Latest News - MHYC | Middle Harbour Yacht Club

MHYC 2026-2027 Sailing Program now available

The details of MHYC’s Sailing Program for 2026-2027 have now been released prior to the Sailing Handbook being published toward the end of August.

Members can download a filterable Excel Spreadsheet to assist with planning their season. Otherwise, there are PDF files for the overall program and schedules for the individual series. See the links below…

Schedule for the 2026-2027 Sailing Season

If you have any questions about MHYC’s Sailing Program, contact the Sailing Office (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Vale Gordon Ketelbey

The Board of Directors and Flag Officers write to you today to share the sad news of the passing of long-time Middle Harbour Yacht Club member, Gordon Ketelbey.

Senior club member and Gordon's long-time sailing friend, Julie Hodder, has written a fitting tribute to honour Gordon and his immense contributions, which extend far beyond our club to the broader Australian community and the international sailing scene. On behalf of the Board and the Flag Officers, we wish to share her words directly with you and extend our sincere thanks to Julie for taking the time to pen this piece.

Arriving in Australia from South Africa in the 1980s, Gordon immediately embraced his new life. He started a family with his wife, Kim, and founded an electrical company that grew into a substantial business across Australasia.

His first great sailing adventure began when he departed South Africa, sailing halfway around the world aboard a 39-foot ferro-cement yacht.

After settling in Australia, Gordon quickly became an integral part of yacht racing at Middle Harbour Yacht Club. Over the years, he owned and skippered many successful yachts, including Jack Guy, Wadadli, and, in Asia, Fujin and the Farr 40 Ramrod. His true passion was one-design racing, which he always described as "real racing."

In recent years, his boats proudly carried the name Zen, making them instantly recognisable on the racecourse. His first Zen was a Sydney 38, and at the time of his passing, he owned both a Farr 40 and a TP52.

Gordon became one of Australia's most accomplished and prolific offshore racing skippers, competing extensively throughout Australia, Asia, the United States, and Europe. Among his many accolades, he won the NSW IRC Championship three times, was named the CYCA Ocean Racing Veteran of the Year in 2020 and claimed the MHYC Tig Thomas Yacht Racing Championship trophy on three occasions.

Internationally, Gordon enjoyed considerable success. He won numerous regattas across Asia and competed in three Farr 40 World Championships, securing two second place finishes in the Corinthian Division.

In 2025, Gordon and his TP52 Zen joined forces with Sean Langman's Back to Black to represent Australia and the CYCA at the prestigious Admiral's Cup. Gordon finished second in the AC1 Division, helping the Australian team achieve a highly creditable fifth place overall from a field of 15 teams.

Following the Admiral's Cup, his outstanding international campaign continued; he finished second in IRC 0 at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, just three points behind Vesper. The team then competed in the Rolex Middle Sea Race, finishing sixth overall under IRC.

While Gordon's sailing achievements were exceptional, they tell only part of his story. He was a skipper who built loyal, fun, and highly competitive teams, consistently creating opportunities for novice sailors to develop their skills offshore. He mentored countless young sailors, giving them the confidence and experience to progress in the sport. Many sailors today owe the start of their ocean racing careers to Gordon's generosity and encouragement.

During his 37 years at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Gordon contributed enormously through both his time and financial support. He was always among the first to volunteer, served on the Sailing Committee for many years, and was never afraid to roll up his sleeves and assist wherever needed.

Whenever the Club needed support, Gordon was there. Most recently, when MHYC urgently required a new start boat, Gordon quietly stepped forward to make it happen. True to his humble character, he did not want the vessel named after himself. Instead, his friend Shane Guanaria suggested the name Legacy, a fitting tribute, because that is exactly what Gordon leaves behind: a legacy of generosity, sportsmanship, mentorship, and friendship that will endure for generations.

Middle Harbour Yacht Club extends its deepest condolences to Gordon's family and his many friends and sailing colleagues. We are immensely grateful for the privilege of having sailed with him, learned from him, and shared in his remarkable journey.

Fair winds and following seas, Gordon. You will be greatly missed.

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Avoiding dangerous situations during racing

MHYC's Sailing Program aims to provide enjoyable racing with series that focus on both the competitive and social aspects of the sport. One of the key aims of race management is to ensure racing is conducted in a safe manner and considerations include:

If the weather is suitable for racing or likely to change during the race
The type of boats and experience of the crews to manage the conditions
Presence and schedules of commercial shipping
Interaction with recreational boating traffic and other clubs’ racing fleets
Availability of rescue resources

We also need to be aware that our use of the Harbour is a privilege which we need to safeguard. The rights of other harbour users, both recreational and commercial, need to be considered and we are subject to oversight from the authorities, specifically NSW Maritime.

Even with thorough preparation, situations may arise during the race that have not been anticipated. The aim of this article is to suggest ways that boats can respond to safety incidents as they become apparent. We use two real incidents as examples and conclude with some recommendations.

Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race

We are wishing a safe and fast passage to the MHYC boats entered in the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race…

Caol Ila – Walter Carpenter
Employment Hero Alliance – Annie Stevenson (2H)
First Light – Elizabeth Tucker (2H)

Also to the yachts from other clubs currently in the MHYC Marina…

Ataraxia
Pacific Road Xanthus
Unicoin
Vixen Racing

As well, our CEO Andrew Forbes is sailing on Cadence & Co Odin.

The race gets underway at 1pm on Saturday

Event Website

Yacht Tracker

Free Get Checked Days

Saturday 27 June & Sunday 9 August 2026

Free Equipment Audits
Fire Extinguisher testing and replacement
Measurement for ORC Club certificates

MHYC holds a two Free Get Checked Days for Equipment Audits each year, allowing Club Members the perfect opportunity to have their boats audited prior to the new sailing season commencing free of charge. The dates for the 2026-2027 season free audits are Saturday 27th June and Sunday 9th August 2026. Bookings for an equipment audit are to be arranged directly through the MHYC Sailing Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – book early. For information about how to present the boat and layout equipment, visit the Special Regulations page – click here.

Fire extinguisher testing or replacement will be available at the club on the morning of the Get Checked Days from 9am - 12noon. For more information contact Craig Condon on 0413 627 047 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Inflatable PFDs can be serviced by Your Boat Manager with drop-off and pick-up at the MHYC Marina Office. PFDs will collected on Monday mornings and take up to two weeks for return. Please label all PFDs clearly with your details. Get in early to avoid delays in the lead up to the Free Get Checked Days by contacting Chris Wells on 0432 228 494 to book in. If you need PFDs inspected urgently, contact SOS Marine at Botany on 02 9700 0233 and arrange to delivery and collection personally.

For owners wanting to obtain an ORC Club Certificate, assistance with measurement and guidance with the application form will be available on the Get Checked days. If you would like some help with obtaining an ORC Club Certificate, email the MHYC Sailing Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Flying Fish Courses Discounted for MHYC Members

Whether you're preparing for offshore racing, refreshing your qualifications or developing new boating skills, now is a great time to make sure your training is up to date.

This offer is valid for all dates listed below as long as the bookings are made within the next three months.

Available courses:

ACMA Marine Radio Licence (VHF, HF, GMDSS)
https://flyingfishsailing.com.au/sailing-school/safety-radio-maintenance/11-acma-marine-radio-license-vhf-hf-gmdss/

Marine First Aid
https://flyingfishsailing.com.au/sailing-school/safety-radio-maintenance/31-marine-first-aid/

AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival
https://flyingfishsailing.com.au/sailing-school/safety-radio-maintenance/80-as-isaf-offshore-safety-and-sea-survival/

AS/ISAF Offshore Safety and Sea Survival Revalidation
https://flyingfishsailing.com.au/sailing-school/safety-radio-maintenance/139-as-isaf-offshore-safety-and-sea-survival-revalidation/

RYA Diesel Engines
https://flyingfishsailing.com.au/sailing-school/safety-radio-maintenance/43-rya-diesel-engines/

NSW Boat Licence
https://flyingfishsailing.com.au/sailing-school/safety-radio-maintenance/81-nsw-boat-licence/

AMSA Coxswain Grade 3
https://flyingfishsailing.com.au/sailing-school/safety-radio-maintenance/160-amsa-coxswain-grade-3/

How to claim your 10% member discount

Simply enter the promotional code MHYCmemberdiscount during the online checkout when making your booking.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Flying Fish Australia

www.flyingfishsailing.com.au

Winter Sailing Options

It will be a while before September and the commencement of the 2026-2027 Sailing Season comes along, but MHYC members have a variety of options for sailing during the intervening winter months.

Saturday Sailing

MHYC Series

Feature Events – Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker Pursuit Races starting at 1230hrs

25 April – ANZAC Day Two Up Cup
23 May – Autumn Sail
20 June – Welcome to Winter
18 July – Christmas in July
NOR - Click Here

Sydney Harbour Sprint Series – Three windward leeward races each day starting at 1200hrs

9 May
13 June
11 July
SHSS Webpage - Click Here

Leading Edge Pursuit Series - Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker Pursuit Races starting at 1230hrs

1 August
8 August
15 August
22 August
29 August
Schedule & SIs - Click Here

Combined Clubs Winter Series

The Combined Clubs Winter Series is open to Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker entries incorporating a Full Series of 12 races and a Short Series of 6 races. None of the CCWS Short Series races conflict with MHYC racing dates. The Series is expected to extend from Saturday 2^nd May to 25^th July with races starting at 12:30pm. The NOR and SIs are yet to be published but will become available on the SailSys Combined Clubs portal – Click Here

Sunday Sailing

Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Winter Series

Comprising 12 races in total, the CYCA Winter Series attracts a large and diverse fleet. Three of the races form the Women’s Winter Series. For information – Click Here

Manly Yacht Club Winter Series

The Manly Winter Series consists of six pursuit races scheduled from May to July starting at 12 noon. Spinnaker and non-spinnaker entries are welcomed. For information – Click Here

Northbridge Sailing Club Winter Series

Northbridge Sailing Club offer a Winter Series of six non-spinnaker pursuit races west of the Spit Bridge scheduled from May to August starting at 12 noon. The Spit Bridge opens at 11:30am and 2:30pm. For information – Click Here

Races & Regattas

Sydney – Gold Coast Race

Scheduled to start on Saturday 25^th July, the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race kicks off the CYC’s Blue Water Pointscore for 2026-2027. For information – Click Here

Airlie Beach Race Week

Held from 6-13 August in conjunction with the onshore Whitsundays Festival of Sailing, Airlie Beach Race Week event mixes six days of offshore yacht racing with seven nights of socialising and entertainment at the Whitsunday Sailing Club. For information – Click Here

Hamilton Island Race Week

Scheduled from 15 - 22 August, Hamilton Island Race Week has earned its reputation as Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta, drawing an international fleet and delivering a celebration of sailing and island lifestyle. For information – Click Here

Magnetic Island Race Week

Racing in the popular SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week will take place from 27 August to 2 September. A record eight minutes was all it took for the limited entry spots to sell-out in 2026. For information – Click Here

2025 Winter Sailing at MHYC
Photos by David Staley

Amendments to the Special Regulations

Three amendments to the Australian Sailing Special Regulations have been published and are effective immediately.

The amended sections are:

Storm and Heavy Weather Sails (Cats 1, 2, 3 & 4)
Keel and Rudder Inspection and Testing (Cats 1, 2 & 3)
AIS Personal Crew Overboard Beacon (Cats 1, 2 & 3)

You can find the amendments here and the updated Special Regulations here.

The Keel Inspection Form has also been updated and can be found here.

Safe Disposal of Marine Flares

Marine flares contain explosive materials and must be disposed of safely and legally after use or by their use-by date. They must NOT be disposed of in regular rubbish at MHYC or anywhere else.

The NSW Government runs a mobile flares collection program during peak boating season. Upcoming flare disposal points include...

Sunday, 18 January 2026 from 10:30am to 12:30am

Maritime Office, 33 James Craig Drive, Rozelle

Saturday, 24 January 2026 from 7:30am to 9:00am

Tunks Park Boat Ramp, Brothers Avenue, Cammeray

Saturday, 24 January 2026 from12:30pm to 2;00pm

Maritime Office, 33 James Craig Road, Rozelle

Sunday, 25 January 2026 from 12:00 noon – 5:00pm

Bayview Boat Ramp (Rowland Reserve), Pittwater Road, Bayview

For further information from NSW Maritime - click here

Keelboat Information and Education Sessions 2026

Middle Harbour Yacht Club's latest series of Information & Education Sessions commences on 29 May and continues until September.

Some will be face to face while others will be conducted using Zoom videoconference. The schedule is:

Wednesday 10 June from 7pm - Flags & Signals (Online)
Wednesday 1 July from 7pm - 2026-2027 Keelboat Racing Program Information (Online)
Wednesday 8 July from 6pm - Racing Rules Refresher (Harbour View)
Wednesday 5 August from 7pm - Keelboat Safety Forum (Online)
Thursday 10 September from 7pm - Skippers Briefing - Mandatory Session (Online)
Thursday 24^th September from 6pm – Skippers & Crew Meet and Greet (Harbour View)

To download the information flyer – click here

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register at the earliest opportunity.

Join the next session....

Keelboat Safety Forum on Wednesday 5 August from 7pm Online

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85263089262?pwd=BQdRNaFd3iOcvO8Cps0G4YLvCbyPGT.1

Meeting chat link
https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/85263089262

Meeting ID: 852 6308 9262
Passcode: 026136

One tap mobile
+61861193900,,85263089262#,,,,*026136# Australia
+61871501149,,85263089262#,,,,*026136# Australia

Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/85263089262/invitations?signature=t-XKa4IO9wdBsy63q_p-Mev0SURMN9HVqlOmXm96nTo

Fresh conditions for MHYC Women’s Regatta

The MHYC Women’s Regatta was sailed in a fresh to strong north-easterly under sunny skies on Sunday. Kathy Johnston and the MHYC Race Management Team completed the full program of two sprint races followed by a longer passage race that doubled as Race 2 of the Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series. The stronger breezes tested the spinnaker work but provided some exciting racing.

It Happens (Nicole Savage Goddresse - CYCA) claimed the Overall win for Division 1 ahead of Sirius (Kate Leeson – MYC). In Division 2 Overall, Alcamy (Ruth Lawrence – RANSA) to the win from Kaotic (Catherine Thornton-Rofe – MYC) and Silky (Eloise Clarke – RANSA). Alcamy and Kaotic were first and second in the All Female sub-series pointscore, with Cool Runnings (Jade Tokarczyk – MHYC) third. Best in the Female Helm sub-series were It Happens for Division 1 and Silky for Division 2. Winners of the passage race and SHWKS Race 2 were Blink (Ashleigh Larkin – CYCA) in Div 1 and Alcamy (Ruth Lawrence – RANSA) in Div 2.

A big thankyou to Marg Fraser-Martin for all the images.

MHYC Women’s Regatta Results - click here

Sydney Harbour Women’s Keelboat Series Results - click here