Winter tradition continues

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia is pleased to advise that the notice of race and online entry for its popular Winter Series, which has been part of the club’s sailing calendar for over 65 years, are now available.

The CYCA Winter Series commences with the traditional Ladies Day and Great Veterans' Race, followed by 10 pointscore races and concludes with the final Ladies Day race before many of the boats head north in the Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race and other Queensland regattas.

The Great Veterans' Race, the CYC's annual tribute to the classic Sydney Hobart Yacht race yachts that sailed south from the 1940s, to the early 80s will be held on Sunday 21 April 2013

The Great Veterans Race is open for entry to yachts that have competed in a Sydney Hobart Race and are over 30 years of age. The race is a non-spinnaker race and is sailed in a competitive but fun atmosphere around the harbour. Entries are now open for eligible veteran yachts to compete for the historic Windward Trophy.

This year, the annual CYCA Parade of Sail and Blessing of the Fleet has been moved to coincide with the first weekend of the Winter Series. Boats that were built or designed prior to 1975 are invited to participate in the Parade. At 10.30am, those participating in the Parade of Sail will assemble at Blackburn Cove, Double Bay for the Blessing of the Fleet by the Royal Australian Navy Chaplain. CYCA members are also welcome to participate in the Blessing of the Fleet.

At 10.50am, the cannon will be fired, from the famous 110-year-old 73ft classic Edwardian Schooner Boomerang, to commence the Review Salute to the CYCA flag officers and sail past. The fleet will then sail/motor round Fort Denison before returning to the CYCA.

Parade of Sail entrants will be judged on the water for the Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion Awards, with a best-dressed crew award for all boats including spectators. 

The Great Veteran’s Race is sailed in conjunction with the opening race of the CYCA Winter Series, a non-pointscore Ladies Day race for the Jill McLay trophy. All entrants in the CYCA Winter Series can participate in the Ladies Day race but must complete a separate online entry.

The CYCA Winter Series pointscore starts on Sunday April 28.

CYCA Commodore Howard Piggott encouraged yacht owners to participate in this great Winter tradition. “I would like to encourage owners to enter into this fantastic winter regatta. It is one of the longest ongoing series’ on Sydney Harbour that attracts over 140 boats every week.

For more information and entries go to: www.cyca.com.au.