RPAYC CRUISING: ADVENTURE, LEARNING AND FRIENDSHIP
The RPAYC Cruising Division continues to bring members together through shared adventures, practical learning and the simple pleasure of exploring by boat.
Recent activities have highlighted the breadth of the Division’ s program. A light-wind competitive cruise to Refuge Bay placed crew participation firmly in the spotlight, with members becoming involved in helming, sail selection, navigation and boat handling. Friendly rivalry over the VHF was matched by encouragement across the fleet, before crews gathered for presentations and sundowners.
The annual Christmas cruise to Lake Macquarie was another standout. Following a prudent one-day delay for safer conditions, the fleet enjoyed eleven days of cruising, social gatherings, walks, fireworks and good-natured competitive events. Support from Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie assisted the fleet through the Swansea Channel, while members repeatedly demonstrated the value of cruising in company by sharing equipment, knowledge and practical assistance whenever it was needed.
Closer to Sydney, the Division’ s Vivid cruise saw 15 boats berth at Cockle Bay Marina. Members enjoyed group dinners, cultural outings and the freedom to explore the harbour at their own pace, all set against the colour and energy of the festival.
Education remains central to the program. First Friday gatherings have combined relaxed dining and member connection with presentations on topics including EPIRBs, personal locator beacons and offshore sailing. The Cruising Seamanship Series has extended this learning online, sharing members’ real-world experience of passages, weather planning, bar crossings, anchoring and safety preparation.
Together, these stories capture what makes RPAYC Cruising special: welcoming company, accumulated knowledge, sound seamanship and adventures suited to different levels of experience. Whether joining a local overnight cruise, attending First Friday or preparing for a longer coastal passage, members can learn from one another and enjoy the confidence that comes from cruising as part of a supportive Club community on the water.