Royal Geelong Yacht Club named among state’s best

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club will seek to expand its range of national and international sailing events after being named Victoria’s best top venues of its kind.

THE Royal Geelong Yacht Club will seek to expand its range of national and international sailing events after being named the state’s best club.

Australian Sailing Victoria’s recognition of the RGYC comes after the club’s “biggest ever” summer sailing season in 2019-20 that included events the world’s best sailors used to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics.

Recently-elected RGYC Commodore Stuart Dickson said the dedication of the club’s board, members and volunteers was the reason the summer of sailing could be delivered.

“It has put Geelong on the world map from a tourist point of view. We had footage of the world championships being viewed all around the world,” Mr Dickson said.

“It’s a huge effort for our board of management to have the vision and determination to take on so many events in one season; it’s the busiest season we’ve had in our 161-year history.

“We then rely on our members and volunteers to actually do the hard work, we are very fortunate.”

He said a usual summer season would host two events but the most recent season included the Cadet Australian Championship, the Festival of Sails, the 49er series, the 49erFX series, the Nacra 17 Oceania, the world championships of sailing and the Wooden Boat Festival of Geelong.

The Laser Masters Oceania Championship was also planned but cancelled due to COVID-19.

Mr Dickson said the club’s position on Corio Bay made it the envy of the world.

“It is just a magnificent bit of water for sailing because we have flat water and we still get a good sea breeze.”

The club plan to again host the Festival of Sails early next year.

Mr Dickson said the club’s redevelopment — including a 420m wave attenuator that doubles as a pier due to open in December, a redevelopment of its sailing school and a 28-berth marina — would boost its ability to entice more international events.

“We are not resting on our laurels. We’ve got a very proactive board.”

The RGYC edged out a field of four finalists to be named Victorian club of the year, and was also recognised in another awards ceremony this week for its ability to promote sailing.

Australian Sailing Victoria vice president Alistair Murray said the RGYC was recognised for its commitment to run a variety of sailing programs to get people interested in the sport.

“Through the summer of sailing, through sheer weight of numbers, there was an incredible numbers of volunteers involved at the biggest clubs in Victoria to put on a host of world championships,” Mr Murray said.

Originally published as Royal Geelong Yacht Club named among state’s best