PRINCE PHILIP CUP

Sydney 2023

130, which is owned by Michael (Wally) Bartley and is a beautifully maintained wooden Dragon built c1964, won the Prince Philip Cup Corinthian Trophy and the Jack Ayres/Ediss Boyes Trophy for the first wooden Dragon in the Prince Philip Cup.

It was an interesting regatta with the PPC experiencing nine 1st placings in eight races and the Ted Albert experiencing five 1st places in three races.

All of the competitors agreed that the race management under- taken by RSYS Sailing Manager Rob Ridley and Race Officer Ian Kingsford-Smith and the volunteers was first class and the hosting of the regatta at RSYS was also excellent.

In addition to the fine sailing experienced on Sydney Harbour, IDA NSW hosted two delightful on-shore events. A Welcome Soiree on the terrace of Richard Franklin’s house in Mosman provided a fabulous opportunity for a ‘team photo’ of all the participating sailors. It was noted that there was a significant increase in the number of women making up the crew on many of the yachts, including one all-female team sailing Sandy Anderson’s Plum Crazy AUS 185.

The second event was the Awards Night held at the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Over 100 people comprised of sailors, family and friends attended for the seated dinner. Everyone enjoyed the presence of veteran Dragon sailor and former Olympian 96-year-old Gordon Ingate. As usual Gordon entertained with his wealth of sailing anecdotes.

Alexander Eyles