Bill Ebsary’s Le Billet and Andy McKillop’s Winifred were out on water supporting the fleet and providing spectators with a great
viewing platform, not to mention a handy refuge for those on support ribs to take a moment to warm up.
One of the Club’s Elliott 7s was proudly displayed at the Overseas Passenger Terminal for visitors to view, conveying to those on
land that sailing would be the new sport for Invictus 2018. The other six were all part of the sailing demonstration, crewed by
veterans and each accompanied by an RPAYC Member which included; Commodore Ian Audsley, IdS Board of Governors repre-
sentative Norm Weaver, William Sherman, Nial Powers and Rod Walton. Also in support ribs were Members Simon Grosser, Jim
Bullough and Geoff Sherman.
The fleet racing kicked off just after 12.30pm and there was plenty of wind, plenty of Sydney icons and plenty of passion with
some close racing in Farm Cove. Prince Harry made his way out to greet the fleet at around 1.30pm as thunder rolled through as
though announcing his arrival on water. He made his way to Tommy Spithill’s rib first where he spoke with Tommy and veteran
David Savage (Soldier On Ambassador) inquiring about the program that RPAYC has run for veterans. Unfazed by the now pelting
rain, The Prince then made his way over to talk to crews on other boats who happily took a moment out of racing to fill him in on
the benefits they have received from participating in the RPAYC and Soldier On sailing program. After 15-20 mins out on water,
Prince Harry made his way back to shore. Soon after Prince Harry left, racing was abandoned due to the threat of lightning strikes.
The welcome from the RSYS was outstanding – a warm cosy bar and a sausage sizzle for all who made the event possible, the
competitors, their families and friends. Tommy Spithill conducted the prize giving taking time to thank the RSYS and the CYCA for
their assistance and hospitality. The CYCA had arranged a ferry for the family and friends of those racing to watch from.
Back in the bar Tom Spithill couldn’t remove the smile from his face when asked about the demonstration match race he had just
coordinated, not to mention his chance to meet Prince Harry. “It’s just amazing, the people, the volunteers, the veterans. It’s been
an epic day, no amount of rain could dampen the spirits of everyone here and I just can’t wait until October next year! Prince
Harry seemed like a really nice bloke, he has a military background and founded the Invictus Games so I have a lot of respect for
that,” said Tom Spithill, who was also announced as a technical sailing advisor to the 2018 Games.
While the weather continued to show its presence, the spirit and meaning of Invictus shone through as everyone talked through
what a great day they had had. Veterans and their families conveyed their gratitude for all the club has done to assist the veter-
ans with one veteran’s wife commenting to the Commodore, “this program has helped him heal, the only time his mind is quiet is
when he is sailing”.
We now look forward to the preparations ahead for the 2018 Invictus Games which is sure to be another proud moment in RPAYC
history.
More than 500 competitors from 18 nations will compete in 10 different adaptive sports in Sydney from 20-27 October in 2018.
The RPAYC, CYCA, and RSYS will play a key part in hosting the sailing component of the games. The events will be staged across
Greater Sydney, including Sydney Olympic Park and on and around Sydney Harbour.
For further information, please visit: www.invictusgames2018.org