In the 1920s, around Christmas time, scores of boats would begin heading north from Sydney Harbour to visit one such spectacular site and to take part in one of the most important events on the New South Wales yachting calendar – the Pittwater Regatta.
To continue this tradition, on the weekend of the 15-16 February, 2020 the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), with the assistance of the Royal Motor Yacht Club (RMYC), will be hosting the annual Pittwater Regatta, a yachting regatta that dates back as far as 1888.
The revitalised regatta continues to promote its heritage inviting all yacht owners to enjoy the friendly competition expanding across the waters of Broken Bay, Pittwater Estuary and Inshore, with participation from Sydney to the Central Coast and our local Pittwater sailors.
Three course areas are planned to cater for the various racing formats on offer.
- From the Premier and Performance IRC & ORCi racing yachts, who will compete offshore on a Grand Prix windward leeward course (6 races);
- ENSIGN Yachts Estuary Passage Series of races for club racers and cruisers (2 races);
- Additionally there will be the Summer inshore Sprint Series for a variety of fast paced one design and sports boats (6 races).
The two race Estuary Series is brought to you by Ensign Yachts "Australia’s largest brokerage and exclusive dealer of a selection of premier yacht brands”. A newly commissioned Perpetual Trophy will be unveiled at the presentation on Sunday together with awards for placegetters in each series. With a range of fantastic awards on offer.
This year sees the Sydney 38 One Design Australian Championship run in conjunction with the Pittwater Regatta. One Design boats will compete over 3 days, 14-16 and other Sydney Yachts over 2 days in a mixture of windward leeward and passage races.
There is an event for all sailors and including a Crew Party on Saturday afternoon back at the Alfred’s Clubhouse by the Aston Martini’s performing a great mix of Cool Swing and Classic Soul with a touch of class and lots of energy.
Visiting competitors will be able to berth free of charge over the weekend at RPAYC. Boats wishing to do so will need to arrange berthing details by contacting the Waterfront department at waterfront@rpayc.com.au
To be a part of this great tradition visit, register here: https://www.rpayc.com.au/sailing/yacht-racing/regatta-and-championships
To learn more about the history of the Pittwater Regatta visit:
- The First Pittwater Regatta
- Pittwater Regattas Part I - Dates and Flagships to 1950
- Pittwater Regattas - 1907 and 1908
- Pittwater Regattas - 1921 - The Year that Opened and Closed with a Regatta on Pittwater
- Pittwater Regatta Banishes Depression - 1933
- The 1937 Pittwater Regatta - A Fashionable Affair
- The First Scotland Island Cup, Trophy and Race and the Gentleman who loved Elvina Bay
- John Roche
- Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Fox Family
- Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Paddon Family of Clareville
- Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Green Family
- Early Pittwater Paddlers, Oarsmen, Rowers and Scullers: The Williams Family
- Pittwater Regatta Air Race Trophies: from 1934 and 1935 and The Pilot Who Saved William Hughes
- The Bona - Classic Wooden Racing Yacht
- Mark Foy of Bayview 2019 Inductee into Australian Sailing Hall of Fame- Pittwater Regatta sponsor
- RPAYC Season on Pittwater and coming of Jubilees in Summer of 1938
- Historic Insights From The Australian National Maritime Museums 1890 Pitt Water 'Era' Yacht Collection: The Basin Regattas
