Reports Board Chair 5 Commodore 7 Chief Executive Officer 9 NORTHSTAR update 10 Marine Sports Operations Manager 13 Marina & Facilities Manager 25 Marketing & Communications Manager 29 Hospitality & Functions 32 Making Waves update 38 WAGS review 45 Youth Advisory Sub-Committee 49 Features Valuable Volunteers are just gold! The unsung heroes of our successes 16 World watched RQYS in awe! ‘FINN-tastic February’ 19 World Classic Finn awardee Kerry Spencer’s wooden winner 23 Brisbane Race Week 2026 “Pursuits and pure pandemonium” 35 Fielding fickle winds … Brisbane to Bundaberg inaugural race 41 Powerboat Navigation wrap A trio of Cups’ winners 52 The sailor behind the trophy Tribute: Harold Victor Dean 55 Where’s Quentin got to, now? Part 1 of Lalapanzi’s circumnavigation 58 In the ‘40th ARC’ Atlantic Rally for Cruisers anniversary 65 Squadron vexillology not so vexing Deep-dive into insignia matters 74 Marina Office mapping New resources for Members 78 Mainsheet is published by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS) Limited. Post: PO Box 5021 Manly Q 4179 Phone: (07) 3396 8666 Email: marketing@rqys.com.au Website: rqys.com.au Design: Masthead.au Printing: Minuteman Press Images: Content in Mainsheet 2026 supplied by Mike Middleton and other contributors; specific attributions noted as required. © Copyright 2026 Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron ACN 053 989 272 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of RQYS and relevant authors, photographers and copyright holders. Articles reflect the personal opinion of the author and/or contributor, and are not necessarily those of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Limited (RQYS), nor does RQYS guarantee the accuracy of statements made by contributors or advertisers or accept any responsibility for statements they may express in this publication. The Editor reserves the right to change or alter contributors’ articles submitted to RQYS for publication. Listings Flags, Board, Chairs & Leadership 2 Australian Sailing QLD awards 9 International representations 18 Listings Section 79 Squadron Awards 80 Life Members 82 Past Commodores 84 Crossed the Bar 85 Valedictories 86 New Members 88 RQYS Vessel Owners 90 RQYS Vessels Register 95 Welcome Pictorial OUTSIDE COVER Wonderful panorama of the Finns World Masters Day 1 (23 February 2026) fleet with, on the front cover, Squadron competitors David Champtaloup (014) and Craig Padman (027), hotly pursued by Netherlands’ Rolf Heemskerk (MAS 188) and Squadron Member Robert Biscoe (058) with Britain’s Jeremy White (GBR 5) close behind. On the back cover, equally close (and gaining!) are Kiwi Andrew Duncan (NZL 30) and Briton Tim Tavinor (GBR 9). Our thanks to UK photographer Robert Deaves for his many excellent images shot across ‘FINN-tastic February’ and for his permission to use a selection in this edition as well as the flagship outside cover image: thank you! Commodore’s [Masquerade] Ball 6 142nd Season Opening Day 50 BREAKING! 2026 Hammo Race Week 73 Ladies’ Sunset Drinks 76 19 52 41 58 35 65 16
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