CUP REGATTA-Three Weeks to go!
Based at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, the 2023 Cup Regatta is shaping up as a memorable weekend of sailing and socialising. There’s a lot going on so we thought we should update you on all the activities.
WELCOME PARTY AND FERDI DARLEY’S SHED
This is going to be special! Drinks and food and friends amongst some remarkable restorations. There will be a welcome to the Regatta and brief description of the vessels being worked on in the shed, such as Sam Binder and Linda Blore’s WYRUNA and the famous Fife 8 Meter VANESSA. Ferdi and his team are creating viewing platforms and spaces to ensure the boats look their best! Tickets are selling fast for this event so don’t miss out.
If you haven’t booked yet you can get tickets for you and your crew HERE.
THE SAIL PAST
Before the first Race on Saturday we are planning a Sail Past beginning at 1000hrs in which both racing and non-racing skippers can display their craft along the Albert Park foreshore. We imagine this will run approximately between the RMYS D and G marks, but details will be provided closer to the time depending on the weather forecast. This should provide a great photo opportunity and a chance for the racing boats to size up the opposition and to shake out a few cobwebs before the first start at 1100hrs.
THE RACING
At this stage we have 25 boats entered in the three divisions, and we hoping to hit the 30 boat mark. If you are intending to enter but are still to do so, we ask that you complete your entry HERE as soon as possible as it helps with planning and race management. Sailing Instructions will be issued in the week before the regatta, but at this stage we are intending to sail two laid courses on the Saturday and two on the Sunday.
BERTHING
The RYCV team will be working out a berthing plan for the nearly 40 wooden vessels attending. This will be distributed nearer the event. Please ensure that you bring plenty of fenders, lines and patience, as gathering this many vessels in a confined area will be a delicate process. There will be RIBs on hand to facilitate berthing for the less manoeuvrable craft. If you are bringing a boat to the regatta, whether racing or not we ask that you fill in the free berthing application HERE
SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER
On the evening of the 4th November all boats will be gathered at RYCV. There’ll be live music and the club bar and restaurant will be open, and bookings are essential VIA THE CLUB WEBSITE. It promises to be a great opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new ones and enjoy the spectacle of the Port Phillips Classic fleet gathered in one venue. There’ll also be a looped slide show from the dedicated event photographer Patrick Clapp showing action from day one.
VIEWING FROM THE MARGARET PEARL
The magnificent, fully restored Cray Boat the MARGARET PEARL will be on the water on both Saturday and Sunday offering the best view of the action. If you, or non-sailing family and friends would like to be part of this experience then you can book your tickets by clicking HERE.
BEST PRESENTED AND MOST INTERESTING VESSEL
Our New Zealand visitors from the Tino Rawa Trust, Michelle Khan and Tony Stevenson have agreed to be the judges of these two awards. In addition to their work with the trust they have both been instrumental in the establishment of next year’s inaugural Wooden Boat Festival in Auckland.
CUP DAY LUNCH
Presentations of prizes for the regatta will be held at RYCV during a lunch planned for Melbourne Cup Day. It will be a chance to celebrate the successes of the weekend and congratulate the winners and enjoy a sweepstake on the Race that stops a nation. Book for the event by clicking HERE