What gets scheduled gets done.
There’s some great Wooden Boat events coming up over the next six months. Commit early, plan thoroughly, do the work, then sit back, and bask in the satisfaction of the achievement.
GAFFERS DAY 2024 at the SASC
20th October 2024
First hosted by The Amateurs in 1972, Gaffers Day is a spectacular celebration of the tradition of classic yachting on Sydney Harbour.
Gaffers Day is a rally for all classic boats and “vessels that hoist a spar”. Previous Gaffers Days have seen upwards of 90 vessels on parade, with entrants from NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.
Enter Online HERE
RMYC Broken Bay
Timber Boat Festival
2nd & 3rd November 2024
Enter your boat and share your passion for classic timber boats, at the only dedicated event for timber boats held annually in Sydney. Located on the beautiful Pittwater at the award winning RMYC marina, the festival aims to provide timber boat owners an enjoyable weekend of social activities and opportunities to talk and share about all things involved with timber boats with other timber boat owners and enthusiasts.
The festival’s aim, other than the celebration of the beauty and craftsmanship of timber boats, is to raise money for the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation and Marine Rescue, two critical organisations that support the health and safety of the boating community. We are proud to have the support once again from the National Maritime Museum who will be displaying Duyfken and potentially one other as part of the festival.
The weekend includes opportunities for the boat owners to meet and share experiences, starting with Friday nights welcome drinks in the Marina, festival dinner on the Saturday night, and a closing casual BBQ on the Sunday evening. There are prizes including Best in show judged by members of the Wooden Boat Association of NSW and our RMYC Commodore, People's Choice Award judged by the general public and some fundraising prizes (Coldest Fridge) where the chances of winning can be enhanced through size of the gratuities found. Places are limited so GET IN QUICK!
The CYAA Cup Regatta
at RYCV
1st, 2nd & 3rd November 2024
The CYAA invites you to the 2024 Cup Regatta. Building on the success of the 2023 event, all Classic Boat owners are encouraged to enter and either participate in the racing spectacle or simply experience the celebration of wooden boats and the community that supports them.
Free berthing will be provided by RYCV for all racing and non-racing boats over the duration of the Regatta.
There will be a new addition to the program with the Tumlaren Challenge on Friday 1st November. This invitational event will see teams from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and New Zealand competing aboard the Melbourne One Design Tumlaren Fleet, for the purists’ bragging rights.
The highly successful Boat Shed Welcome Party will take place that evening amongst the restorations and sawdust at Ferdi and Wendy Darley’s atmospheric shed in Williamstown.
The Regatta itself will take place on the 2nd and 3rd November and consist of 4 races, with both laid courses and fixed marks, all conducted by RYCV.
On the evening of the 2nd November all boats will be expected to tie up at RYCV and join the celebration of wooden boat culture and hospitality, provided by Victoria’s oldest yacht club.
The presentation of prizes will take place directly after the racing on Sunday, on the lawn at RYCV with drinks and refreshments available.
All the Entries ticketing and berthing HERE
Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta, Hosted by the CYCA. 13th 14th 15th December 2024.
This is a unique regatta that recognises the contribution of classic yachts to the traditions and history of the bluewater classic.
The Sydney Hobart Classic Yacht Regatta is open to any yacht that has a launch date prior to 1976 and has competed in a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Other classic yachts may be invited at the discretion of the Organising Authority.
In 2024, the Regatta will again include the growing IOR Era division. This division is open to any yacht that has a launch date after 1975 and prior to 1991 and has competed in a Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Regatta Dates
Invitation Race (Scratch): Friday 13 December 2024 – Non-pointscore, non-spinnaker only
Race 1 (Pursuit): Saturday 14 December 2024
Race 2 (Scratch): Sunday 15 December 2024
NOR to be issued soon. Keep an eye on the CYCA Website
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival.
Hobart, 7th -10th February 2025
With Boats Afloat Entries closing on 17th September you will need to get your skates on to have your vessel at this not to be missed event. But you can always show up as a spectator. You won’t regret it!
During the festival, the picturesque waterfront of Hobart's historic port comes alive with a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. Visitors have the opportunity to explore a wide range of activities and attractions. The festival program typically includes on-water displays, maritime demonstrations, sailing events (including the famous opening event, the Parade of Sail), educational workshops, exhibitions and displays, a maritime marketplace, entertainment and cultural performances, a symposium and more.
The Australian Wooden Boat Festival not only provides a platform for boat enthusiasts and professionals to showcase their skills but also aims to engage and educate the public about the importance of preserving maritime heritage. It fosters a sense of appreciation for the craftsmanship, artistry, and historical significance of wooden boats.
Overall, the festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Australia's maritime traditions, learn about the craftsmanship involved in wooden boat construction, and celebrate the enduring beauty of these timeless vessels.
