Classic Yacht Association of Australia (CYAA)

The CYAA was formed in 1994 to promote the ownership, knowledge and appreciation of classic sailing craft in Australia and to preserve them for future generations. It has active branches in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania and has a range of sailing activities based around regular  State based racing schedules and Regattas.

The Association  now has approximately 250 members and 120 boats on its register, and produces a quality magazine twice a year. http://classic-yacht.asn.au/magazine/

The Cup Regatta
The third and revised iteration of The Melbourne Cup Regatta is planned to get underway on Friday the 30th October with two special contests.  The first is 2 on 2 boat contest between the CYAA gun racing boats from the 60’s. Mercedes III and Boambillee, and two of the hottest boats from the Couta Boat Fleet.  The “Guineas Trophy” as it will be called, is the brain child of Martin Ryan, who was fascinated by the speed of the fishing boats compared to state of the art 1960’s Ocean racers.  A thousand Guineas will be on the table for the winning Association. For more information see the guineaschallenge offical document.

At the same time Melbourne’s re-energised Tumlaren fleet will compete to find the top Boat on Port Phillip, reliving the glory days of the 40’s and 50’s. After these two new events there will be an Opening Cocktail Party held at The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, looking across Hobson’s Bay Back to the City of Melbourne. We are hoping to arrange for as many vessels as possible to be berthed out the front of RYCV, rafting up and creating a fun social atmosphere in which we can share stories and information on our magnificent old boats.

The Regatta proper will start on Saturday 31st October with a 20 nautical mile Passage Race around the top end of the Bay. Sunday 1st November is a day for the purists with two short laid courses, testing the pure sailing skills of the racing fleet. Monday 1st November will see a morning pursuit race based on the corrected handicaps from previous races with the aim of a grouped finish at RYCV at around lunch time. On Monday afternoon we will hold a massive gourmet BBQ followed by the Presentation of trophies and prizes. And if you still have any energy left you can always go to the other “Cup” on Tuesday. 

As always we are encouraging our interstate and Trans-Tasman members and enthusiasts to attend. They can be guaranteed a great weekend of sailing and socializing whilst celebrating The Melbourne Classic Fleet. Be a part of it!