Hello Fellow RC Sailors,

As I continue to get my feet under the Presidents desk for the NSWRYA I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the year that was and look a little into the future for 2024.

First off let me acknowledge the previous NSWRYA President Colin Court.  Colin’s tenure with the role included some of our most challenging times with COVID lock downs seriously denting our overall sport.   Colin provided the association with unwavering leadership and steerage as our committee reformed with new members taking on various roles.  His knowledge and consistency enabled us to continue to function and set us up to flourish.

Our RC Sailing landscape continues to evolve with new clubs joining our association that are oriented to the DF65/DF95 classes.   This growing one manufacturer class is providing options for sailors to join our sport with a lower entry price and social sailing along side the competition events.   Our classes sailed across the state continue to provide an outlet across a wide spectrum of disciplines and competition – there really is something for everyone (10R, M, IOM, A, RCLaser, DFs, Soling – you choose and you dont have to stop at one!)  Sadly we are seeing a decline in some classes with the East Coast 12 looking like the writing is on the wall as the boats and sailors age some – such is life and we will always continue to face change.  Several clubs have been able to change their base venues throughout the year bringing opportunities to use new facilities and new energy.   Ive had the opportunity to sample several of them this year and had a great time throughout.

I would like to thank the NSWRYA committee for all the work that goes on in the background supporting the sport of RC Sailing throughout NSW.   With Clubs from all over the state our network continues to grow and we continue to provide the central pillar for RC Sailing in NSW.   23/24 NSWRYA Committee:

President:   Brad Quiggin (LMRYC)
Vice President:  Paul Martin (WHMBC)
Secretary: Andrew Payne (IRYC)
Treasurer: Peter Zecchin (KBRYC)
Regatta Officer: Wayne Keavy (NM)
Publicity Officer: Colin Court (SMMC)
Web Master: Brendan Hones (DRCL)

Looking forward to the 2024 sailing year,  our calendar is chock-a-block full of events and I would like to thank Wayne for putting it together and all the clubs hosting NSWRYA sponsored events – no small task in the game of regatta Tetris to coordinate everything, and without clubs providing venues and organisation our sport would be much poorer.  We have events kicking off with the Ian Hayden Memorial 10R regatta in mid Jan 2024 and stretching out to mid December 2024 with the ACT Marblehead Championships!   State and National events are included in the calendar for most classes we sail so there’s plenty o fun ahead!  The calendar will be maintained on our website so please check in there so you can have the “latest” to plan your personal sailing programme for 2024 ;).

Our overall membership grew through 2023 which is heartening as we start to feel the wheels turning again post COVID,  we’re an inclusive and low impact sport and for us its all about the sailors enjoying competition and connecting with like minded people across our state. 

As we close 2023 and look forward to 2024,  I would like to wish you and your families a Happy, Safe and Merry festive season.  I look forward to seeing you all on the water in 2024 – please hit me up for a chat sometime as we look to build our sport! 

Fair Winds,

Brad.