 | Peter Chapman While the Red Book shows I joined in July 1991, I first came through the doors (or maybe the side gate) in 1979 by being asked by a mate if I’d like to sail on a Wednesday twilight. On the 1920 built, 24’ huon pine “Troika” we started at 18:00 and by 18:02 we were overtaken and continued around the course to come last – but what a great experience – so I came back and back! |
I first joined about 1980 and although “Troika” moved to Gippsland Lakes I continued to sail with a number of skippers until becoming regular crew with Gai and Les Clough including when they bought “Turbo” in about 1984. Losing the rudder in the middle of Bass Strait on the delivery trip and surfing at 25 knots under kite during the 1985 Sydney Hobart are quick recollections.
Family, business and involvement in Gliding took over, so I resigned but rejoined in 1991. My son was of Cadet age so we attended Sundays and I drove the rescue boat. Through this I was invited onto Cadet parents committee and then became chair. At this time I met Peter Davey and later started crewing with him on “Corniche” leading to over 10 years of sailing including my purchasing a share.
About 1993, I was invited by Harry Leggett to represent cadets on GC which led to 10 years progression through all Flags to Commodore. During this time the Squadron went through very turbulent times contributed to by having to finance re-purchase of the pens from Parks, plus renovating and extending the Clubhouse followed by the 1999 “recession we had to have” which hit the economy.
When Peter and “Corniche” relocated to the Mornington Peninsular with others I commenced to sail with David McNeice on the classic “Akala”. One Saturday in 2004 a couple of new members came on board, one of whom was Lee McRae. Over several months of crewing we became sailing friends and both being “un-attached” romance developed. We were married at RMYS in 2011.
Our Steinman 34 “Bushido” was purchased in late 2005 and now after 12 years we have a new challenge with the Whiting 36 “Sugoi”. Our plan is to keep racing but with added cruising.
RMYS and members have been very generous to me, thank you!
As a Royal Yacht Club, in a park, in public view, 5 km from the CBD of a major city. There are advantages and disadvantages. With others I’ve seen the hard times and while we are better placed now, continuous effort is needed to place ourselves to continue our welcome for all. I consider myself fortunate to be one of the current custodians.
Family, business and involvement in Gliding took over, so I resigned but rejoined in 1991. My son was of Cadet age so we attended Sundays and I drove the rescue boat. Through this I was invited onto Cadet parents committee and then became chair. At this time I met Peter Davey and later started crewing with him on “Corniche” leading to over 10 years of sailing including my purchasing a share.
About 1993, I was invited by Harry Leggett to represent cadets on GC which led to 10 years progression through all Flags to Commodore. During this time the Squadron went through very turbulent times contributed to by having to finance re-purchase of the pens from Parks, plus renovating and extending the Clubhouse followed by the 1999 “recession we had to have” which hit the economy.
When Peter and “Corniche” relocated to the Mornington Peninsular with others I commenced to sail with David McNeice on the classic “Akala”. One Saturday in 2004 a couple of new members came on board, one of whom was Lee McRae. Over several months of crewing we became sailing friends and both being “un-attached” romance developed. We were married at RMYS in 2011.
Our Steinman 34 “Bushido” was purchased in late 2005 and now after 12 years we have a new challenge with the Whiting 36 “Sugoi”. Our plan is to keep racing but with added cruising.
RMYS and members have been very generous to me, thank you!
As a Royal Yacht Club, in a park, in public view, 5 km from the CBD of a major city. There are advantages and disadvantages. With others I’ve seen the hard times and while we are better placed now, continuous effort is needed to place ourselves to continue our welcome for all. I consider myself fortunate to be one of the current custodians.
