CALENDAR
BOOK A TABLE
CLUB NEWS
Regattas
WEATHER STATION
FUEL PRICES
CONTACT US
RQTV
Opening Day at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron is a ceremonial and festive event that marks the official beginning of the yachting season. It’s a tradition observed by many yacht clubs around the world and holds special significance within our club, given its 140-year heritage. At RQYS, we go to great lengths to ensure that our biggest event in the social calendar is one that appeals to all of our members, from the traditional to the modern and both young and old.
Our Opening Day is typically held at the start of Spring, when weather conditions are the most favourable for sailing and water activities. Our first Opening Day was held in 1885 and officiated by the Commodore at the time, Sir Thomas McIlwraith KCMG, MLA on the Hamilton Reach of the Brisbane River. This year marks the start of our 141st sailing season, and we were fortunate to enjoy a sunny day, which was a blessing in itself after the many weekends of rain so far this year. Almost as payment for the sunshine, we endured some gale conditions right at the time of the traditional sailpast event that threatened to cancel this significant part of the day. Thankfully, as sailors do, we pressed on and adapted to the conditions, which enabled all vessels to participate in the spectacle of the sail past, saluting our Patron Prof Nimmo RFD and Flag Officers on the VIP dais.
The earlier formalities saw the arrival of our VIP guests including Prof Nimmo RFD and Commander Rosemarie Apikotoa RAN to the red carpet, heralded by our friends from the Emmanuel College Highlanders piping them a warm welcome. What a joy to listen to the Royal Australian Navy Band on the Girdis deck, with jazz tunes and more to bring in the formalities, followed by a heartfelt rendition of Advance Australia Fair! A timely reminder of the privelege of living in Australia when a lot of the world can only dream of enjoying what we often take for granted. Special prayers from Rev Dr Peter also reminded us that God is always watching over us.
The day wouldn’t have been complete without congratulating our newest Life Members Mr Don Murray and Mr Evan Johnston along with our sailing high-achiever Mstr Rory Meehan and Club Member of the Year Ms Louise Davis. Becoming a Life Member is only awarded to those whose contribution to RQYS has exceeded the expectation of our members and recognises long and passionate service. Thank you to all who contribute to making our club what it is today, and Opening Day is such a celebration of what makes us special and the envy of other organisations.
Our Opening Day festival in more modern times encapsulates the spirit of yachting, camaraderie, and our proud culture. That was obvious this year with a palpable sense of excitement and optimism about our future. With many new faces celebrating this new chapter with good wine and dancing until the late hours, we can all be proud to belong to one of Brisbane’s most prestigious and welcoming clubs. Here’s to a safe and successful sailing season for the year ahead!
Enjoy the full photo albums here, courtesy of RQYS Media Officer Mike Middleton.
Related Articles
Sail Cruising Group enjoy Easter at Canaipa
3rd – 6th April 2026 Cruise Captains: Rose & Steve Weather: Rainy/Windy — S 18–25 kts, gusting to 30 Yachts Registered Seven yachts made the passage to Canaipa for the […]
The Limit of the Machine (and other reasons we should have taken up Lawn Bowls): The story of Yachtshare Ignition at the Brisbane to Gladstone 2026
78th Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race | 3–4 April 2026 Story by Anton Prange The Brisbane to Gladstone is a Queensland institution, much like XXXX Gold, sunburn, and spending your […]
Vale Life Member Tom Cuneo
Dear Members, It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of long-serving Squadron life member, Tom Cuneo. Tom was a valued and respected member of the […]