All on Pittwater-Open Day at 'Alfreds',Timber Boat Festival at RMYC

by Nancy Knudsen on 3 Oct 2012 It's all happening in the sailing clubs in Sydney's cruising grounds of Pittwater. Next Sunday (7th October) the members of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club are opening their gates and hearts to those who would like to try sailing, with an Open Day. Around the corner, the Royal Motor Yacht Club is preparing for their Timber Boat Festival on 3rd and 4th November.

The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC)'s event is open to the public to learn about the club and becoming a member, kids and adult courses, centreboard sailing, crewing opportunities, racing and cruising programs, etc. If you like your experience on Sunday you'll be able to go on the crew register and start sailing regularly immediately.

For all information about the Club, the Day and how to get there, go to the www.rpayc.com.au/!RPAYC_website.

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Round the corner from the Alfreds is the very popular Royal Motor Yacht Club, and the Timber Boat Division are sprucing up their wooden boats in readiness for their very popular annual Timber Boat Festival. This year the event will be held on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th November and attracts over a thousand boat lovers every year.

A wonderful collection of wooden sloops, ketches, yawls, schooners, motor cruisers large and small and some classics from Halvorsen, Williams, Herreschoff, Chris Craft, Milcraft and Riva will be on display. Many of these boats are old favourites returning but there will be a number of first timers as well. Some resourceful boat lovers have converted commercial trawlers into homes away from home. Others have built their boats themselves.

You will be cordially invited on board any boat which takes your interest, with all boat owners showing off their pride and joy. Have you ever thought about buying, building or renovating a boat yourself? Come along and talk with experienced boat owners and gain the benefit of their passion and their considerable, collective boating skills and knowledge.

Many boats are immaculately painted and varnished with beautifully oiled planked decks. Some display finely decorated and upholstered cabins while others are kind of homely and comfortable just the way their owners like them. Most are an ongoing work in progress. So much of the craftsmanship is just inspirational.

The displays will include interactive demonstrations of electronic navigation equipment, marine antennae for TV and internet, fender systems, rowing dinghies, stainless steel fittings, boat cleaning products, the revolutionary new jet bow thrusters, traditional British Seagull outboard motors and much more.

This festival is not just about looking at boats. The wonderful waterfront ambience will be complimented by some live jazz band music. Weather conditions permitting there will be opportunities to take a trip out on Pittwater in an open steam boat, sail on a Couta boat, or ride in an electric boat and there is no extra charge for this.

The Royal Motor Yacht Club has an excellent bar and bistro where they make the most wonderful array of fine foods from real Aussie hamburgers to full sit down meals at very reasonable prices. There is a children’s menu and the ice cream bar is always a favourite.

Entry to the Timber Boat Festival is $5.00 for adults with children under 16 free and the show is open between 10am and 4pm on both days.

For further information about the Timber Boat Festival, contact Cathy at the RMYC on 9997 5511 or email cathy@royalmotor.com.au

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