On-water action and off-water festivities for 2019 Lipton Cup Regatta
by Harry Fisher 7 Oct 2019 18:33 PDT
16-17 November 2019
White Spirit in close competition - Lipton Cup Regatta © Harry Fisher
The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria is getting set for a massive weekend of racing, as well as plenty of off-water fun, as more than 200 entries made up of both keelboats and off-the-beach dinghies look to descend on the 2019 Lipton Cup Regatta on 16-17 November.
One of the most historic sailing events in Victoria, the Lipton Cup will see strong fleets across a range of junior and senior classes take to the water, showcasing the great capability the club has at running major events, as well as the ideal location it is when it comes to off-water festivities.
This year's regatta sets the scene for what is sure to be a big year for the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, which boasts the 2020 Gill Optimist Australian and Open Championship from 2-9 January next year and will be followed up with the 2020-21 International Cadet Nationals and Worlds back-to-back from December 20 through to January 21.
Royal Yacht Club of Victoria General Manager Michael Neumann says the event is well known across the Victorian sailing community as a fun and affordable weekend of sailing that is suited to all types of sailors.
"The sailing program caters for all sailing enthusiasts, offering high-quality racing for the serious racing fraternity and an enjoyable weekend's sailing for the cruising boats," he said.
"The northern waters of Port Phillip offer excellent sailing, dramatic views of the city of Melbourne, and fresh summer sea breezes.
"After sailing, relax to live music on the lawn at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria while enjoying the warm, friendly atmosphere and stunning views."
With strong support from a number of other clubs in Victoria, the Lipton Cup has been very well supported by the local community and sailors across the state as it brings together fleets of off-the-beach dinghies, racing and cruising keelboats, sports boats, and classic yachts.
This year there is expected to showcase more than 200 entries, fairly evenly split between keelboats and dinghies, with more than 20 different classes on display.
The event is also run across a number of courses each conducted by a differing yacht club in partnership with RYCV, with other clubs showing further support by not hosting their own racing on that weekend so their members can participate.
The Lipton Cup is open to all classes and is also set to be a hive of activity off the water, with a busy social calendar in place for the weekend including great music, great food and stunning views of Port Phillip.
For more information about the Lipton Cup and to enter into the event, head to the event website.