Royal Motor Yacht Club Pittwater membership open

by Bob Wonders on 27 Apr 2007 Powerboat-World’s Editor Bob Wonders, with a little help from general manager Graham Chatfield, takes a close up look at a very active boating club.

Positioned on what must surely be one of the most prime pieces of real estate on Sydney’s northern peninsula, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Broken Bay, can look back on 81-years of service to its members.

Here is a club that prides itself on activity, boasting within its ranks a Cruiser Division, Game Fishing Division, Sailing Division, Multihull (Sail) Division, an Estuary Fishing Division, a Timber Boat Club and a Junior Sailing Club.

The club’s divisions are not window dressing – all are extremely active, conducting a multitude of events throughout the year.

Current membership totals about 4000, 1200 of whom are boat owners and not surprisingly the club’s 220 berth marina is fully occupied and with a waiting list.
The same situation exists with the club’s 48 swing moorings.

Current Commodore is John Lockwood, and although the club does not place a time limit commodores usually hold the role for two-years.

General Manager Graham Chatfield has been in the role for the past 19-years and looking at the on-going programs conducted by the club one would suggest he does not have much free time.

For example, the Cruiser Division runs regular time trials throughout the year, while the very active Game Fishing Division runs a regular series of events culminating each year in its Tournament Weekend in March.

Strongly supported by a range sponsors, among them Cage Security, Coursemaster Autopilots and Viking Diesel, the tournament attracts the best of the battlewagons on Pittwater.

The club’s Multihull Division is for sail only, and competition is staged every Saturday.

'Although we’re essentially a power boat club, sailing has never been overlooked,' Graham explained.

'In fact, our Sailing Division would be one of the most active components of the club.'

There are five divisions within the Sailing Division to cater for sizes and classes, with a vast array of events staged through the year, including spinnaker and non-spinnaker, Pittwater and offshore and, through the October-March daylight saving period, popular twilight races.

'The Monday evening twilight races attract upwards of 130 boats, not only from RMYC, but other clubs around Pittwater,' Graham explained.

'On Friday evenings, the division hosts the ‘Spring Chicken Series’, so called because every boat entered receives a frozen chicken with the compliments of the club,' he chuckled.

This weekend, the Club is running the Pittwater to Port Stephens Yacht Race.

There’s also a separate division for those wishing to cruise without the demands of competition.

It’s not only on-water events that keep RMYC busy – among its other popular attractions are its annual Wine Festival (June), Jazz Festival (August) and Marine Art Expo (November), which attracts upwards of 100 artists displaying 250 or more pieces.

Another event eagerly looked forward to by many is the Timber Boat Club’s annual Wooden Boat Festival held each November and regularly displaying 60 or more classic craft, power and sail.

For those who enjoy life within the club’s spacious premises, Graham Chatfield and his staff ensure there’s always a strong array of entertainment on hand, from trumpeter James Morrison (a club member) to the Rolling Stones Show.

'And we have not forgotten the non-boater,' Graham added, 'We also have a Golf Division.' The Club is a very popular wedding and conference venue.

For those with an interest in boats or boating, who either live or regularly visit Sydney’s northern beaches area, I have some good news; membership to RMYC Broken Bay is open.

To inquire about joining, contact the club at 46 Prince Alfred Parade, Newport, or telephone (02) 9777-5511









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