Valiant 9

Dufour 40 skipper by Peter Dusting at Royal yacht club of Victoria, RYCV

I sailed aboard Valiant 9, a Dufour 40, out of the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV). Sailing on Port Phillip Bay, particularly around the mouth of the Yarra River, offered a mix of shifting tidal flows, variable winds, and strong currents, providing an excellent environment to refine boat handling, tactical awareness, and crew coordination.

Being part of the Valiant 9 crew was also a reminder that sailing is as much a social experience as it is a technical one. After racing, the crew gather in the galley to share stories, enjoy the camaraderie and sample sips from an impressive array of whiskey bottles. These moments reinforced the sense of friendship and enjoyment that make club sailing so rewarding.

Valiant 9 - Dufour 40 - Peter Dusting
Valiant 9 - Dufour 40 - Peter Dusting

Blogs

Adams 10.6

Adams 10.6

Sailing aboard Cloud 10, an Adams 10.6, provided a classic club racing experience out of RMYS. This 35-foot Australian design is a staple of the local fleet, known for its one-design competition. Getting time on this platform was a practical way to broaden my experience across a different style of local yacht.

Jarkan 925

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

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

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

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

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

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...