It is known that a club called
The Mosquito Yacht Club was founded in 1856.
On Tuesday, 15th October 1867, an advertisement was placed in
The Sydney Morning Herald - "Mosquito Yacht Club - Boatowners wishing to join
please meet at McGrath's at 8 tonight."
The advertised meeting duly took place at Punch & McGraths Hotel in
King Street and, with Mr. T. Strickland in the chair, it was decided to form a
yacht club to be called "Prince Alfred Yacht Club."
The name Prince Alfred was
adopted to commemorate Prince Alfred's forthcoming visit to Sydney. In January
1868, His Royal Highness, Prince Alfred, The Duke of Edinburgh, in command of
HMS Galatea sailed into Port Jackson. He was met by two lines of yachts from
the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and The Prince Alfred Yacht Club, between which
HMS Galatea passed.
In August 1911, The Prince Alfred
Yacht Club was given permission by King George V to use the prefix "Royal".
The Club originally occupied
premises in Moore Street, Sydney, known today as Martin Place and it eventually
moved into 51 Castlereagh Street. In
1956, the Club purchased property in Rowe Street and a new building was built
on the site.
In 1919, the Committee decided
that Sydney Harbour was becoming too congested for yacht racing and a
sub-committee was formed to inspect land that would be suitable for yacht
racing in the Pittwater area.
As a result, Green Point was
purchased for this purpose for an amount of 650 pounds. Apart from a few tree-planting ceremonies,
the land remained practically unused until a group of enthusiasts, who had
built Jubilee class yachts, banded together and built a boatshed, slipway and
pontoon to cater for their needs. The Governor of New South Wales, the Honorary
Commodore of the Club, Lord Wakehurst, officially opened the current premises
on 17th December, 1938. No less than 22 Jubilees started in the race held that
day.
Unfortunately, during World War
II yachting in Pittwater and Sydney Harbour was disbanded. After the war, in 1947, the boatshed was
increased in size, moorings were laid in Crystal Bay and Pittwater again came
to life.
In 1956, a caretaker's cottage was erected
adjacent to the boatshed; a liquor licence obtained and a small bar built by
converting four lockers in the boatshed.
Four sheep were kept on Green Point for use as mobile lawn mowers and a
cattle ramp was erected at the front entrance to contain the sheep within the
property.
The slipway and boat storage area were re-built
in 1957 by the use of voluntary labour and the racing fleet on Pittwater was
increasing in leaps and bounds. The
Club purchased the adjoining property, Moonbar, on the western side of Mitala
Street and converted the building into a Clubhouse. This land, previously owned by Mr. Ashley Buckingham, became
known as Buckingham Palace, and it was a popular venue for club members, with a
lawn area and in-built swimming pool.
In 1962, the Club dredged the
north western side of Crystal Bay and reclaimed an area between Moonbar and
Green Point. Marina A, accommodating
some 52 vessels, was constructed from the dredged area. At the same time, a hardstand area was
established in front of the cottage to accommodate ten 5.5 metre yachts.
Yacht racing on Pittwater
in the sixties was gaining momentum. Moonbar although extended, was unable to
cope with the influx of members and guests, so it was decided that a new
clubhouse should be built on Green Point to cater for the larger
patronage. On 15th May 1968, probably
the club's most important function was held. His Royal Highness, Prince
Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh visited to lay a foundation stone for the
present clubhouse. Unfortunately due to torrential rain and a 60 knot
southerly, Prince Phillip laid the stone by remote control from Moonbar.
Regardless, it was a memorable day for members when this royal
"sailor" joined them for lunch.
1969/70 saw significant
progress in the club's development. Pittwater was booming, the city premises
was wanted by developers and an opportunity arose for the city club to join The
Sydney Club, formerly The Millions Club.
By selling the city property and developing Pittwater, it meant that members using the city premises would be happily
accommodated almost next door at the Sydney Club and development could continue
at Pittwater. The Sydney Club was
located at 9 Rowe Street, Sydney, and all RPAYC members were automatically
yachting members of the Sydney Club.
The Sydney Club had
excellent bar and dining facilities available for lunch and dinner and RPAYC
members were welcome to join in any of its activities such as golf and theatre
parties. The Sydney Club ceased when
it amalgamated with the University and Schools Club, which is now situated at
60 Phillip Street, Sydney.
The RPAYC Clubhouse was
erected on Green Point together with four marina arms on the western side of
Green Point and additional hardstand areas.
Following the purchase of
additional land at Crystal Bay, the Club was able to add 100 berths to the
existing marinas and a multi level carpark was constructed.
Today the marina complex
houses 352 marina berths, moorings, hardstand storage, work berths, visitors'
berths and an excellent boatyard. The slipway facility was redeveloped in 2007
to make it the most modern boatyard facility on Pittwater, incorporating a 50
tonne travel lift. Swing moorings are
located off Green Point with additional recreational moorings for RPAYC
members' located in Coasters Retreat, Palm Beach, America's and Refuge
Bays.
The Club was incorporated in 1951 as a company
limited by guarantee and the Constitution provides that:
"The objectives for which the club is established are
to promote the sport of yachting and boating."
At the annual general meeting full members elect the Board
and Flag Officers. The Board is comprised of six directors, including the
Commodore and Vice Commodore who are the Club's Flag Officers. The Board
is responsible for the management and control of the business and affairs
of the Club and its members are elected for a three year term. The
Commodore is the leader of the Club and the Vice Commodore supports and assists
the Commodore in fulfilling his or her role. Five Rear Commodores are also
elected at the annual general meeting. The Rear Commodores who are
principally responsible for the activity areas of the Club (Activities,
Centreboard, Cruising, Membership and Yacht Racing) are elected to a two
year term. Their roles and responsibilities are governed by formal
delegations from the Board. Each elected Rear Commodore chairs a Committee made
up of members who are appointed each year and operate within their Committee's
Charter. The General Manager is responsible to the Board for the
day to day management of the Club's operations and facilities and is
assisted by approximately 35 full-time staff members
In fulfilling its objectives, the club has an active
racing program for keel and centerboard boats and an active Cruising Division.
The club welcomes power boat owners but gives berthing priority to sailing
vessels unless the owner has been a member for 5 years.
