Salt in the Blood
Why Rosebud Yacht Club is Where it All Began
They say you never forget your first boat, but for me, it was the club that really stuck.
My journey with the water started at six years old. My grandmother had just bought a house in Rosebud, and like clockwork, every summer meant one thing: heading down the Mornington Peninsula to the Rosebud Yacht Club.
Looking back, those summers weren’t just holidays—they were the foundation of everything I do now. Growing up at RoYC provided the ultimate playground. One day I’d be fighting for balance on a monohull, the next I’d be experiencing the raw lift and speed of a multihull catamaran. Then there were the windsurfers—a true test of patience and core strength. Whether we were dodging the sandbars or catching a stiff southerly, Rosebud was the place that taught me how to read the water. It’s where I learned that the best view in the world is usually from a hiking strap or a trapeze.
Those early mornings on the sand prepared me for the offshore life I live today. You can’t understand the rhythm of the ocean until you’ve spent your childhood summers navigating the tides and the shifts of the Peninsula. Looking back at those memories, one thing is clear: the boats have changed over the years, but the obsession with the ocean remains exactly the same.
Blogs
Jarkan 925
Short-course racing at SYC on this 30-foot cruiser-racer. Handling the Jarkan 925 in a tight fleet provided plenty of practice with various spinnaker pole setups and quick sail changes. It was a solid, hands-on way to refine timing and coordination on a more traditional deck layout.
Ragnar – Beneteau First 36
Sailing with Richard and Alice Ekberg across both Blairgowrie and Sandringham offered a great look at this modern design. Moving from relaxed summer twilights to more competitive winter series at SYC highlighted the boat’s versatility. It was a practical way to experience how modern layouts handle different club environments and varied racing formats.
RYCV Lipton Cup
The Lipton CupNorthern Port Phillip’s Premier RegattaIf there is one weekend that perfectly captures the spirit of sailing in Melbourne, it’s the Lipton Cup. Held annually at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, this regatta is a massive multi-class celebration that...
Trilogy – Dehler 42c
Navigating the unique tides and shifts of southern Port Phillip. Staying ahead on this Dehler 42C requires constant anticipation. It’s a rewarding environment where sharp race management meets a welcoming community; chasing the perfect start is only half the experience when participation is the lifeblood of the club.
Junior Sailing at RYCV
The Gateway to the BayJunior Sailing at RYCVIf you’re looking for a place where the city skyline meets the open water, Royals is it. The club has a long-standing reputation for nurturing young sailors, from their very first time on a boat to competing in state and...