Come and join the fun in the Wednesday Non-Spinnaker Series!
Looking for great racing on Sydney Harbour in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere? MHYC’s Wednesday Non-Spinnaker Series could be just what you’re looking for.
Starting near the yacht club at around 1pm nearly every Wednesday of the year, the series features varied courses around Sydney Harbour. With no spinnakers, it’s easier to race with fewer or less experienced crew, while still offering plenty of competition for those who enjoy the challenge.
We’ve now expanded to three divisions, with our new third division offering shorter courses for smaller or slower yachts - making Wednesday racing accessible to an even wider range of boats.
Racing is primarily PHS Pursuit, so it’s all about who crosses the finish line first, with results also scored on ORC Elapsed Time.
And there’s plenty happening after the racing!
Head back to the club for our weekly sausage sizzle, quiz, raffle and prize giving—including a bottle of rum for the first boat home in each division!
And at the end of the year, it all culminates in our famous Seafood Extravaganza.
Fun racing • Friendly competition • Great prizes • Great company
SERIES 1 STARTS NEXT WEEK!
Enter for the full series or simply join us as a casual entrant whenever you can.
Read more: Come and join the fun in the Wednesday Non-Spinnaker Series!
Online Entry now open for MHYC's 2026-2027 Sailing Program
Online entry is now open for Middle Harbour Yacht Club diverse racing program for 2026-2027 that offers a wide range of competitions to suit different boats and sailing interests.
Weekend Racing
OCEAN SERIES
The Ocean Series Pointscore includes 5 races between November and December incorporating the Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship and two rounds of the CYCA Summer Short Offshore Series. IRC is the principal handicap system along with ORC and PHS scores. Category 4 offshore safety is required. Entrants often use this series in preparation for the major offshore races such as the Sydney to Hobart.
INSHORE RACING
MHYC is Sydney's Premier Inshore Yacht Racing Club and offers an extensive program of races inside our magnificent Harbour.
The Inshore Annual Pointscore is sailed on Saturdays and includes 20 races from September to March. There are 13 inshore passage races and 9 sprint (windward-leeward) races, all of which are started and finished on the water. Handicapping is on ORC, IRC & PHS. All of the Sydney Harbour Combined Clubs Inshore Series races, along with the Sydney Harbour Spring Sprint Series, are included in the Inshore Annual Pointscore. There are three standalone MHYC Inshore races. For boats that are unable to sail for the full season, there are 13 races in the Spring Pointscore ending in November and 9 races in the Summer Pointscore. Alternatively, just pick and choose the racing days that suit and enter as a casual.
If you like the excitement of windward leeward racing, MHYC conducts the Sydney Harbour Sprint Series over 3 days from October to February followed by a Winter Series over 3 days from May to July with 3 races each day scored on IRC, ORC and PHS.
ONE DESIGN RACING
MHYC boasts a strong group of One-Design classes – J/24, Melges 20, Adams 10, Farr 40 and MC38. These classes compete within the divisional inshore race program but may also have a one-design pointscore for the annual program. Class Championships and one-design regattas are also a feature at MHYC.
FEATURE EVENT SERIES
There are 10 MHYC Feature Events held each year on Saturdays. Popular with the “occasional” racers and visitors from other clubs, an interesting series of courses are offered including the Seven Islands Race and the Chaos Cup. Boats can sail with or without spinnaker.
Midweek Racing
PACIFIC RIGGING WEDNESDAY NON-SPINNAKER SAILING
MHYC’s Wednesday Series attracts a regular cohort of sailors for their weekly fix of sailing and socialising. As important as the racing is the after-sail barbeque, quiz, raffle and prizegiving. There is a bottle of rum for the first boat home in each division! 49 races are scheduled throughout the year and entries are invited in one or more of the 4 series or as a casual. Courses take in all parts of the outer harbour and the non-spinnaker format makes it easier to sail with fewer, or less experienced, crew. The primary results are PHS Pursuit (first boat home) but races are also scored on ORC Elapsed Time.
THURSDAY NON-SPINNAKER TWILIGHT
Thursday evening Twilight Pursuit racing at MHYC is conducted during daylight saving with starts at 6pm. A short sail in the late afternoon during the warmer months is good for the soul and the fun continues at the club after sailing for dinner and drinks and prizegiving. Regular theme nights are lots of fun. Twilights are broken into Pre- and Post-Christmas Series and a race in the Smithy’s Waterproofing Twilight Women’s Series is held each month.
FRIDAY TWILIGHT SERIES
First introduced for the 2023-2024 sailing season, this is a fun series with a development focus to encourage participation, skill development and build confidence for women, youth and those seeking an introduction to fleet racing. Held fortnightly during the daylight-saving period and starting at 6pm, two divisions sail short windward-leeward races (2 or 3 races per day) and another division sails a single passage race. This is a great way to finish the week, gliding around the harbour with or without spinnakers.
Winter Sailing
The MHYC Winter program, running from May to August, includes pursuit and sprint racing. There are 9 races in the Sydney Harbour Sprint Series, 3 Feature Races and 4 races in the Leading Edge Series. Spinnaker and non-spinnaker entries are invited in these more relaxed series which take advantage of the often lighter breezes at this time of year.
Annual Skippers Briefing
The 2026 Skippers Briefing will be conducted via videoconference on the evening of Thursday 10 September. This is an important event that must be attended by a representative from each boat that races in any MHYC series. The briefing covers key sections and any changes to the Season Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions, structure of the racing program and safety. NSW Maritime also present a safety briefing.
Skippers and Crew Meet & Greet
For skippers looking for crew and crew looking for a regular sail, this is a great opportunity for skippers to outline their sailing program for the year to meet crew with different interests and levels of experience. The 2026 Skippers and Crew Meet & Greet will be held on the evening of Thursday 24 September.
To enter any of the MHYC series – click here
For any questions about the MHYC Sailing Program, email the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Read more: Online Entry now open for MHYC's 2026-2027 Sailing Program
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
MHYC Try Sailing Day on 27 September
Discover the thrill of sailing on Sydney Harbour!
Ever watched the crews sailing across beautiful Sydney Harbour and thought, “I’d love to give that a go”? Now’s your chance!
Middle Harbour Yacht Club is hosting a Try Sailing Day on Sunday 27 September, giving you the opportunity to get out on the water and experience the excitement of sailing first-hand, alongside some of our skilled and welcoming club members.
📅 Sunday 27 September
⏰ 9:00am start
📍 Middle Harbour Yacht Club
The day kicks off with registration and a short safety briefing before you’re assigned to a yacht and head out for a friendly race around North Harbour.
You’ll experience the excitement of:
- The thrill of a good start
- Learning about sailing tactics and racing rules
- Getting involved with sail trimming
- Being part of a crew and experiencing Sydney Harbour from the water
After sailing, we’ll return to the MHYC beach for a relaxed debrief, sausage sizzle and a drink - the perfect way to finish up. The day should conclude by 3pm.
Sailing for Everyone
Sailing is a sport and recreation for all ages and abilities. Junior and youth sailors learn so much about teamwork and developing their skills, and sailing can be safely enjoyed by people well into their senior years.
As a diverse and inclusive club, MHYC welcomes people with a disability to Try Sailing with Sailability at MHYC. Accessible facilities, access points and purpose-built boats are available.
Find out more at Sailability MHYC
Just $10 — but places are limited!
Your $10 registration fee includes an Australian Sailing SailPASS (including insurance), refreshments on the beach—and, of course, your chance to go sailing!
This is expected to be a popular event, so registrations are essential to ensure we can allocate everyone a place on a yacht.
Come and give sailing a try. You might just discover your new favourite sport or pastime!
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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.
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
- MHYC 2026-2027 Sailing Program - PDF Document
- MHYC 2026-2027 Sailing Program - Filterable Excel Spreadsheet
- MHYC Ocean Series
- MHYC Inshore Series (including Sydney Harbour Combined Clubs Inshore Series & Sydney Harbour Sprints Series)
- MHYC Feature Event Series
- Pacific Rigging Wednesday Non-Spinnaker Series
- Thursday Twilight Non-Spinnaker Series
- Friday Twilight Series
- Leading Edge Series
- Charity & Corporate Regattas
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.).
Online Entry will be opened later in August.
Please note these key dates:
- Saturday 5 September - Race 1 of the MHYC Inshore Pointscore
- Thursday 10 September at 7pm - Annual Skippers Briefing (Mandatory Online Session)
- Sunday 13 September - Season 2026-2027 Opening Day and Commodore's Front Up Cup
- Sunday 27 September - MHYC Try Sailing Day
Keelboat Information and Education Sessions 2026
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Middle Harbour Yacht Club's latest series of Information & Education Sessions commenced 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 24th 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....
Skippers Briefing - Mandatory Session (Online) on Thursday 10 September at 7pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88447716330?pwd=DsciR53sfl4obPMFoDBVAZomXhREBt.1
Meeting chat link
https://us02web.zoom.us/launch/jc/88447716330
Meeting ID: 884 4771 6330
Passcode: 120203
One tap mobile
+61280156011,,88447716330#,,,,*120203# Australia
+61370182005,,88447716330#,,,,*120203# Australia
Join by SIP
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Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/88447716330/invitations?signature=2eaunvW8ooqfWL2KPpmZLRTdgd2xDqr1tnnpUSiWXz8
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.
READ MORE
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
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..