History of the Hawkesbury River Yacht
Club
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The Hawkesbury River Yacht Club (HRYC) is a not for profit, family orientated club, run by the members for the members. It all began in 1992 when a group of yachting enthusiasts decided to create a club where people with similar interests (i.e. a love of the water and sailing) could meet. An inaugural meeting was held at 8.00pm on Monday 6th July 1992, and thus began the history of the HRYC. As a result of that first meeting, elections were held for the executive and committee positions of Commodore, Vice Commodore, Secretary, etc together with a motion to create a set of "Rules and Guidelines" for the Club. A decision was made for the "First" club race to take place on Saturday, 17th October 1992. This inaugural race allowed all members, approximately twenty at the time, to race their yachts without the use of "extras" (meaning no spinnakers or other sails which are not used for normal sailing). This race began at 1.00pm and the start line was between the Brooklyn cardinal mark and the HRYC marker buoy. The course ran from the start line to a rounding mark north east of Gunyah Point followed by a return leg to the rounding of the start buoy and finally finishing at the Gunyah Point mark. At the conclusion of the race, members rafted up in Refuge Bay for an on-board BBQ. Since 1992 the number of courses used for racing has vastly increased and various activities and events have been included in the calendar to create and maintain an atmosphere of friendship and fun within the HRYC. These include:
In the last few years HRYC boats have competed in The Broken Bay Inter-club Challenge. This is a series of races involving teams from the Royal Motor Yacht Club, the Gosford Sailing Club, the Avalon Sailing Club and HRYC. Any number of boats can enter from each club, but the first three to finish (on handicap) from each club constitute that club's "team" and accumulate points for the club. The BBICC has introduced a new dimesion to racing for those club members who have taken part. The original concept of the HRYC was to encourage persons from all walks of life, regardless of the boats they owned, to feel part of the club and to be involved in club activities. This principle has been adhered to and is equally true today as is evident from the age, type and style of the yachts that are owned by members. Over the years boats have ranged in size from 22' (a trailer sailer) to 41' in length, but there is no reason why this range will not be extended both smaller and larger in the future. On the whole the boats tend more towards the family cruiser style rather than the out and out racer, but the handicapping system gives everyone an equal chance provided they maintain their boats and sail consistently. An indication of the current boats in our fleet will be found on the Membership & Fleet page. At the conclusion of each racing season, trophies are presented to skippers who have won the various point score and social races. History tells us that it is unusual for any one boat to win more than two trophies per season (due to our successful handicapping system). Winning boats in the various events have included Beneteau, Duncanson, Swanson, Martzcraft, Adams, Cavalier, Compass, and Top Hat. The HRYC and its members continue to extend the
warmest welcome to all interested persons, WITH or WITHOUT a boat,
to experience and enjoy what current members do - sailing and
socialising in friendly company on the beautiful waters of the
Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay.
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