An informal affair yesterday saw many of our members in the RQYS Bistro to welcome back participants in the recent Sydney to Hobart yacht race.  It was lovely to get back to what we do best – sharing tales of seamanship while sharing a beer after a long day of sailing.

The bell was tolled to mark the “crossing of the bar” for the two sailors lost during the race by an emotional Commodore, before the audience heard from crew recounting their adventures. Anton Prange and Al Harrison from the Sailing Committee proved exemplary hosts.

We’re so proud to have had so many representatives sailing the challenging 2024 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. It was a tough one with 104 at the starting line, but only 74 reaching the finish. Congratulations to the seven boats and multiple crew flying the flag proudly for Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, some many times:

• Fika (Skippered by Annette Hesselmans)
• Fruit Salid 3 (Skippered by Mark Drobitko)
• Indigo II (Skippered by Darryn Purdy)
• Mayfair (Skippered by James Irvine)
• Pacman (Skippered by Peter Elkington with Scotty Cavanough)
• Solace (Skippered by Paul Pincus)
• Trouble & Strife (Skippered by Matt Williams with Mel Peasey)

… and to the numerous crew on board

• Wild Thing 100 (Grant Wharington, Todd Anderson, Brian Donovan, Adrian Seiffert)
• Oroton DrumFire (Stacey Jackson)
• White Noise (Ian Davis)
• Journeymen Flat White (Kayla Boothby)
• Alive (Skippered by Duncan Hine)
• Mayfair (Rohan Wood and Taylor Rose)
• Ocean Cruisaders J-Bird (Ian and Annika Thomson)
• Active Again (Erin Crowley and Matthew Hart)
• Silver Fern (Ian Wright)
• White Noise (Ian Davis)

A special mention goes to Sharon Wood, whose birthday falls on Boxing Day and thus, has celebrated alone while Rohan participates in the race each year.