The Topsy D Passage Race
Ann Crisp on FRANCES
You may have read a few weeks ago in SWS, about the way the Classic Yacht Association of Australia has adapted the Cup Regatta to ensure that the 14th consecutive running of the event will proceed, working within Covid regulations and adapting to changing times.
In addition to the new format , race officer Peter Costolloe has been working hard to organise three new and very special trophies for the passage race to Geelong on 20th March.
Peter Writes // The CYAA has named the passage race as The Topsy D Race to recognise the contribution to the history of yachting on Port Phillip by the 21 foot restricted class and in particular the Digby Family with their three boats.
TOPSY D skippered by Ken and Ernie Digby, BUNYIP skippered by Arthur Digby, and AWINGA skippered by Len Digby. It was through the agency and work of Ken Digby’s daughter and CYAA member, Ann Crisp (pictured above) that the opportunity was presented to CYAA to name the race as The Topsy D Passage Race.
Ann made a callout to her family around the world to send in the trophies. And in they came! From mantel pieces in the four corners of the world, four Digby family treasures were entrusted to the CYAA. The deed of gift from the Digby family required that the trophies won by Ken Digby, from 1932 and 1933, be re-activated by the RGYC as perpetual classic yacht racing trophies.
The Digby family deed of gift has been complied with thanks to support from RGYC Commodore, Stuart Dickson, and CYAA supporter from RGYC, Bill Chittenden.
The trophies are currently with the restorers being re-silvered and plinthed in time for presentations in March.
For more information on this summer’s Cup regatta here is the notice of race and entry form