Archambault 40RC
Skipper: PJ (Peter Davison) – Royal Melbourne yacht squadron
Over the past couple of years, I’ve had several opportunities to sail with PJ aboard Arcadia, an Archambault 40RC, across a mix of club racing, ORCV races, and events including the King of the Derwent in Hobart.
Sailing with this team has always been a genuinely valuable experience. Arcadia is run by a highly efficient, well-rounded crew who know the boat inside out and work together with calm precision. Everything from manoeuvres to sail changes is done with purpose and very little noise, which creates a great environment to learn and stay switched on.
What stands out most is how cohesive the team is under pressure. Watching the way roles are clearly defined, communication stays concise, and decisions are executed without hesitation reinforces how much performance comes from trust and repetition rather than heroics. Every time I’ve stepped on board, there’s been something to take away—whether it’s refined boat handling, positioning, or simply observing how a disciplined team operates race after race.
Blogs
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...
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...