The Gateway to the Bay
Junior Sailing at RYCV
If 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 national championships.
For the youngest sailors (ages 7–12), the Tackers program is the gold standard. It’s designed to be fun, social, and non-intimidating.
Tackers 1 – Having Fun: Kids get comfortable on the water, learn basic boat handling, and play games that build confidence.
Tackers 2 & 3: As they progress, they start to master the wind and learn the basics of racing, all while staying in a safe, supervised environment.
For teenagers (ages 12–17) who might be starting a bit later or want a more social vibe, the OutThere Sailing program is perfect. It’s less about strict “drills” and more about experiencing everything the water has to offer—from dinghies and keelboats to powerboat adventures. It’s the ultimate way to spend a Saturday with friends while picking up serious skills.
One of the biggest advantages of junior sailing at RYCV is the location. Hobsons Bay offers relatively flat water and consistent breezes, making it an ideal “classroom” for beginners. Plus, the club’s facilities—including the expansive hardstand and the warm, welcoming clubhouse—make the transition from the water to the land seamless for families.
For those who catch the racing bug, Royals is a powerhouse. The club frequently hosts major events, like the Cadet Class Victorian State Championships, giving junior members a front-row seat (and a starting line) for high-level competition. With a fleet of club-owned Pacers and Optimists, you don’t even need your own boat to get started.
Why Choose Royals?
History: You’re sailing at the oldest “Royal” club in the Southern Hemisphere.
Professional Instruction: All courses are led by Australian Sailing qualified instructors.
Community: It’s a family-oriented club where parents can enjoy the bistro while the kids are out on the water.
Whether your child is destined for the Sydney to Hobart or just wants to enjoy the freedom of the bay, the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria provides the perfect heading.
Blogs
Airlie Beach Race Week 2025
Airlie Beach Race Week tested sail handling, coordination, and timing across long island legs. On Y Knot, managing the bow meant staying ahead of multiple sail changes under shifting trade-wind breezes. The combination of fast offshore conditions, complex courses, and a skilled crew made it an intense and rewarding experience.
Magnetic Island Race Week 2025
YKnot’s performance demanded anticipation, precise sail transitions, and constant awareness on the bow. The warm waters, trade winds, and tight fleet kept everyone alert, while the relaxed island atmosphere ashore highlighted why offshore racing is as much about people and experience as it is speed.
Cartouche
Cartouche – Beneteau First 50 (RBYC)
I’ve sailed regularly aboard Cartouche, a Beneteau First 50 owned by Steven Fahey, across club racing, ORCV events and major regattas. Racing within a family-run team sharpened my big-boat awareness and offshore readiness, while reinforcing consistency, preparation and calm decision-making across varied conditions.
Scarlet Runner
Delivering Scarlet Runner back to Melbourne with owner and skipper Rob Date after the Melbourne–Hobart Westcoaster was a masterclass in offshore seamanship. A demanding Bass Strait crossing shifted the focus from racing to judgement, restraint, and boat care, highlighting the balance between performance and protection that defines successful offshore sailing.
Australian Yachting Championships (IRC)
Racing on Tenacity in the 2025 Australian Yachting Championships tested precision and teamwork on Hobart’s Derwent. Handling halyards and sail changes as mast person, I experienced the split-second decision-making, calm control, and clear communication required to keep a high-performance Mills 41 moving efficiently through shifting river breezes.
Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster
Sailing down the coast on Rushour during the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster was a masterclass in offshore performance. Heavy Bass Strait and Southern Ocean conditions tested endurance, decision-making, and watch management, while the multihull’s record-breaking pace reinforced the importance of disciplined boat handling, smart routing, and protecting both crew and craft over a long, exposed passage.
Belle – IY60
Racing offshore on Belle, a 60-foot IY60, was a high-intensity test of big-boat handling. Loads, sail changes, and manoeuvres demanded precision, anticipation, and clear communication. The ORCV Coastal Sprint format sharpened situational awareness, adaptability, and crew coordination, giving valuable experience in managing a large offshore yacht under pressure while maintaining speed and control.
QuiXotic
QuiXotic is a well-sailed X-41, but what stands out most is the crew. Andrew Middleton and the team create a positive, easygoing environment on board, focused on enjoying the racing and sailing well together. It’s a boat where good company and good sailing go hand in hand.
Rushour
On Rushour, I completed the 430nm Southport to Sydney qualifying passage, involved in all aspects of high-performance multihull sailing. From helming in varied conditions to managing asymmetric spinnaker trim and watch rotations, this experience built the discipline and confidence I carried directly into the Melbourne to Hobart Westcoaster.
Fast Forward – Sydney 38
Faster Forward isn’t just a respected Sydney 38; for me, it represents the heart of sailing culture. After the Melbourne to Hobart, I was adopted into this tight-knit team, learning that success is built as much through shared dinners and crew camaraderie as it is through miles on the water.
Alex Team Macadie
Alex is a boat with a massive reputation, especially for its legendary double-handed feats. Racing with Jock MacAdie provided a firsthand look at how this Hart 14 has stayed competitive for decades. It’s a platform built on grit and offshore history, where the focus is always on high standards and coastal discipline.
Wings
The 1,100nm delivery of Wings from Hamilton Island to Sydney was a lesson in persistence. Most of the trip was spent punched into 18 to 25-knot headwinds and heavy seas. It was a great chance to get some serious hours on the helm at night and see how offshore routing actually works in the real world.