newport yacht club sydney

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Foundation and the 1920s

The Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club was formed in 1922 by a group of gentlemen who wanted a yacht club on the southern side of the harbour. At that time, the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Sydney Amateur Sailing Club were in their present locations on the north shore, while the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club was located in the city.

The founding meeting was held on August 4, 1922 at the residence of Mr Arthur Muston, Wunulla Road, Point Piper.

The original committee included:

• Founder – Mr Arthur Muston
• Chairman – Sir Alexander MacCormick M.D. FRCS
• Honorary Secretary – L.G. Murnin
• Honorary Solicitor – W.J. Creagh

General Committee:

Sir Alexander MacCormick was the first Commodore of the Club. Initially, meetings were held in the dining room of the Muston family home, which still stands and remains in the ownership of members of the Muston family, on the shores of Felix Bay. The site on which the clubhouse is located was acquired in 1923 and the hat was passed around the early members to fund the construction of the Clubhouse, completed in July 1924. It was purpose-built as a clubhouse and not a converted residence, as commonly assumed.

Since it was built, the only changes to the external fabric of the building have been the extension of the kitchen and the addition of a new ladies room with the balcony between them at the rear of the building. This work was completed in 1992 and the portico over the front door added a short time later.

Originally named the New Yacht Club and later called the Southern Yacht Club, the club was renamed Prince Edward Yacht Club in honour of HRH Edward, Prince of Wales. Prince Edward succeeded his father, King George V, but abdicated shortly thereafter.

The Club also adopted, with approval, the Prince of Wales feathers as its crest. It was granted the warrant to include the prefix “Royal” in its name in 1935. In the clubhouse is proudly displayed the racing flag of the Royal Yacht Britannia, which bears the Prince of Wales feathers, and represents a tangible link to the Club’s formation.

The first race was held on November 18, 1922 for restricted class yachts. The winner was Inez with Gymea second and Nettle third. Races started and finished immediately in front of the clubhouse and courses were arranged so that competing yachts were visible for most of the race.

The Club shared summer Saturday afternoon racing with the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron (RSYS) and the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), with each club taking turns to conduct the racing. When the RPAYC relocated to Newport, the RSYS took over their race days, resulting in the current 2 to 1 arrangement between RSYS and RPEYC.

The first meeting was held in the Clubhouse on July 15, 1924. The first social function to be held at the RPEYC was a “house Warming” dance on October 28, 1924. Subsequent dances were held but after neighbour complaints, these events were restricted to Friday evenings till midnight. On one occasion, the dancing nearly caused the verandah to collapse. It was quickly supported by the “Toms”, which are still present today.

When one of the original members, L. J. Davies was overseas for a period of time, it was reported that a team of RPEYC members removed the billiard table from his office. It was installed in the Club’s protest room and promptly refelted. On Mr Davies return, he complimented fellow members on their selection of an excellent table. He noted that it was similar to his own, with a plaque on one end. The plaque read “Presented by L. J. Davies Esq. 1924”.

The original Burgee was adopted on October 2, 1925 and is framed alongside the new burgee with the royal emblem.

The original jetty was constructed in 1927.

By 1927, there were 97 full members, 13 life members and 24 lady and junior associate members.

From at least 1930 until 1947, a Miss Pile leased the clubhouse for a kindergarten.

The flat back lawn was used as a four rink bowling green in 1931. In 1936, the question of converting the back lawn into a tennis court was discussed but this never eventuated.

In 1931, the estate of Lebbeus Hordern agreed to lend the model of the motor yacht “Bronze Wing” to the club on the condition that it be adequately insured. This exquisite model is displayed in the entrance to the clubhouse.

The “Wallsend” bell was donated by Mr Stanley Giddy in 1934. Recently, after searching for a ship by that name, some members discovered that the bell was the smoko bell from the Wallsend coal mine.

The Royal prefix was added to the club’s name after the royal warrant was granted in August 1935 by King George V.

In 1940, crew shortages and Naval control of the harbour brought yacht racing to a standstill. Racing commenced immediately after the war was over.

At the general meeting in 1947, the proposed liquor license for the club met some opposition, primarily on the basis that the club might change from a sailing to a drinking club. An extraordinary general meeting called in November accepted the sub-committee’s report that a license was necessary for the progress of the club. The bar opened in February 1948.

Eighteen footers racing on the harbour would be towed into the beach for refloating after capsizing. The RPEYC provided a tot of rum to sailors to aid circulation. They called it the “block and tackle” rum – one nip and you would lose your block, two nips and you would tackle anyone.

The first race for lady skippers was held on March 12, 1950 and was wholly a club affair. Thereafter all other clubs were invited.

Extensive repairs and additions to the jetty were completed in 1952.

A set of teak steps were given to the club by Howard Smith Limited in 1937, however due to an opinion that they were impractical, the steps were not installed until 1953.

In 1954, Vice Commodore Dr. Hamilton Kirkland instigated the building of a Finn, the “Prince Edward”, as the club’s contribution to the state’s sailing fraternity for the Melbourne Olympics. Mr Colin Ryrie and Mr Norman Longworth were selected in the final six for trials for Olympic Selection. Colin Ryrie went on to represent Australia in Melbourne.

The Bowral Golf Weekend was first held in July 1957.

Wednesday afternoon racing was first introduced to SydneyHarbour by the RPEYC in the summer of 1961. The club continues to run this popular racing series.

In 1962, when Australia first challenged for the Americas Cup, RPEYC members Archie Robertson, Tony Oxley, Colin Ryrie and Doug Fairfax were involved. Colin Ryrie sailed on Gretel 1 in 1962 and instigated Australia’s first challenge.

At the 1964 Tokyo Olympic games, Colin Ryrie represented Australia in the Finn Class.

After a fire in the kitchen on September 15, 1972, the kitchen was rebuilt.

During 1988-1989, extensions were made to the club’s kitchen, back entrance and upstairs bathrooms. Previously the only men’s bathroom was downstairs, although the men would often use the upstairs “Ladies” when women were not in the club.

The Admirals Trophy was won by the RPEYC each year since it began in 1987 until 1995. The regatta is run every year by R.A.N.S.A. in October. All clubs around the harbour nominate teams for the Admirals Trophy, being an intricate silver ship. It is said that the commodore who loses the Admirals Trophy will have his head mounted in the Perspex casing that holds the trophy.

RANSA changed the rules for the Admirals Trophy circa 1994-1995 and RPEYC lost the trophy.

In 1995, family races followed by a barbeque were introduced on the last Sunday of each month.

At the Annual General Meeting in August 1996, a new constitution was accepted, allowing women to become full members and non-committee members to be on sub-committees.

Sayonara Cup

RPEYC has challenged for the Sayonara Cup many times. Originally called the Interstate Yacht Club Race, the Sayonara Cup was donated by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club.

The contest arose when the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria challenged the two Sydney clubs to race their best representative against Alfred Gollin’s “Sayonara” off Sydney heads in 1904. When Sayonara defeated the Sydney representative “Bona”, Mr Gollin presented the Cup as a perpetual challenge trophy for contests between Royal yacht clubs in Australia and New Zealand.

Based on a similar concept to the America’s Cup, the challenger had to sail to the challenge venue on the challenging yacht.

In 1950, the Deed of Gift was amended to permit a challenge from the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania and to specify 8-metre class yachts as challengers, as there were a number of these yachts in Australia.

The Dragon Class yacht was selected in 1983 due to size, classic lines and suitability for match racing. In 1990 however, it became apparent that interest was starting to wane due to the cost of transporting Dragon Class yachts around Australia. The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania instigated another change to the Deed of Gift, allowing yachts to be chartered in the defending state.

In 1996, Neville Whittey and Peter MacCallum won the Cup, which had been held for many years by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania. Due to the size of the trophy, a special cabinet had to be constructed in the RPEYC entrance to house the cup. Neville Whittey successfully defended the Sayonara Cup in March 1997.

Sean Kirkjean successfully defended the challenge for RPEYC but the cup was lost back to Tasmania in 2004.

The RPEYC conducted racing on “Charlie” (Course C) at the Sydney Olympic Games.

In February 2000, the Sayonara Cup was retained by RPEYC.

In May 2000, the RPEYC team won the annual NSW Laser team race held on Sydney Harbour

In 2001, the RPEYC hosted the 29er World Championships, plus conducted racing on a course for the World Youth Championships.

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ABC Boat Licence Venue - Newport

With expansive views of the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Newport is one of our most scenic venues on the Upper North Shore of Sydney.

It's an incredible location for those living in surrounding suburbs of Avalon Beach, Bayview, or Mona Vale, being just 10 minutes drive.

The drive doesn't get much longer at only 20 minutes for Narrabeen, Palm Beach, or Terrey Hills.

Newport is a great location to do your General Boat Licence Course or Boat & Jet Ski/PWC Licence Course , and the wider waterway allows us plenty of space for those worried about the practical boating experience.

Venue Information

Information for students under 18.

Come aboard with Australian Boating College Sydney while we take you around the Royal Motor Yacht Club (RMYC) in Newport!

We'll launch at Bayview on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and come around to the slipway at the back of the RMYC.

See the meeting point at the Compass Courtyard, the surrounding palm trees, and the small wharf we board on.

Once we head out through the Pittwater waterway, past the hundreds of yachts and other vessels, you'll see the salty mangroves and beaches that line the shore.

We normally sail out past Scotland Island and head to one of the many small bays to do our various manoeuvres - the weather helps us choose the best one on the day.

Newport is also a popular venue for anyone on the Northern Beaches who wants first-hand knowledge of this beautiful boating location!

Course Location: Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay

Newport is the only ABC Sydney venue that offers both Practical and Theory in one location, making it the simplest venue to attend - there's no travel during the course.

Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay, 46 Prince Alfred Parade, Newport, NSW 2106 Royal Motor Yacht Club Website

Parking your car at this venue is free.

The entrance is off Prince Alfred Parade, and you can access the free parking in the first set of car parks before the boom gate.

There's no parking in the lower car park by the water, as this is for RMYC members.

Make sure you don't wind up at the nearby Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, which will have many sailboats - but not your course.

Once you've booked your course and have paid, we'll send out an email and a SMS text message with the start location and time.

At Newport you'll park in the top car park and walk around the RMYC to meet us in the courtyard beside the boat ramp, near the Bistro.

Our brightly adorned Australian Boating College boats will be tied to the wharf, and our ABC Logo-wearing Instructors will find you in the courtyard.

There are bathrooms provided within the RMYC.

For food and drink, there's Salt Cove on Pittwater , which has a wide selection of Bistro-style meals.

Australian Boating College Sydney cannot provide transport between practical and theory venues for students under 18.

You must organise this transfer prior to course attendance.

During the class

A Parent or Legal Guardian is required to be present with a student under 18 in some parts of this course venue.

Students under 18 are able to attend the practical boating experience without a Parent or Legal Guardian present onboard.

Students aged 12-16

As per RMS guidelines we require a Parent or Legal Guardian to sign consent for a student aged 12-16 to attend our course.

This involves sighting ID for Parent/Legal Guardian and also ID for the student.

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CL Yachts CLX96

The Motor Yacht, Reinvented

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An Italian Masterpiece

Welcome to Sydney Marine Brokerage

Sydney Marine Brokerage is the exclusive Australian agent and distributor for Grand Soleil Yachts, CL Yachts, Sasga Yachts, L30 Class and ITACATAMARANS. In addition to new yacht sales, the team at Sydney Marine Brokerage also manage a highly regarded and professional pre-owned brokerage business, selling second hand vessels. Sydney Marine Brokerage also runs a successful yacht maintenance division, providing its customers with monthly schedules and personalised training when using their boats.

Our head office is located on Sydney’s beautiful Pittwater at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in Newport, we look forward to assisting you in your future boating endeavours.

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Slipway Services

Newport Marine is located within the Royal Motor Yacht Club and can provide three slipways with a capacity of up to 80 tonnes. We can accommodate multi-hulls and boats up to a length of 80 feet.

A comprehensive boat maintenance service includes slipping and antifouling and airless spray paint application using only the best products – International Paints, Altex and Propspeed to name a few.

While your boat is being looked after on the bottom we can organise for boat detailing to maintain or re-new the condition of your boat with a wax and polish to your topsides, superstructure and flybridge.

Whether you need propeller balancing, shaft or bearing repairs or bow and stern thruster installations NMS can do it for you.

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Our hardstand and slipway area is maintained to the highest standard by following an environmentally sound process which is maintained daily. We adhere to strict environmental guidelines and regulations in conjunction with the EPA to ensure the beautiful clear waters of Pittwater are kept pristine.

Slipway Prices

Please see our slipway prices below, environmental levies are included in all prices shown. Please add 35% to below prices for multi hulls.

Welcome to the Alfreds

Royal prince alfred yacht club, become a member of the alfreds.

Thank you for considering membership of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. The Club offers various categories of membership to suit individual requirements. Families have the opportunity to enjoy the Club’s facilities with all children free when included in a family membership package. View the Prospective Member Information below to find out the great benefits club membership brings. ‘

Categories of Membership

Membership information.

Download RPAYC Prospective Member Booklet

Download & Submit A Membership Application Form

Download A Direct Debit Monthly Agreement

Download RPAYC Visitor Guide

Marina and Storage Information

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Click here for club benefits and more details about joining the Alfreds Club

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What's On At Alfreds

Registered clubs act.

Please note that under the Registered Clubs Act , visitors who are not Members of RPAYC and who reside within a 5-kilometre radius of the Club may not enter the Club unless they are:

• a guest of a Member (and remain in their company); or
• a member of another NSW registered club that is a yacht/sailing club; or
• a member of any other NSW registered club (or a club established interstate that is licensed or permitted to serve liquor and have gaming machines) that is at the RPAYC at the invitation of RPAYC or a Full Member of RPAYC to participate in a sailing ‘Regatta/Championship’ event run by RPAYC.

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