Royal Perth Yacht Club facts for kids
Burgee
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| Short name | RPYC |
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| Founded | 1865 |
| Location | Australia II Drive, Pelican Point, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia |
| Commodore | Dr Janet Hornbuckle |
The Royal Perth Yacht Club (RPYC) is a famous yacht club located in Perth, Western Australia. It is one of Australia's oldest yacht clubs, founded way back in 1865. The club has its main home at the Crawley Marina on Pelican Point. It also has another base in Fremantle at Challenger Harbour.
RPYC is part of the International Council of Yacht Clubs. This means it connects with yacht clubs all over the world. Since 2000, the club has run a special program called Sailability WA. This program helps people with disabilities enjoy sailing.
A Look at Early History
The Royal Perth Yacht Club's story began in 1841. A group of sailors held a small boat race, called a regatta, to celebrate Foundation Day. More regattas followed, and in 1865, these early sailors officially formed the Perth Yacht Club.
In the early days, regattas included yacht races and gig rowing races. Duck hunting was also a popular activity for members.
In 1865, WH Knight became the first President of the Perth Yacht and Boat Club. By 1870, the club had its first "Sailing Rules." An original copy of the 1880 Rule Book is still kept in the club's archives. The oldest trophy, from 1885, is on display today.
In 1885, the first Ladies Committee was formed. This was a big step for the club. By 1910, they started mentioning "Junior Members." These were young men aged 16 to 21 who didn't own a boat.
In 1880, a jetty was built for the club on Perth Water. Then, in 1889, new plans for a Clubhouse were approved. The Governor of Western Australia, Sir Frederic Napier Broome, officially opened the new Clubhouse.
A very important event happened in 1890. Queen Victoria gave the club a Royal Charter. This allowed the club to use "Royal" in its name. The club's flag, called a burgee, was also changed. It became white with a red cross and a crown.
In 1903, the club was allowed to fly The Plain Blue Ensign of His Majesty's Fleet. This special flag was first raised by Governor Admiral Sir Frederick Bedford. In 1920, the clubhouse was made bigger. The club also helped form the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve in Western Australia. The club moved to Crawley in 1953. The old site became too shallow for boats.
The Famous America's Cup
The RPYC has a proud history with the America's Cup. This is one of the world's oldest and most famous sailing competitions. RPYC entered yachts like Southern Cross in 1974 and Australia in 1977 and 1980.
But the biggest moment came in 1983. A team from Royal Perth Yacht Club sailed the Australia II. The skipper, or captain, was John Bertrand. They raced against the American boat Liberty. Australia II won the race! This was a huge deal because it was the first time in 132 years that the American team had lost the Cup.
The Australia II had a special design by Ben Lexcen. It had a unique "winged keel" which helped it go faster.
After the win, the Prime Minister of Australia, Bob Hawke, made a famous statement. He said, "Any boss who sacks a worker for not turning up today is a bum!" This showed how excited everyone was about the victory.
RPYC then hosted the 1987 defence in Fremantle Harbour. The American challenger Stars & Stripes 87 won against the Australian defender Kookaburra III. This was the last time the America's Cup used the 12-metre class yachts.
To remember the victory, the road leading to RPYC in Crawley was renamed Australia II Drive. A mast from the Australia II is now a permanent display outside the clubhouse.
Amazing Sailors and Events
Many talented sailors from RPYC have competed in the Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Here are some of them:
- Rolly Tasker won Australia's first Olympic medal in sailing in 1956.
- Noel Robins, Jamie Dunross, and Graeme Martin all won gold at the 2000 Paralympics.
- Elise Rechichi and Tessa Parkinson won gold at the 2008 Olympics.
- Rachael Cox won silver at the 2008 Paralympics.
- Colin Harrison and Russell Boaden won bronze in 2008 and gold in 2016 at the Paralympics.
- Matt Wearn won gold at the 2020 Olympics.
In 1979, RPYC organized the 20,000-kilometre Parmelia Race. This race went from Plymouth, England, to Perth. It celebrated 150 years since the first British settlers arrived in Western Australia.
Jon Sanders is another famous sailor from RPYC. He was the first person to sail around Antarctica solo, twice! He also holds the record for the longest continuous solo sail around the world. He did it three times without stopping between 1986 and 1988.
RPYC also hosted the 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships. This was a very important event. It helped sailors qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
See also
In Spanish: Real Club de Yates de Perth para niños
- List of International Council of Yacht Clubs members
