Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron was honored to commemorate ANZAC Day with a series of meaningful events that brought together remembrance, community and sailing on Sydney Harbour.

On the morning of April 25, RSYS hosted its Inaugural ANZAC Day Ceremony and Gunfire Breakfast, an occasion that proved deeply moving for members and guests and created a powerful space for reflection, remembrance and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of those who have served Australia, past and present. The ceremony featured a Commemorative Address by Major General Fergus ‘Gus’ McLachlan AO (Ret’d), and the Order of Service included traditional elements such as The Ode, The Last Post, a period of silence, and the raising of the Australian National Flag, alongside a poignant bagpipe recital of Lament for the Fallen.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, RSYS’s History & Archives Committee curated a special commemorative display honoring Squadron Members who served during the First and Second World Wars. The display reinforced the Squadron’s enduring links to national service.

The morning concluded with a Gunfire Breakfast, in an atmosphere was one of quiet pride and shared respect. It was an inaugural ceremony that will become a meaningful tradition at RSYS.

RSYS then hosted and helped deliver the ANZAC Challenge Regatta on Sydney Harbour, an initiative of Australian Sailing and the Australian Defence Force, bringing together crews from across the Defence community.

Teams included Saltwater Veterans, the Australian Defence Force Academy, and Army, Navy and Air Force crews, with the Saltwater Veterans Sailing Project highlighting sailing’s role in connection and wellbeing.

Racing was run off the RSYS clubhouse in ideal conditions that delivered close competition. Saltwater Veterans won overall, with the Australian Defence Force Academy runner-up on countback.