Royal Perth Yacht Club

From School Holiday Activity to a New Passion

2026-05-26T06:46:35Z

Finding a school holiday activity that keeps kids active, engaged, and excited can be a challenge for parents.

For one family, the Royal Perth Yacht Club Tackers Kids Sailing Program offered much more than just a way to fill the holidays, it sparked a new passion in something other than gaming.

With a child already interested in water activities, enrolling in Tackers felt like the perfect fit.

“My son has always been interested in boats and it looked like a great school holiday program to get him outside and learning.”

For parents looking for school holiday activities in Perth that combine outdoor adventure, learning, and fun, Tackers delivers a unique experience both on and off the water.

Building Confidence and Expanding Water Skills

An already confident swimmer and regular paddleboarder, sailing introduced an entirely new challenge.

“My son is a very confident swimmer and great on a SUP, so sailing was something completely new.”

Through Tackers, he developed new skills and confidence on the water while learning sailing fundamentals in a safe and supportive environment.

The experience built confidence beyond the course itself too.

“Sailing has added to his water skills and now he's prepared to head out with his Grandad on his boat to the Great Barrier Reef.”

For parents, seeing kids transfer skills and confidence into real life experiences is one of the most rewarding outcomes.

Adventures on the Water Kids Actually Remember

When asked about the highlight of the program, one adventure stood out above the rest:

“He loved sailing to Elizabeth Quay.”

Experiences like exploring the river by boat create memories that go beyond a typical school holiday program and help kids connect learning with adventure.

More Than Just a Holiday Program

The biggest sign of success? Wanting to come back.

“Really positive. He wants to join Green Fleet now!”

Tackers often becomes more than a one-off experience. For many kids, it becomes the beginning of an ongoing sailing journey and a pathway into club participation and lifelong skills.

The School Holiday Win for Parents

For working parents especially, finding holiday activities that keep kids active can be a challenge.

“This was a great holiday program for working parents. It got him off TV and devices and outside for 20 hours (over the week). He was exhausted but super happy every day.”

Less screen time, more outdoor learning, new friendships, and a happy (and tired) kid at the end of the day. That’s a result many parents can appreciate!

Looking for School Holiday Activities in Perth?

If you're searching for a school holiday activity that gets kids outdoors, teaches real life skills, and builds confidence on the water, Tackers at
Royal Perth Yacht Club could be the perfect place to start.

From first time sailors to future Green Fleet members, Tackers helps kids discover confidence, adventure, and a lifelong love of sailing.

– Kelly, Parent of recent Tackers participant

Learn More about our Tackers Learn to Sail Programs

Take Your Classroom Outdoors

2026-05-26T06:36:49Z

Finding a school excursion that genuinely engages students while delivering curriculum outcomes can be a challenge. For teachers looking to combine STEM education, science, maths, sport, outdoor learning, and a hands-on experiences, SailLab at Royal Perth Yacht Club is proving to be much more than a traditional excursion.

For Anzac Terrace Primary School, the program provided an opportunity to take classroom learning beyond textbooks and into the real world.

“I found out about SailLab at the National Science Teacher Conference and thought it would be the perfect way for students to engage in a popular recreation sport on the river,” explained Science Specialist Teacher and River Rangers Cadet Leader, Alannah Beck.

“The experience day allowed students to get hands-on experience of all the practical STEM they had learnt and truly engage with the river.”

A School Excursion That Brings STEM Learning to Life

For many schools, one of the biggest challenges is helping students connect classroom concepts with practical application.
Through SailLab, students explored forces, weather, environmental science, sailing principles, mechanical systems, teamwork, and problem solving in a hands-on environment.

“It allowed them to test the forces they had learnt about in all three activities. They got to go out on the river and see how people use it and how environmental conditions can change.”

Rather than simply learning STEM concepts in a classroom, students experienced them firsthand through sailing activities, practical challenges, and interactive learning stations.

This makes SailLab an ideal primary school excursion, science excursion, or outdoor education experience for schools wanting to strengthen STEM outcomes in an engaging way.

Why Royal Perth Yacht Club Was the Right Fit

Location, facilities, and support can make all the difference when planning a successful school excursion.

After attending teacher professional learning sessions at RPYC, Alannah saw the opportunity immediately.

“It was a great venue with all the space for students to move around and management were incredibly supportive in hosting our 43 students.”
Situated along the Swan River, the venue gave students space to rotate through activities while remaining in a safe, supervised environment.
“It is situated on a lovely part of the river and wasn't too far from our school.”

For teachers coordinating larger groups, accessibility and organisation matter, and having an experienced team supporting the day made planning easier.

Sailing, STEM and Smiles All Round

For students, however, the clear favourite was getting out on the water.

“The students all agreed that sailing on the water was the best and they had the biggest smiles on them the whole day.”

Sailing sessions with instructors were unanimously voted the favourite activity, closely followed by using the remote control boats and testing each other on the hiking equipment.

The combination of science, sport, movement, and practical learning created an experience that felt more like adventure than traditional classroom learning.

Building Confidence Through Outdoor Education

One of the strongest outcomes observed wasn't just academic.

Alannah noticed increased confidence, communication and engagement across the student group.

“Some of our students with diagnosed autism and other learning difficulties were so eager to give everything a go and work with others.”
“They had smiles on their faces from getting on the bus until leaving school at the end of the day because they were so excited by the opportunity.”

Programs that combine physical activity, teamwork, problem-solving and outdoor learning often create opportunities for students to thrive in new ways, especially students who may engage differently in traditional classroom settings.

More Than a School Excursion — Inspiring Future Pathways

The impact of the experience extended beyond the day itself.

“So many students were asking if we could do it again or how they could continue their newfound passion.”

By introducing sailing alongside practical STEM concepts, students not only developed curriculum knowledge but were also exposed to potential lifelong interests and pathways.

Looking for a STEM School Excursion in Perth?

If you're a primary teacher, PE teacher, science teacher, STEM coordinator, or school excursion organiser looking to take your classroom outdoors, SailLab at Royal Perth Yacht Club offers a unique blend of science, maths, sport, teamwork and real-world learning.

Combining practical STEM education with adventure on the Swan River, SailLab helps students connect learning with experience. Creating a school excursion they'll remember long after the day ends.

– Alannah Beck, Science Specialist Teacher and River Rangers Cadet Leader, Anzac Terrace Primary School

Find out more about SailLab and school excursion opportunities with RPYC.

2026 Knocker White and The Major Sherwood Billiards Tournament

2026-05-11T07:56:05Z

On Cue for season 2026, the Knocker White Snooker Championship and the Major Sherwood Billiards Championship.

Both are knock-out events and have prizes for Champion, Runner-Up and Highest Break.

Players of all levels, and all sexes, are taking up the cue.
So don't be shy, register today at OnCue@vetslovepets.com.au with the following information:

Name
Mobile
Email

Championship Information

Timing for completion of each round will be published to your emails
Snooker is 15 reds (standard) one frame
Billiards is first to 100 points or 75 points if both players agree
If time allows you may play best of three frames as long as both players agree prior to starting the match
Finals matches will be the best of three frames
Contact details for all players as well as a copy of the Rules of Snooker and Billiards will be posted on the sideboard in the Club.

If you are unsure about any part of the process, please email OnCue@vetslovepets.com.au for clarification.

The Championship Finals Lunch

The Championship Finals Lunch is on the last Friday in August, where the winners will be presented their Championship trophies.

	Snooker "Knocjker White	Billiards "Major Sherwood"
Champion	Name on the Board, Red Wine Decanter, suitably engraved and bottle of Palladium Fraser Gallop	Name on the Board, Red Wine Decanter, suitably engraved and bottle of Palladian Fraser Gallop
Runner Up	Bottle of Parterre Fraser Gallop	Bottle of Parterre Fraser Gallop
Highest Break	Bottle of Parterre Fraser Gallop	Bottle of Parterre Fraser Gallop

Thank you to our sponsors Fraser Gallop Estate and Vets Love Pets for making this possible.

Learn to Sail in our Elliott7s

2026-05-11T02:42:31Z

Discovering Keelboat Sailing at Royal Perth Yacht Club

For Jordan Davies, enrolling in the Keelboat Crew and Helm Course at Royal Perth Yacht Club was the natural next step after discovering a growing interest in sailing through corporate events.

“I had found an interest in sailing after a couple of brief experiences and wanted a more formalised way of learning, as well as a way to continue sailing as a hobby,” Jordan said.

Why Choose Royal Perth Yacht Club for Sailing Lessons?

When it came to choosing where to learn, convenience played a key role.

“RPYC was my choice due to its location and available times to undertake the Crew and Helm course.”

With flexible scheduling and a well located club, getting started with sailing was straightforward and accessible.

Building Confidence in Keelboat Sailing

Starting with little to no prior sailing experience, Jordan quickly built confidence through the course’s structured approach.

“The course was a great introduction to sailing, both the theory and practical parts. By the end, I was confident enough to crew on a vessel and understand the helm to a basic level.”

The course provided the essential skills needed to step into the sport, making sailing feel achievable from day one.

The Perfect Balance of Theory and Practical Learning

A standout feature of the course was the balance between learning and doing.

“The mix between theory and actual experience out on the water was the highlight. Being able to learn and immediately put it into action is a great way to solidify knowledge.”

This hands-on approach ensured that every concept learned in the classroom translated directly to real world sailing.

From Learning to Doing: Getting Out on the Water

One of the biggest advantages of the course was the ability to apply skills straight away.

“During the course, and immediately after, I was able to participate in RPYC events and crew on a yacht.”

Being able to step directly into club sailing helped reinforce skills and build confidence even further.

A Strong Foundation for Future Sailing

For anyone considering the course, Jordan describes it as a valuable and confidence building experience.

“The Crew and Helm course did a great job of teaching the fundamentals of sailing and gave me the tools to participate in the sport confidently.”

What started as curiosity has now turned into a lasting interest.

“It definitely sparked my interest in sailing, and I plan on continuing to sail with RPYC.”

Thinking About Learning to Sail?

If you’re considering sailing lessons in Perth, the Keelboat Crew and Helm Course at Royal Perth Yacht Club offers the perfect introduction.

With a strong mix of theory, practical experience, and opportunities to get involved straight away, it’s an ideal pathway into the sport.

– Jordan Davies, Recent Keelboat Crew & Helm Course Participant

Find out more about learning to sail with RPYC.

Discovering the World of Keelboat Sailing at Royal Perth Yacht Club

2026-04-29T06:10:52Z

Discovering the World of Keelboat Sailing at Royal Perth Yacht Club

For longtime power boater and former windsurfer Mark Jackson, enrolling in the Keelboat Sailing Course at Royal Perth Yacht Club was the perfect way to expand his boating knowledge and confidence on the water.

Already familiar with boating from years of power boating experience, Mark wanted to better understand the world of sailing and gain practical skills.

Why Choose Royal Perth Yacht Club for Sailing Lessons?

As an existing member of Royal Perth Yacht Club, Mark says the decision was easy.

“It was already a Member when I had my power boat penned there, and it’s also the closest yacht club to home. I like RPYC, it’s friendly, and relaxed"

Convenient booking options, flexible course hours, and a welcoming club culture made the experience even better.

Building Confidence in Keelboat Sailing

One of the biggest takeaways from the course was the confidence Mark gained in sailing and boat handling.

“It was great getting to understand sailing on a proper yacht. I now feel like I could be genuinely useful as crew and even helm a boat.”

The course provided hands-on learning that helped bridge the gap between theory and real on-water experience, giving Mark practical and theoretical sailing knowledge he could immediately apply.

The Perfect Balance of Theory and Practical Learning

When asked what stood out most, Mark said the course struck the ideal balance between classroom learning and practical sailing.

“It was a perfect mix of theory and practical. I honestly can’t say which was more valuable—they were both excellent and essential.”

This combination helped create a strong foundation for understanding not just how to sail, but why each skill matters on the water.

Supportive Coaches and an Inspiring Environment

For anyone considering learning to sail, Mark describes the overall experience as both enjoyable and rewarding.

“Lots of fun, enriching learning in a fun environment with supportive coaches who are an amazing inspiration in their own right.”

Having experienced instructors and a relaxed learning environment made the course approachable, engaging, and highly motivating.

Sailing Plans for the Future

Since completing the course, Mark is already planning his next sailing adventures.

“I’m getting more involved in sailing with the club, and I’m already planning a sailing trip on the east coast next year.”

The course also sparked a bigger lifestyle shift.

“We’re even considering what type of boat we want in the future, and now a sailboat is definitely on the list.”

For Mark, the appeal of sailing comes down to three key reasons: stability, powerful sail handling, and lower carbon emissions! Making it both a practical and environmentally conscious choice.

Thinking About Learning to Sail?

If you’ve been considering sailing lessons in Perth, a Keelboat Sailing Course at Royal Perth Yacht Club could be the perfect place to start.

Whether you’re new to boating or looking to expand your existing skills, the combination of expert coaching, practical learning, and a welcoming club community makes it an ideal way to get started.

– Mark Jackson, Recent Keelboat Sailing Course Participant

Find out more about learning to sail with RPYC.

Diggers' Cup 2026

2026-04-28T02:23:39Z

The Royal Perth Yacht Club (RPYC) hosted another spectacular Diggers’ Cup in 2026, with 69 keelboats racing across the Swan River in one of the club’s most anticipated annual sailing events.

Known as a highlight of the RPYC keelboat racing calendar and the end of the Summer Sailing seaon, the Diggers’ Cup brings together competitive sailors, club members, and volunteers for a day of exciting on-water action, and strong competition. This year’s event once again delivered a stunning display of sailing, with colourful spinnakers lighting up the Swan River.

Taking out the 2026 Diggers’ Cup title was Fortuosity, skippered by Commodore Dr Janet Hornbuckle. After taking off on Fall Number 44, competing against a strong and talented fleet, Commodore and her crew delivered an outstanding performance from the first upwind stretch.

The victory marks another memorable chapter in the long-standing history of the Diggers’ Cup and highlights the strength of keelboat racing at Royal Perth Yacht Club. The event showcased not only competitive racing but also the incredible sailing culture that continues to thrive within the RPYC community.

We had 17 OTB boats out racing from Matilda Bay, to SoPYC. This included Hansas, Finns, ILCAs, Tasar, and Sabres. Great to be growing out OTB Diggers' Cup.

Thank You to Volunteers, Crew and Skippers! Without you this event would not be possible.

Congratulations again to Commodore Dr Janet Hornbuckle and the crew of Fortuosity on their well-deserved Diggers’ Cup 2026 victory.

For full race results, visit the Diggers' Cup webpage.

RPYC Member Parking Priority Notice

2026-04-24T05:53:52Z

To help preserve member amenity and access across the Club, Royal Perth Yacht Club will continue to prioritise member parking in the Club’s main parking areas.

Staff have been directed to use designated staff parking areas and, on busy days, overflow or offsite parking where required. This approach supports easier access for members, particularly during high-demand periods such as Wednesday sailing, weekends, regattas, major functions, and public holidays.

Members can assist by:

Displaying any current parking sticker or access credential clearly
Parking within marked bays only
Observing temporary signage or staff direction on busy days
Keeping accessible bays, loading zones, and emergency access clear
Monitoring Club communications for any temporary parking changes linked to events or sailing activity

Thank you for helping us keep parking fair, safe, and focused on the member experience.

Great Southern Lime Fremantle to Albany Ocean Race

2026-04-22T05:39:28Z

Ten offshore yachts set sail on Friday, 17 April for the 2026 Great Southern Lime Fremantle to Albany Race, beginning what would become one of the most exciting race finish in Offshore racing in recent time.

The fleet departed in calm conditions, tracking south of Rottnest Island before making the turn toward Cape Naturaliste. Early progress was strong, with crews making solid time down the coast. However, forecasts of strengthening winds and building swell hinted that the race was about to take a challenging turn.

By Friday night, a storm front struck the fleet north of Cape Naturaliste, immediately testing both skill and endurance. Baci was forced to retire and return to Fremantle due to an onboard injury, while Endorfin also withdrew after sustaining damage to critical navigation and wind-reading equipment.

With eight boats remaining, the physical toll of the conditions, particularly seasickness, became a defining factor for many crews.

By Saturday morning, the race had evolved into a fierce contest at the front. Three clear leaders: Obsession, Sirene, and Alfresco. All pushed hard down the coast, trading positions as they approached Cape Leeuwin in a tightly fought battle.

The drama peaked in the early hours of Sunday morning. Race Management positioned themselves in Frenchman Bay to capture the final moments as the leading trio approached Albany. In what would become the closest finish on record, the boats entered the shipping channel at Princess Royal Harbour within striking distance of each other.

Sirene initially held the lead, but in a decisive and perfectly timed move, Obsession found another gear—surging ahead in the final stretch to take line honours less than a kilometre from the finish.
After covering 350 nautical miles and spending 44 continuous hours at sea, the top three boats crossed the line within just 10 minutes of each other, an extraordinary testament to the competitiveness of the fleet. Further back, The Edge and Sagacious IV showed equal determination, completing the race in two days and 11 hours.

Celebrations followed in Albany, with the official after party and prize night held at Wilson’s Brewing Company on Tuesday, 21 April. Crews remained in the region for several days, supporting local businesses and enjoying some well-earned recovery time before returning to Perth later in the week.

The event would not be possible without the support of its valued sponsors, including Wilsons Brewing, Canopy Wines, and Giniversity/Limeburners. Thank you to our naming rights sponsor Great Southern Lime.

Club Builder Survey

2026-03-26T05:09:21Z

Dear Members

I am writing to you to seek your support and input as we implement an exciting initiative at the Club in working towards opportunities to grow and develop junior sailing and development. We have engaged Club Builder 2035 to run a Sporting Facilities Insights Survey (“the Survey”) to help us better understand our facilities as we plan for the future of the Club.

The Survey and the resulting Strategic Insights Report will provide the Club with clear insights into the thoughts, hopes and concerns of our members and stakeholders. Accordingly, Club Builder have prepared an online survey to capture your thoughts around some key questions about the Club. We ask that all members, supporters and anyone that has an interest in the future of the Club, takes the time to click through to the survey and provide your input. The survey will take approximately fifteen minutes to complete BUT the insights that you provide will provide benefit to the Club both this year and beyond.

Please note that the survey responses are anonymous will go directly to Club Builder and no-one from the Committee or Club Management will be able to see your responses. Club Builder will provide an anonymous summary of the survey results in a Strategic Insights Report. So, please feel comfortable to be open and honest in your responses.

Please complete the survey, by 5pm Friday 17 April.

Kind regards,

Joe Tallarida

General Manager
Royal Perth Yacht Club

Corporate Team Building at RPYC

2026-02-17T06:22:47Z

Looking to bring your team together in a meaningful way? Rapid Teams delivers engaging, professionally facilitated corporate team-building experiences right here at the club.

One of their most popular programs is The Ascent, an 2.5 hour immersive experience focusing on identifying and celebrating individual and team strengths. This is the base for collaboration where teams then develop a strategy to tackle engaging, hands-on problem-solving challenges in a race against their peers. In the final phase, insights are translated into practical workplace application, ensuring the learning continues long after the event.

More than just a fun activity, The Ascent is a shared experience that strengthens team cohesion. Participants leave with stronger relationships, a greater understanding of one another, and practical ways to work more effectively together.

Each year, Rapid Teams facilitates hundreds of workshops in WA and interstate, working with organisations across all sectors. Every program includes a discovery meeting to understand your goals, expert facilitation, a meaningful debrief, and photos of your team from the day!

If you’re planning a conference, leadership session or team offsite at RPYC, Rapid Teams can help create an engaging, memorable team experience.

To find out more, simply contact Rapid Teams or RPYC.

RPYC Crawley Car Park Closure - Monday, 9th February 2026

2026-01-23T08:59:13Z

Dear members

Please be aware that on Monday, 9th February 2026, the Crawley Car Park will be closed all day for surveying to be conducted to improve our facilities.

Please note, that the car park must be fully empty after Sunday, 8th February 2026.

Below is the map of where the surveying will be done.

Don't forget your members card

2026-01-30T01:32:59Z

Members quick heads-up for your next visit

If you’re popping into the Club, don’t forget your Members Card.

To make dining smoother (and to avoid any “oops… wrong member account” moments), our team will be actively encouraging all members to tap their card when making purchases across our hospitality venues.

Here’s what you’ll notice:

At Catalina and the Wardroom, each service point now has a card reader.
When you order (or settle up), our staff will ask you to tap your card to start or complete the transaction.

It’s a simple change, but it’ll make a big difference — especially when the team is flat-out or when trying to split a bill with friends or if we run a member special. And while we try to know everyone by first name… sometimes we’re guessing, and that’s when mistakes can happen. Having your card handy helps us get it right every time and keeps your experience easy.

Amnesty period: we’ll be relaxed while everyone gets into the habit and then from Tuesday, 3 February 2026, we’ll need to be a bit firmer about card use at the point of purchase.

Misplaced your card? No stress — email membercoord@rpyc.com.au and the team will help with a replacement.

Thanks to everyone who continues to share feedback — it genuinely helps us make the Club experience better for you all. And yes… this should also reduce the chances of you checking your statement and wondering whether you really did eat 17 serves of garlic bread last week.