The inaugural Classic Yacht Regatta of the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club is a design-based regatta, open to all boats designed up to 1975, from pre-1950 vintage yachts designed and built and restored, to ‘modern classics’ that are keel boat yachts built later to an original design and to ‘spirit of tradition’ yachts that are entirely modern yet built to classical designs.
This means that traditional boats such as
- metre boats, ranging from International 5.5’s, 6’s, 8’s and 12 metres, may compete alongside
- Foldboats (designed 1942),
- Etchells (designed 1966) and
- Rangers (designed from 1928),
- Couta boats (designed 1830’s-1930’s),
- Tumlarens (designed 1933) and right up to a yacht such as Fidelis designed in the 1930’s and built 1964.
Also allowed are built, beloved local 1950’s classics such as the Halvorsen Anitra V, Caprice of Huon and Love and War to Scarlet O’Hara, a modern classic designed in 1938 although with a modern keel, built in 1992, right up to Emily and Oroton Drumfire, both ‘spirit of tradition.’
Concours’d’Elegance
A Concours’d’Elegance awards determined by a panel of esteemed judges will reward restoration and design excellence in each category, as well as performance and recognition of the spirit of the regatta. Boats are encouraged to provide details of interiors and restoration work upon entry and to present to the start line pre-race to show their yachts and crew to their best advantage.
Cocktails & Prizes
A cocktail party on Friday April 10, the eve of the regatta with a complimentary glass of Billecart-Salmon champagne and a cocktail by Red Mill Rum, will be followed by dinner, followed by the regatta on April 11 with a champagne lunch and presentation afterwards. For booking inquiries, phone the RPEYC on 93273149.
A generous array of racing trophies and prizes will include exquisitely made leatherbound games boards from Oroton and the Vicars sailing family, sailing jackets from M.J. Bale’s collaboration with North Sails, $500 voucher and hand-crafted sail bags celebrating the event from Ian Short Sails, and limited-edition regatta posters printed on archival cotton paper. Every entrant will receive a 200ml bottle of Red Mill Rum.
Yachts racing under IRC also have the chance to ‘Race for a Case’ of Billecart-Salmon champagne donated by the Roland-Billecart champagne, a family of keen sailors, reviving an Australian tradition established in 1889 when representatives of a yacht race between New Zealand and Australia raced for cases of champagne.
This regatta will be conducted on Sydney Harbour for all classics for the first time under a dual racing system, racing simultaneously under both Performance Handicap System (PHS) and International Race Committee (IRC), giving classic boats rated under the newly available inshore IRC Standard Certificate, a completely new way to race through sophisticated analysis of a boat’s construction and design.
A race to the top under the internationally recognised rating system IRC – where talent is no barrier – is paired with the PHS performance handicap system based on the performance of both boat and crew.
WHY IRC?
The IRC ‘inshore’ Standard Certificate, widely used and admired in Europe, US and UK, has only recently become available in Australia. Unlike offshore endorsed certificates requiring weighing, a costly exercise for many, the Standard Certificate is issued with a weight estimate given by RORC the Royal Ocean Racing Club governing body. (Owners are free to compliment this assessment by weighing their boats if they so wish.)
The new IRC Standard Certificate for inshore racing is being offered at a special introductory rate. Once measured, the IRC rating becomes part of the yachts profile, adding value, variety and competitiveness to the boat’s racing program as more clubs across Australia embrace additional racing systems.
In addition, IRC measurements are also useful for ORC Club certificate so the boats will be in the best position to race under all available options anywhere on the harbour.
Interestingly, there are subtle differences even between seemingly similar classes such as Folk boats, Rangers and Couta boats. Under IRC, a more refined understanding of each will bring even greater harmony to the group when you approach the start line. It is a great leveller.
So, more ways to win. An even fairer go.
The RPEYC heralds in a new era of classic racing on the harbour with the Classic Yacht Regatta.
Interested yachts may register for measuring in March via the Australian Sailing website.
Inquiries with Nic Doig on 0404 848 855.