A tradition spanning centuries continues at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron opening of the 142nd sailing season
The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) marked the opening of its 142nd season on Saturday, 29 August, with hundreds of members and guests enjoying the mild Brisbane Winter at its Manly clubhouse.
The celebrations began with morning tea to the backdrop of the Royal Australian Navy Band, before the official ceremony when RQYS Commodore Curtis Skinner welcomed club patron Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD and Commander Christopher Unwin RAN of HMAS Moreton, who arrived in a formal procession led by the pipes of the Emmanuel College Highlander Band.
The ceremony brought together representatives from several sailing clubs, politicians, RQYS Life Members and leading sailors for the traditional blessing of the fleet and official opening of the new season. Commander Unwin noted the Squadron’s remarkable history, pointing out that RQYS predates the Royal Australian Navy, which was established in 1901.
A tradition spanning more than 200 years
One of the day’s highlights is always the Sail Past parade, when boats from across the Squadron fleet come together on the water in a display of unity and seamanship.
The tradition dates back more than 200 years to the yacht club at Cowes on England’s Isle of Wight, established in 1815. Inspired by the naval practice of reviewing a fleet, Sail Past ceremonies were adopted by yacht clubs around the world to mark the beginning of a new sailing season. Vessles of all shapes and sizes are invited to decorate their boats and salute the inspecting officers by dipping the ensign while passing.
For RQYS, the tradition also celebrates the club’s long history and the generations of members who have helped shape it. Founded as the Brisbane Sailing Club in 1885, the Squadron has grown into one of Queensland’s leading sailing communities while maintaining its focus on competition, camaraderie and developing future sailors.
The celebrations continued into the evening with a country and western-themed party, before the Squadron’s busy sailing calendar gets underway.
For more information about the RQYS, visit their website HERE
