The Yachtsman 2017-2018 The Yachtsman 2017-2018 | Page 33

R PAY C A C T I V I T I E S R PAY C A C T I V I T I E S INVICTUS GAMES GOLD MEDAL IN SAILING S A I L I N G S E A S O N O P E N D AY T eam Australia and RPAYC Members: Squadron Leader Rob Saunders, Paul Langley, Craig McGrath and Marcus Wilson dominated their heat, and then went on to win the Medal Race in the Elliott 7 sailing event taking out the first gold medal for Australia. Meanwhile, fellow Australian sailors Davin Bretherton won silver and Peter Arbuckle won bronze in the Hansa Dinghy class. Thousands of fans, including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, witnessed history being made at the inaugural Invictus Games Sydney 2018 presented by Jaguar Land Rover sailing with the stunning Sydney Harbour as the backdrop. Onlooking spectators admired amazing acts of camaraderie, sportsmanship, strong competition and plenty of emotion. Congrats to our incredible sailing team and well done to Sailing Sports Competition Manager (and RPAYC Head Coach) Tom Spithill for all of his efforts and thank you to the team of volunteers, members and staff that supported this initiative. Also thank you to both the CYCA and RSYS who provided many resources and personnel to support the inclusion of sailing at the Invictus Games.  Gold medal for Australia W ith the firing of the cannon, Commodore Lockley declared the new sailing season open for 2017/2018, crews saluted dignitaries in the Sail Past with the Pittwater Dash start providing a visual spectacular. Commodore Lockley welcomed RPAYC Patron, The Honourable Bronwyn Bishop, Federal Member for Mackellar, Mr Jason Falinski, NSW Member for Pittwater and Minister for Education, Mr Rob Stokes, Commodores and representatives from our fellow sailing clubs and sailing governing bodies and most importantly, all RPAYC 2017/2018 members and the staff of RPAYC. “Last year we opened the 150th season, making this the 151st so this really marks the start of a new era”, “this year has been one of celebration as we have reflected on our past and how this Club came to be the magnificent sporting Club that we all enjoy today. As part of those celebrations we have had many and varied events providing us with opportunities to reflect, learn and celebrate”, said Commodore Lockley. The Pittwater Dash Race was heavily contested in what was a glamorous day on Pittwater for crews.  Sailing Season Open Day 2017/2018 Division 1 1. Windy Too Carl Russett 2. Revolver Bruce & Mike Ritchie 3. Galileo Salvatore Ridulfo Division 2 1. Pacesetter Andrew McPhail 2. Firefly Ian Edwards 3. Pegasus Roger Prior Division 3 1. RPAYC Youth Harry Parker 2. Volante Roger Pratt 3. Club Marine Ollie Gordon 60 YA C H T S M A N R PAY C R PAY C YA C H T S M A N 61