authority Europa Yachts is happy to enter the conversation, and recommends the following locations for discovering the Philippines through yachting. Here is a short list of clubs and marinas in the country, organized by island region.  

Manila Yacht Club and Marina, Manila, Metro Manila

Established in 1927, the Manila Yacht Club and Marina is one of the oldest yacht clubs in all of Asia, and is nestled in the scenic Manila Bay. It is also near other well-known landmarks in the city, such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the headquarters of the Philippine Navy, and the US Embassy. Facilities in the marina include a launching ramp and a fueling center, and the club itself is host to a restaurant and gorgeous function rooms. The Manila Yacht Club only welcomes visitors who arrive by boat, and it charges an initial security deposit of USD 750 upon arrival. Club membership is mandatory for medium and long-term mooring of boats.

Subic Bay Yacht Club, Zambales

The Subic Bay Yacht Club, which was founded in 1998, upholds itself as the country’s premier yacht club. It operates in the deepest bay in the country, and can host vessels well beyond 50 meters in length. Already benefitting from the innate beauty of the Zambales mountains surrounding it, the club hosts a number of other attractions, including its luxury accommodations, swimming pools, and its own movie theater, bowling alley, and nightclub. Those who venture outside of the club’s premises can also shop for well-priced imported goods at the Subic Freeport Zone, engage in water sports , or sign up for diving excursions.

Punta Fuego Yacht Club, Batangas

Peaceful Punta Fuego is a mecca for those who love the sport of sailing. As per its official website, the Punta Fuego Yacht Club aims to serve “a dynamic and vibrant community of boat enthusiasts and yacht owners.” This it does by playing host to a diverse population of watercrafts, from large catamarans and mono-hull yachts to small boats. Non-members of the club may use the berths for up to 3 weeks, and can refuel at the marina’s fueling station. The yacht club offers other amenities such as locker rooms, shower rooms, Internet facilities, a chart room, and a restaurant called Barracuda Bar, which serves delicious fares. Outside of the yachting crowd, Punta Fuego Yacht Club also caters to those wishing to celebrate weddings, conferences, and corporate events in their opulent quarters.

Puerto Galera Yacht Club, Oriental Mindoro

Further south, yachtsmen may moor at the Puerto Galera Yacht Club in Oriental Mindoro, an island location that’s home to tourist attractions like the Sabang Wreck dive site, lively beachfront resorts, and the Malasimbo Music Festival. Puerto Galera Yacht Club has been in operation for almost thirty years and lends services such as refueling provisions and yacht repairs from its marina. Boat owners also enjoy optimal convenience if mooring here, as they can also shop for spare parts in the nearby Batangas port.

Busuanga Yacht Club, Puerta del Sol Bay Marina, Palawan

Beautiful Palawan is a bucket-list destination for many, especially those who dream of cruising its crystalline waters. Accommodating the yachting community in this island province is the Busuanga Yacht Club, which promises secure mooring amidst breathtaking white-sand beaches. Here, each vessel will benefit from a typhoon-safe harbor, easy refueling, and direct access to transportation hubs like the New Busuanga Airport. Adjoining this marina is the Puerta del Sol Bay Resort, which offers luxurious accommodations to visitors. When not atop the deck of a boat, travelers can also explore the lagoons and freshwater lakes of Coron, go shipwreck diving, or relax in the hot springs of Maquinit.

Iloilo Sailing Club, Arevelo, Iloilo City, Iloilo

Iloilo Province is home to some of the country’s most beautiful old-world architecture, a flourishing ecotourism industry, and delectably fresh seafood cuisine. What will round off an unforgettable visit to Iloilo, however, is an excursion to the Iloilo Sailing Club on a leisure watercraft. The club accepts visitors and encourages membership in the case of medium and long-stay mooring. It also hosts a number of amenities and activities, including a dinghy storage, a beach bar and restaurant, and classes for those who want to learn about sailing. In recent months, the Iloilo Sailing Club has also been a convenient meet-up point for big maritime events, such as the Iloilo-Guimaras Paraw Regatta and the Seafarers’ Job Fair.

Cebu Yacht Club, Mactan Island, Cebu

The historic Mactan Island in Cebu was the site of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines. Now known as a commercial hub that hosts a prolific furniture and musical instruments industries, Mactan is also the location of the Cebu Yacht Club, an institution that is beloved by the locals. Aside from being an ideal spot to restock on much-needed fuel and supplies, the Cebu Yacht Club is also a trusted club to commission for boat repairs. There’s a good vibe in this club for everybody, as it sports both luxury accommodations and a waterfront strip of restaurants that laid-back diners can frequent. MINDANAO

Holiday Oceanview Marina, Samal Island, Davao del Norte

The Holiday Oceanview Marina is a major attraction of Samal Island in Davao del Norte Province, one that welcomes Filipino and foreign yachtsmen alike to moor within its premises. The space is quite roomy, in fact, with 56 berths that can fit vessels up to 15 meters in length. The club also has a boat ramp that can accommodate boats up to 18 meters in length. The well-guarded and weather-safe marina is a gateway to some of Mindanao’s finest attractions, such as the Pearl Farm, Hagimit Falls, and Giant Clam Sanctuary.  

There’s no better way to discover the Philippines from end to end than getting onboard a seaworthy vessel and going on a long cruise, with stops in some of the most beautiful places in the country. Find a safe harbor in any of these major clubs and marinas, and participate in the renaissance of sailing in the Philippines.

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