Trilogy
Sailing with Barry Fitzpatrick & Peter Fitzgerald – Trilogy (Dehler 42C)
I sailed as a crew member aboard Trilogy with Barry Fitzpatrick and Peter Fitzgerald at Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, taking part in club racing and regular bay sailing. Blairgowrie offers a distinctive sailing environment on Port Phillip, where conditions can change quickly and reward crews who sail accurately and work well together.
Sailing with Barry and Peter provided the opportunity to be part of a well-run and disciplined program. The emphasis onboard was on preparation, clear communication and consistent execution—qualities that translate directly into better results on the water and a more enjoyable experience for the entire crew.
Trilogy is a performance-oriented Dehler 42C, and sailing her in a club racing environment highlighted the importance of precision rather than brute force. The yacht rewards good helming, clean sail trim and coordinated manoeuvres, particularly as conditions build. The deeper keel and responsive rudder give confidence when pressed, making her a solid platform for learning how to keep speed on while staying balanced and controlled.
Time spent aboard Trilogy reinforced the value of sailing with experienced owners who understand both their boat and their crew. Racing from Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron with Barry and Peter strengthened my appreciation for disciplined club racing, dependable boat handling in variable bay conditions, and the quieter skills that underpin good racing—anticipation, teamwork and attention to detail.
This campaign added depth to my experience sailing performance monohulls in competitive club fleets and contributed to my broader development as a reliable and adaptable crew member.
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...
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...
Where it All Began
Salt in the BloodWhy Rosebud Yacht Club is Where it All BeganThey 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...




