ICOYC Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 1 January 2010

Welcome to the International Council of

From the Editor Yacht Clubs

In this edition you will find details of the upcoming Perth Forum and the A brief introduction by the rated as the ICOYC in Canada, New Zealand cruise which follows President, John Stork with a distinguished Board of it, as well as an article on the re- Directors, a President, four cent ICOYC cruise that took place This is our first ICOYC News- regional Vice Presidents, a in Canada. There are also articles Secretary and Treasurer – all on the Auckland Festival of Sail letter, available exclusively in and the Sunseeker Australia Cup, electronic form so that member contributing their time on a pro both of which involve member clubs clubs can extract elements for bono basis. It is growing stead- of the ICOYC. We have included their own publications. At pre- ily and we anticipate that there profiles of ICOYC clubs which will sent we envisage at least two will be over twenty members in be a regular feature of future news- editions a year, the next one 2010, all leading clubs in their letters. In this edition they are on countries or regions. the Royal Thames Yacht Club and carrying news of the ICOYC our newest member, St Francis Commodores’ Forum that will The main focus is on the an- Yacht Club in San Francisco. Fi- shortly take place in Perth, nally, there is a mini-biography of a Western Australia. We hope nual Commodores’ Forum and key individual in the council. you find it interesting and use- the contacts made there ex- ful. tend throughout the years. Hope you enjoy it – feedback can Those representing their clubs be sent to [email protected] along ICOYC Membership at the Forum and other gather- with any articles or items of news. ings have very similar back- grounds and are comfortable Best wishes Travelling around, I find that only come alive at weekends. the Council is not well known sharing their experience with Some focus on one-design others, often in confidence. Alison Boyd to the individual members of fleets, others on team and the ICOYC Clubs. Although match racing, and some have membership is of greatest There are issues that all major substantial powerboat fleets. value to those running the yacht clubs now face that are a However, all have opportuni- clubs, it also provides opportu- concern of the ICOYC. Exam- ties or questions that they can nities for all the club members. ples include the current eco- usefully discuss with their Examples are the cruises run nomic conditions. Then there is peers. by the local clubs (who know the increasing professionaliza- tion of yachting with big events Inside this issue: where to go!) in Canada and The next meetings New Zealand. All are welcome that would once have been run – you don’t need to be a flag by clubs now being taken over I find the ICOYC meetings officer to take part. by event management organi- immensely stimulating. Most of Fifth Commodores’ Forum 2 zations. We are also con- us have experience as Com- Also, although we do not have cerned about the loss of suc- modores and as sailors, so formal inter-club reciprocal cessful junior sailors, seduced when we meet we have much Forum Information 2 arrangements, any ICOYC club into Olympic campaigns or in common. I am looking for- member who is travelling professional sailing, never to ward to the next Forum, hosted be seen again in the clubs Bay of Islands Cruise 3 should find a great welcome in by the Royal Freshwater Bay another member club. We will where they started. Yacht Club in Perth. Then we Vancouver Cruise 3 all be happy to arrange it. join the Royal New Zealand Among the ICOYC clubs there Yacht Squadron to cruise in The Council are both extensive similarities the renowned Bay of Islands. It Auckland Festival of Sail 4 and significant differences. All will be a great opportunity to As its name implies, the the clubs are capable of run- Club Profile: StFYC 4 do so in the company of so ICOYC is essentially a Council. ning major events with strong many new friends. It provides opportunities for the race management teams; all Sunseeker Australia Cup 5 flag officers and the general are run through committees; all I’ve booked our flights – and managers of leading yacht have quality catering, and all hope to see you there… Club Profile: RTYC 6 clubs in the world to meet and are seeking more sponsorship! share their experience – so Some of the clubs own mari- Mini-biography 6 their clubs can provide the best possible services to their mem- nas, ‘outstations’, and even bers. boatyards to serve their mem- bers; others remain reliant on Starting in Hong Kong in 2006, subscriptions to survive. Some the Council is now incorpo- are in city centres with exten- John Stork sive mid-week activity; others Page 2 ICOYC Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 1

Fifth Commodores’ Forum, 10–13 March 2010

Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club first We are pleased to have secured a very partners have added greatly to the atmos- attended the Commodores’ Forum in 2006 generous accommodation package with the phere of the après-Forum activities. The when hosted by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Hyatt Regency Perth for visiting delegates. organizing committee will offer advice on a Club. The opportunities of such a gathering Details of the offer (and other Forum activi- rewarding and enriching partners’ pro- inspired the delegates who resolved to host ties) are available on the home page of the gramme for the advantage of those not a forum in the future. Club’s web site. The participating in the formal parts of the Fo- The Club became a benefits of delegates rum. Details will be announced in e- founding member of staying in a central loca- newsletter updates and posted to the the International Coun- tion are clear in terms of Club’s web site as well as being available cil of Yacht Clubs. the informal networking at registration. Following attendances that can occur before at the third and fourth and after the organized The International Council of Yacht Clubs Forums in Marseille aspects of the day’s and particularly the Commodores’ Forum and Durban respec- programme. Contacts, are about the business of yacht clubs. Our tively and with the reciprocity arrange- experience is that we all share common support of its General ments and friendships interests, concerns, problems, hopes and Committee, Royal have been forged during aspirations. Coming together to share our Freshwater Bay Yacht Club is proud to be the breakfast buffet at previous Forums. collective knowledge and experience is hosting the Fifth Commodores’ Forum in invaluable. I urge all Clubs that have re- Perth, Western Australia. The Club’s organizing committee headed ceived an invitation package to consider by Commodore Alan Fisher is busy formu- attending the Forum and joining the Perth, despite its reputation as the most lating the detail of the programme. The ICOYC. Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club isolated capital city on earth, is the perfect presentations include a mixture of subject and the State of Western Australia promise place to hold the Commodores’ Forum. experts and club case studies tied together a rewarding and unforgettable experience. There are six substantial yacht clubs with by interactive sessions at the conclusion of ourselves and our sister club, Royal Perth each topic. Tied into the programme are Andrew Stachewicz, RFBYC Yacht Club, as members of the ICOYC. planned social activities including a river www.rfbyc.asn.au Notwithstanding the Forum, whether you cruise towards the central business district are looking for adventure, somewhere to and casual dinner as well as a formal clos- relax or you want to get back to nature you ing event. Initial planning suggests this will don’t have to venture far from the heart of be a gala evening with Club members and Perth’s city to find a wide range of sights guests participating in order to have the and activities on hand. opportunity to meet our international and interstate visitors. Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club is situ- ated some 10 kilometres from the central The Club is honoured that His Excellency business district of Perth. Unlike previous Dr Ken Michael, AC, Governor of Western forums suitable accommodation is not Australia has invited Forum delegates to a within walking distance of the Club (nor any welcome reception at Government House. other club in Perth for that matter). Accord- Details and protocol instructions will be ingly, a transport plan will shuttle visiting advised at registration. delegates from their central city accommo- dation to the Club were the Forum will be Visiting delegates have often taken advan- held. tage of the travel opportunities associated with attendance at Forums. Spouses and

Forum Information Based on the latest count some thirty yacht A summary of the proceedings will be pub- clubs are expected to take part in the Fifth lished in the next edition of this Newsletter ICOYC Commodores’ Forum, hosted by and fuller details will be in the more confi- the Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club, dential Members’ Section of the website – several sending substantial delegations. passwords are available to senior members of ICOYC clubs. The agenda for the two days of discussions will be on the icoyc.org website as soon as We show a picture of the flag-raising cere- it has been agreed. Other details, including mony at the Fourth Forum in Durban, which the accommodation offer from the Hyatt unusually took place in the rain. We are Hotel are already on the website. From looking forward to good summer weather in past experience the Forum sessions will be Perth. lively affairs and we can expect new ideas to emerge. Page 3 ICOYC Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 1

Bay of Islands Cruise, 19–27 March 2010

The Cruise in the Bay of Islands is organ- Day 4, 5, 6, 7, 8: Sailing, exploring ashore, Full details of the Cruise are available on ized by the Royal New Zealand Yacht fishing and swimming around some of the the RNZYS and ICOYC websites: Squadron and will be on charter boats and 100 islands of the Bay of Islands. There will club members’ boats. There will be at least be plenty of time for socializing. www.rnzys.org.nz and www.icoyc.org. 10 ICOYC yachts on the cruise and we will also have a ‘mothership’ – the tallship Last night on Day 8: Farewell dinner and Soren Larsen, a square rigger. party on board the Soren Larsen.

Day 1: Welcome dinner at RNZYS Auck- Day 9: Return to Opua and then to Auck- land. We expect around 100 participants land by coach or continue cruising or sight- and RNZYS members at this dinner. seeing.

Day 2: Travel 170 km by coach to Opua via Note that there are still one or two cabins Whangarei. Transfer to boats with a short available on the Soren Larsen for those sail to Russell as the first anchorage. who would like to come individually and not charter, or join a crew. Get in touch quickly Day 3: Sightseeing at the historic towns of with the RNZYS if you would like to take Russell and Waitangi and then sail to advantage of this opportunity. Roberton Island. Bay of Islands cruising grounds.

Vancouver Cruise

Twelve boats and 44 sailors spent an un- regular coastal feature of a tug and its tow forgettable two weeks exploring the coastal blocking the racing course and changing waters around Vancouver, British Colum- the race results. bia, hosted by Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (RVanYC). Venues ranged from bustling A highlight of the trip was a visit to Princess Newcastle Island Marine Park, opposite the Louisa inlet and Chatterbox Falls. This was busy port of Nanaimo a 60 mile round trip to the beautiful pris- with a tidal gate at tine Princess Louisa Malibu Rapids – not a Inlet. Old friendships suitable excursion for were renewed and most of the boats. new ones made. RVanYC Commodore Cruise participants agreed that the local Jim Burns provided his knowledge brought by the host yacht club The cruise was Tollycraft 45 for a quick enhanced their experience, and the use of planned and exe- journey, while half the club property and resources added a very cuted by a team of visitors travelled by valuable dimension. The lessons learned RVanYC Past - float plane. Jim is from this cruise will be useful to the plan- Commodores (PCs) and Flag Officers led President of the Princess Louisa Society. ners of future Commodores’ Cruises and by PCs Bob Andrew and John Dew, ably He shared his detailed knowledge of the will be shared through the ICOYC. Royal assisted by the RVanYC staff. Following history and goals of the society. New Zealand Yacht Squadron will host the RVanYC tradition, everyone on the cruise next Commodores’ Cruise in the Bay of pitched in to help as needed. The route On the social side, boat hopping was com- Islands, 20-27 March 2010. The cruise is took in the Southern Gulf Islands and the mon and shared hikes, shopping and dock open to all members of ICOYC member Sunshine Coast with a quick dash to Prin- space helped the crews get to know each clubs. cess Louisa, covering about 250 nautical other. The crew of Jess were party-masters miles. extraordinaire, always bringing their famous Barbara Holder parrots to each evening cocktail party or When the fleet moved there was usually a dinner. (The parrots travelled under Doreen ‘friendly’ race to the next destination. The Dew’s mattress to keep them dry and flat). handicapping system ensured that each boat won the day at least once. There was A fine and warm West Coast evening pro- a day of drifting in light airs, a day of beat- vided an idyllic setting for the final cruise ing up Malaspina Straight with a three-foot dinner held on the dock at Alexandra Is- chop and the wind on the nose (25–30 land. Picnic tables with white linen seated knots), and two glorious days of broad all 44 at one long table. The food was reaching across the Straight of Georgia to shipped from Vancouver for a salmon and Tugboat Island and back. Marda Gras, a steak barbecue. Mementos were ex- regularly campaigned Santa Cruz 52 gra- changed and the final prize-giving wound ciously welcomed ‘visiting’ crew to give up just as (complete) darkness fell and them a taste of sailing a fast race boat. The crews returned to the boats to talk into the visitors also experienced first-hand the night. Page 4 ICOYC Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 1

Auckland Festival of Sail, 1–25 March 2010

Members of ICOYC Clubs who go to New TEAMORIGIN (UK), Artemis (Sweden), and thanks the sponsors, organizations and Zealand in March are in for a treat – the Synergy (Russia), (Italy), volunteers who will make it possible.’ Auckland Festival of Sail. It will be possible ALL4ONE (France) and Team French to see some of this before the Bay of Island Spirit) have indicated that they intend to Scott Colebrook, Commodore of the Royal Cruise, in particular the later stages of the compete. has also said New Zealand Yacht Squadron, says the match racing in the for- it will be at Auckland. Squadron is proud to be undertaking an mer America’s Cup boats. integral role in the Auckland Festival of The BMW World Sailing Cup 2010 final, Sail. The Auckland Festival of Sail will comprise 22–25 March. A leading international keel three major international regattas and will boat event for amateur sailors which is a ‘As the organizing authority of these three be held on the Waitemata Harbour, Auck- mix of match and fleet racing. New Zealand significant events, running back to back, we land, in March 2010. The events will bring won the right to host the event by winning will be placing huge demands on our volun- together leading professional international the 2009 World Cup. The New Zealand teer race and boat management personnel match racing skippers and teams and top- crew will meet the winners of the national and resources. ranked amateurs for 23 days of quick-fire, competitions held in Germany, Italy, Malta, top-level competition. The events are: Portugal, Spain and Hong Kong. ‘With assistance from Bucklands Beach Yacht Club we look forward to our contribu- The Omega Auckland Match Race Re- The managing director of Emirates Team tion to this marvellous combination of high gatta, from 1–6 March, will feature some of New Zealand Grant Dalton said the three profile regattas featuring the world’s best the biggest names in international match regattas, combined with the Auckland Inter- yachtsmen and teams that will showcase racing. This invitation only regatta will be national Boat Show at the Viaduct Harbour our City of Sails to an international audi- raced in the world-renowned Auckland from 10–14 March, will provide three weeks ence.’ MRX match-racing fleet. Emirates Team of top-level action right in the city. New Zealand skipper Dean Barker, and Scott Colebrook, Commodore Royal New current world match racing champion Adam ‘When the idea of the Auckland Festival of Zealand Yacht Squadron Minoprio will be competing. Sail was first raised, many groups came together to really put on a show for Auck- Warren Douglas, Emirates Team New The Auckland land and New Zealand. Zealand regatta, 7–21 March, follows on from the successful Louis Vuitton Pacific Series ‘We have worked closely with Auckland city sailed in Auckland last February. The ac- agencies, the Royal New Zealand Yacht tion will take place over fourteen days. Squadron, Louis Vuitton, the World Sailing Teams will rotate through matched AC Teams Association and many other organi- Class yachts in a round robin and knockout zations and individuals to make it happen. semi-finals and finals. Teams that com- peted at Nice (BMW Oracle racing (USA), ‘Emirates looks for- ward to the top-level competition in March

Club Profile: St Francis Yacht Club

board Course Racing, and most recently the use of computerized tracking systems Annual Rolex Big Boat Series. for regatta management. Melges 32 Worlds. StFYC is open with a full bar service seven days a week, and offers both formal and 64 other local and regional regattas! casual dining Wednesdays through to Sun- days. The marina behind the club has For detailed information on any of the guest docking for yachts up to 30 meters, above, please visit www.StFYC.com, the and a regatta starting line just 100 meters club’s website, or contact Staff Commodore from the club front, for extraordinary race John McNeill at Roving- viewing. [email protected]. Commodore McNeill and his wife, Connie, are looking If You’re Going to San Francisco … In 2010, StFYC will host the following forward to the Fifth Commodores’ Forum in events that may interest visitors: Perth. The newest member of ICOYC, the St Francis Yacht Club, is hoping that you will US SAILING Match Racing Semi Finals. take time to visit and enjoy one of the world’s most dramatic club venues. The Windsurfing North American Champion- main clubhouse sits on the north shore of ship. the city, with vistas from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island and beyond. Es- International Knarr Championship (IKC). tablished in 1927, StFYC has a long history of involvement in and cruising Finn Junior World Championship. worldwide, and is often involved in develop-  ment activities for the sport, such as IRC rating systems, the establishment of Kite- Finn Gold Cup. Volume 1, Issue 1 ICOYC Newsletter Page 5

RPYC hosts the Sunseeker Australia Cup, 26–29 Nov, 2009

There are two ICOYC member clubs based to complete a penalty turn, Mirsky speared foreshore, Swinton sensed the opportunity in Perth, the Royal Freshwater Bay YC (our his boat directly at the pin end of the finish to throw in a quick turn, and emerged hosts at the Fifth Commodores’ Forum) and line, anticipating that Bruni would attempt to inches ahead of the New Zealander. Now the Royal Perth YC. This article describes a clear his penalty by spinning around it. the race was on in earnest. Minoprio threw major event recently hosted by the RPYC everything into the contest, but Swinton and the success of one of its younger Bruni’s brave attempt to complete his turn strongly defended the right-hand side of the members, Torvar Mirsky. The report that was doomed to failure because his lead course to claim a well deserved victory, and follows is by Bernie Kaaks. was too slender and a sickening collision with it, the bronze medal. between the two boats right on the finish Mirsky Gold in Sunseeker Australia Cup line resulted not only in a win to Mirsky, but Mirsky super-confident in final a one point deduction on Bruni for creating Royal Perth Yacht Club’s international a crash situation resulting in significant A delay due to light winds forced the reduc- match racing sensation Torvar Mirsky en- damage. tion of the final from five races to three. joyed the ideal preparation for the final After Ben Ainslie’s giant killing performance regatta of the World Going into the fifth race in the semis, he was brimming with confi- Match Racing Se- 2–1 down, a shattered dence as the finals began, but a clinical ries by winning the Bruni was given no performance from Mirsky in the first race 2009 Sunseeker latitude by a very fo- gave the British champion no chance. Australia Cup. Mir- cused Mirsky crew sky is second on the which won comfortably In the second race Ainslie led Mirsky, but World Series leader- to move into the semis. the Royal Perth Yacht Club champion en- board behind New The closeness of this gaged him in a hard luffing duel at the bot- Zealander Adam fascinating contest was tom mark, resulting in a penalty on Ainslie. Minoprio and with a good indication of On the windward leg Mirsky picked up only Malaysia’s rich how well matched all some excellent shifts and with a clever little Monsoon Cup re- these top class match move on the final approach to the top mark, maining, one of racers are. forced Ainslie into error and claimed the these two is des- inside rounding. He won by a boat length tined to wrest this Ainslie chasing Mirsky downhill in the first race Swinton was matched with Ainslie yet to complete his penalty. year’s world crown of the final . against Mirsky in the from Britain’s Ian first semi and after two A small but enthusiastic crowd responded Williams. races, Swinton and wildly to acknowledge Mirsky’s victory. Mirsky were all square with one race each, Following the success of the regatta, it is Ten invited skippers took part including sailing in a building sea breeze, but when now hoped that Perth will once again take champions from Britain, France, Italy, New the third race comfortably went Mirsky’s its place in the World Match Racing Series. Zealand and Australia. The event proved way, Swinton was left with a ‘must win’ It’s a big challenge for our sailing commu- popular for competitors as an important proposition. An incident at the top mark nity. The event requires significant sponsor- lead-up to the Monsoon Cup, which is con- resulted in contact between the boats and ship to cover the costs associated with ducted in identical yachts to the Perth a penalty on Swinton penalty sealed the fares for crews and officials, prize money based fleet of Bakewell White 36 footers. semi for Mirsky. and organization. Perth is the perfect venue Hosted by the Royal Perth Yacht Club and for match racing, has a fleet of boats ideal organized by Swan River Sailing, the Sun- Ainslie ousts Minoprio for this discipline of the sport, reliable wind seeker Australia Cup was back on the conditions and some of the best match Swan after an eight year absence. With the In the other semi, Britain’s multiple Olympic racing skippers in the world. With economic support of the city of Perth, it was decided gold medallist Ben Ainslie was locked in a recovery, the regatta offers an unrivalled to run the event on its traditional Matilda classic confrontation with Kiwi Adam Mino- opportunity for both national and interna- Bay site in the mornings, shifting to Perth prio. Ainslie won the first race, but when tional exposure for its sponsors. Water in the afternoons to take advantage Minoprio won the second and third it looked of the Fremantle Doctor wind and provide a as though New Zealand’s World Tour © Bernie Kaaks natural amphitheatre for spectators to view leader was headed for an inevitable victory. the event. Somebody forgot to tell Ainslie however. He fought hard in the As expected, the round robin series on pre-starts, defended his posi- Thursday and Friday were tough for all tion well on the course and competitors resulting in Saturday’s quarter- when Minoprio was penalized finals between Keith Swinton, Torvar Mir- for a dubious claim for water sky and all six internationals. Swinton’s near a spectator boat, Ainslie quarter-final against Britain’s current world earned his spot in the final. champion Ian Williams ended the Briton’s campaign and set up a classic confronta- The petit final matched Keith tion with his good mate and local rival Tor- Swinton against Adam Mino- var Mirsky in the semi-finals. prio, and it looked bad for Swin- ton when he fell victim to an Bruni goes down fighting early penalty call from the um- pires. Despite the penalty, The quarter-final between Mirsky and Ital- Swinton led the race and his ian was one of the high- crew worked feverishly to build lights of the regatta. Going into the fourth that lead to a stage where they race 2-1 down, Mirsky needed something could clear their penalty. It Ainslie, already carrying a penalty, is forced to tack at the top special and produced it in spades. Chasing worked on the second wind- mark, conceding the lead to Mirsky in Race 2 of the final. Bruni down the final leg, but with the ad- ward leg. Coming off the city vantage of knowing that the Italian had yet Forthcoming events: Mini-biography Hardy Cup, Sydney, 7–11 Feb

Americas Cup, Valencia, 8–12 Feb Gero Brugmann

Auckland Regatta, 26–28 February Vice-Commodore,

Sydney Harbour Regatta, 6–7 March Norddeutscher Regatta Verein Secretary and Director ICOYC Auckland Festival of Sail, 1–25 March

ICOYC Board of Directors Meeting, Perth, 10 March

Commodores’ Forum, Perth, 11–13 March

RNZYS Bay of Islands Cruise, 19–27 March Aged 36, Gero was one of the three individual founders of the ICOYC and ICOYC AGM, May has been its Secretary and a Director since its inception. From 2003 he was Rear Commodore Offshore Sailing of Norddeutscher Regatta Verein in Ham- ICOYC Commodores’ Forum, Seattle, September 2011 burg, Germany and since 2007 has been its Vice-Commodore. Gero was an active offshore racer with four crossings of the Atlantic and sailing seasons in Canada, Australia and South Africa. Starting as a navigator and helmsman he later crewed as watchleader and then skippered youth teams in various offshore events. Although long distance races are his favourite activity, in recent years business life has rarely allowed extensive trips offshore, which make work as a board member of his home club and as a race official his International Council of Yacht Clubs Inc. predominant occupation in the sailing community. Gero is an Associate Fel- 3811 Point Grey Rd low of the Royal Institute of Navigation. His further activities are for the Royal Vancouver Ocean Racing Club, various yachting publications, and he is part of the man- British Columbia agement team of ‘Nordseewoche’, the largest German race week in the North V6R 1B3 Sea. Canada In his ‘other’ life, Gero is a film lawyer practicing in the international motion www.icoyc.org picture industry and has been married to Christine since 2008.

Club Profile: Royal Thames Yacht Club

The clubhouse overlooks Hyde Park and tively involved in managing the first three has excellent restaurant, bar and accom- days of Cowes Week. The Club also modation facilities in the centre of London. holds the Cumberland Regatta on the Members of reciprocal clubs are welcome Solent. This is its own annual regatta, there and enjoy the contacts they make named after the Club’s founder, the Duke with Royal Thames members and others. of Cumberland. Although in the early days of the Club there was active racing on the river Thames, With its London clubhouse, the Royal particularly among the King’s court, there is Thames is able to welcome many capable now little sailing in central London. Most of younger sailors who have often been the Club’s racing activities are on the So- recently competing in university teams lent, particularly at Cowes. The Club’s and international events. The Club aims to cruises are in both the UK and overseas – help all the younger members develop The Royal Thames Yacht Club is the oldest all over the world from New Zealand to the their sailing skills and trains the most sailing club in the United Kingdom. The Caribbean. Some members join cruises talented through the Royal Thames Acad- Club’s members are all knowledgeable with their own boats – a quarter of the emy scheme. This can include sponsoring yachtsmen and women and the ‘Royal boats that fly the Club’s burgee are based some at regattas overseas. The Club Thames’ offers them an active yachting outside the UK – while others charter. recognizes that it is all these younger and social programme. The unique London members who are the key to its future. clubhouse in Knightsbridge provides a focal For many years the Royal Thames has an point for the yachting world and the Club international reputation in the field of keel- enjoys close ties with other great yacht boat team racing. The Club has recently clubs in the UK and worldwide, where developed successful team and match members of the Royal Thames enjoy full racing programmes on inland waters in or reciprocal rights. near London in addition to the Solent. The Royal Thames and the Royal Yacht Squad- The Royal Thames has a clear purpose: To ron have now jointly acquired a fleet of provide the members with outstanding matched J80s for team and match racing yacht cruising, racing and social opportuni- and these will be based in the London area ties in the UK and internationally, building in the winter months, and at Cowes in the on the Club’s unique heritage, central Lon- summer. don facilities and close reciprocal relation- ships with other leading yacht clubs around The Royal Thames has a very experienced the world. race management team that runs many events throughout the season and is ac-