Pittwater Online News

Palm Beach Sailing Club's Hosting of State and National Championships: 77 Years of 'mucking about in boats' - the VJ' State Championships of February 25 1956

Founded in 1949, the Palm Beach Sailing Club has a long-standing tradition of fostering a love for sailing. The Pittwater Catamaran Club was established in 1962, celebrating its 50th anniversary of "off the beach multihull" sailing in 2012.

Historical records show that catamaran sailing, likely featuring a Mosquito, took place under the Palm Beach Sailing Club banner before the formation of the Pittwater Catamaran Club. Around the year 2000, the Pittwater Catamaran Club merged with the Palm Beach Sailing Club, continuing their rich heritage of "off the beach multihull" sailing.

Despite being a multihull club, they actively share their races with windsurfers and warmly welcome dinghy boats, embracing the diverse sailing community. The club has proudly produced numerous Olympic and world title champions, showcasing a commitment to excellence in sailing:

Olympic Champions:

• David Forbes: Gold in Munich (1972) in Star, World Champion (1971), and OAM
• Chris Cairns: Bronze in Los Angeles (1984) in Tornado
• Mitch Booth: Bronze in Barcelona (1992, with John Forbes) and Silver in Savannah (1996)
• John Forbes: Bronze in Barcelona (1992) in Tornado and Silver in Sydney (2000)
• Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin: Silver in Rio (2016)

But what was it like when it all began?

The State Library of New South Wales has digitised an album of photos of the NSW VJ Championships, held on Pittwater, 25 February 1956, hosted by the Palm Beach Sailing Club, and 70 years ago this coming Wednesday. 

This wasn't the first time the young sailing club hosted the State Championships - their first was soon after they formed, in 1950, then again in 1952 and 1953-1954. In 1953 they hosted the Australian VJ Championships. 

Former Avalon Beach Sailing Club Commodore Norm Field shared a few insights on the VJ on Pittwater years ago in a History of Avalon Sailing Club, explaining:

Mr. J.G. Vaughan, an engineer with the Wakefield Oil Co., had the weekend use of a house just to the south west of the Clareville Park and in 1932 introduced his family to the unspoilt beauty of the area. His teenage sons, Les, Harold and Ken were keen sailors with the Middle Harbour Skiff Club and equally keen to sail on Pittwater. However he was concerned that the boys could not be supervised on the waters off Clareville Beach especially as the dinghies of those days were non-righting and had to be towed or paddled home.

His concerns were alleviated with the Vaucluse Junior, or V.J., which had first appeared upon the scene in 1931. Designed by a young naval draughtsman, Charles Sparrow, with a lot of enthusiasm and support from Sylvester, 'Sil', Rohu, a Sydney businessman and keen sailor and founding member of the Vaucluse 12ft Amateur Sailing Club, the V.J. could be built at home from the comprehensive set of plans that cost 10 shillings. The most important aspect of the boat was that apart from a small canvas well she was completely decked in, unsinkable and could be righted by the crew without external help.

The Vaughan family built their first boat, Defiance, in the boat shed and bought the next one, Flash, second hand, in 1933. The two older boys, Les and Harold, set up their own race course in the area to the north of Taylors Point and to supplement their pocket money would stage mock pirate landings and sword fights at Clareville on a Sunday, to the delight of the local residents. The “donations” were then collected and placed in the treasure chests which were the canvas wells of the V.J.s. The Vaughan's nearest neighbours were the O’Connor family, who owned the Sir Walter Raleigh Hotel at Kings Cross and also owned a motor cruiser, the M.V. Raleigh. The two O’Connor daughters joined in the pirate jousting not only as damsels in distress but assistant collectors of the booty.

The local families combined to share a jig frame for the V.J. construction and by 1935 there were six boats sailing off Clareville Beach all made with cedar planking and with either home-made or professionally cut cotton sails. By 1937 Mr. Vaughan decided that his boys were either making too much money as entrepreneurs or on the road to ruin so he made a set of marks and laid out a course, starting off Clareville and using the area between Taylors Point, Paradise Beach and Long Nose Point. A system of coloured flags was used representing minutes to start in a handicap start system so in theory all boats should finish together. Entry fee was two shillings and the prize money was divided proportionally among the first three boats. (Maybe some of Australia’s best known sailors lost their amateur status in those early years.) ‘’

The V.J. was so successful that by the early 1950's it was the 4th largest class in the world. The class had spread to almost every club of every state and was sailed in Europe, America, Canada and Asia. it was even proposed for the 1956 Olympics.

An old home movie tracked down shows you a little of 1950's Avalon Beach Sailing Club fun:

Max Boorman, who came to Pittwater in 1939 when his father Victor became Ranger at The Basin, was a founding member of Palm Beach Sailing Club, and sailed there during the 1950’s and 1960’s. He was Club Champion there for a few years. Max kindly donated many of his trophies from the era to PBSC so the club can have some historical items of significance. 

This past week he also spoke to the news service, sharing some insights.

How did you come to Palm Beach Max?

My father was Victor was ranger at Basin from 1937. My first PBSC VJ, the Kestrel, came from a girl whose family used to come to the Basin. Growing up alongside the water I obviously developed a love for it. I did my apprenticeship with Halvorsen’s – so I’m a boatbuilder, although mostly retired now. Later on I had Clontarf boatshed.

I’ve also been a member at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club for 67 years. 

When I was at Halvorsen’s we built Anitra V and I sailed that in the 1975 Sydney to Hobart race. So I’ve always been around the water.

I joined the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club because I bought a Star Class boat and they had them then. I didn’t moor it there, I took it down to Port Hacking first and sailed it there then decided to sail it back to Pittwater and sailed it there. I used to moor it in the Inner Basin because my father was still Ranger there. Then I used to ail in the races the RPAYC ran.

At the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club AGM held Thursday 25 July 2025, Commodore Robert McClelland presented gifts to 50-60-70 Year Members - our thanks to the RPAYC for this photo

Did you know Cedric Williams over at Bayview?, he got into the Star Class yachts too.

I knew him to say hello to him, but he was older than me. Because we were down at The Basin we didn’t go up to Bayview, we’d go around to Towler’s Bay a lot because the Ku-ring-gai Chase had a house around there.

How long was your dad Ranger at The Basin?

We went to live there in late 1939. During the war (World War Two) we had to leave because he joined up. So my mum and my sister and I couldn’t stay – and it was fairly isolated then. I remember they took all the boats out of Pittwater before we left – so they couldn’t be used by others if we were invaded. I also remember the submarine boom they put across the Pittwater at Barrenjoey. They used to open that to let my father out to go fishing. We knew quite a few of the soldiers stationed at the Anti-aircraft guns at West Head. A few of them used to come down and have dinner with us at The Basin.

He enlisted in 1942, so we were at Pennant Hills then, until he returned, and then we came back here. If there was a bushfire or anything in the Chase my father would of course go to attend to that – and then later on I was Ranger there for a while. 

Victor Boorman's enlistment - first page of war records, he became a sergeant and was demobbed 25.1.1945. Courtesy National Archives of Australia digitised war records

And you also had the Clontarf Boatshed for a while?

Yes, a mate and I had the boatshed at the Clontarf Marina but then Manly Council stopped me building boats because that wasn’t approved on our lease. I got fed up with them and then my father passed away while he was Ranger. I rang Ku-ring-Gai Chase up and said I’d do it and they said ‘ok’. Mum was still there so I came home to Pittwater fulltime so she didn’t have to leave her home.

What was the Palm Beach Sailing Club like in the 1950’s?

It was very good. I was a founding member of it in 1949. We had our meetings in Goldthorpe and Smiths boatshed, in their workshed, which was right opposite where the block of land that the clubhouse is on today. I remember when we bought the block of land in around 1950, and that we never had enough money, but managed somehow. I noticed a few years back they’ put a clubhouse on it. 

Inside the Goldthorpe and Smith workshed - possibly old George Goldthorpe to the left with white hair - from the SLNSW Pix album

We had a mixture of boats to begin with; 4 V.J.s, some V.S.’s, a 16-footer and a Cherub.

Palm Beach Sailing Club was a fairly successful club right from the start – we got a lot of trophies, donated by the Palm Beach residents, and as there was a fair bit of money down there and they were keen to support the club, it progressed.

One of these came from Geoff Stephens, who had a daughter Dawn who sailed a V.J. in the club. So he was interested in sailing and took my boat If, and his daughter’s boat down to Victoria and we sailed in the Australian Championships. So we earned our stripes. 

One of the fellows who was Commodore of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club sailed V.J.s and I built him a boat. We also had the S J Rhodes Trophy – he lived along Iluka road at Palm Beach. His son used to sail a V.S. in the club and ended up marrying my sister Joan. 

Joan used to be my forard hand.

So PBSC included women from the outset?

Oh yes – we had Joan and Dawn Stephens, who sailed a V.J. and there was an older lady, Mrs. Martin, who owned one of the buildings around on Palm Beach, and who was Sid Rowe’s brother. Sid had a daughter who used to sail a V.J. with us too.

Palm Beach Sailing Club hosted the NSW State VJ Championships in 1952, 1954 and 1956 and hosted the Australian Championships in 1953 – photos from when the club hosted the State Titles on February 25th 1956 shows everyone camping in Iluka Park while the records show there were between 100 and 200 boats competing in some of these championships – what was that like having all those people come into Palm Beach from all over Australia?

(laughs) It was great! We’d get permission from the council and close Iluka road off and we’d hold a fundraising night down there – it was a wonderful time for all our guests.

What was the shoreline like then?

Not so built up. There was Goldthorpe and Smith, and Goddard’s Wharf, which was the Manly Steamship wharf – they bought them out. Then there was the Public Wharf where the ferry goes from now, and then further north of that you had Carl Gow, the Gonsalves family and the Verrills. We always used Goddard’s wharf – I knew the Goddards well. There were also the Miltons and Arblasters, I knew Johnny well too, I went to school with him. 

That reminds me of the motorbike. My father said I could have a motorbike – mum said I could have a little one, I was about 18 then. My father went to Sydney and bought me this 500cc Matchless motorbike, which could do a hundred mile an hour. One afternoon I rode it down to the pubic wharf and was riding it back to Goldthorpe and Smiths. About halfway around the curve there a dog came out and tried to grab me – so I opened the throttle to get away. Just before I was about to turn into Goldthorpe and Smiths I saw a motorcycle policeman in my rear mirror coming around the corner, and he was after me. So I went straight down into Goldthorpe and Smiths, straight into the workshop, and hopped behind the bandsaw.

Old George Goldthorpe said ‘is he after you?’ – I said ‘yeah’ – he said ‘hop up in that boat’. So I did. This fellow went along the road there, Iluka, and stood up on his bike looking over the fences, but never thought to come into the boatshed. (laughs)

What was George Goldthorpe like?

He was a pretty good fellow – a small fellow and a bit rounded. Then there was Smith, and he was tall and quiet. Then there was Mrs. Smith who we used to call ‘Mrs. Goldsmith’ (laughs). They focused on boat maintenance mainly, and selling boats. 

An identified vessel lies beached at Goldthorpe and Smith's - this is beside the slipway and rainwater outlet pipe. circa 1953. Photo courtesy Avalon Beach Historical Society, Geoff Searl OAM

You’re now living up the coast – do you come back to visit Pittwater?

Once a year I’ll come down – I have a friend who lives at Mona Vale I went to school with, so I catch up with him.

Are there more moorings on the estuary now?

Oh yes, every time I come down I think there’s more. 

Palm Beach Sailing Club remains a group that is focused on ‘off the beach’ sailing – Catamarans and A-Class boats, as it has since its foundation. What in your experience makes that a great way to get into sailing?

When I was there every boat, apart from one Jubilee that was on a mooring, you could take home after you’d had your sail. I used to rig my boat up over at The Basin, sail it across, and then start in the race. When the races were finished I’d sail it home and pull it ashore – easy. It was pretty special.

TROVE, the National Library of Australia's digitisation of older editions of the newspapers of the past, also had some records of these early Palm Beach Sailing Club hosting States and Nationals years, before newspapers stopped publishing results of sports events.

A few of these are:

PALM BEACH CLUB.— Div A: Goldthorpe Cup. Heat 1: Slight (L. Woodcock, 15.0) 1, Ace (P. Seller. 16.0) 2, Triton (R. Gray, 10.0) 3. Won by 15, 6.0. Div. B: L. E. Bowman Cup, Heat 1: Dolphin (C. Way, 11.0) 1, Kestrel (M. Boorman, scr) 2, Sea Mist (B. Watts. 20.0) 3. Won by 9.30, 4.0. SAILING (1950, December 3). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 30. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230874353 

AVALON V J . third heat of championship Aeolus (L Vaughan) 1, Radar (J Lingard), 2. Swift (D Forbes), 3 Won by 3m 15s. lm 20s VJ Radar (T Lingard), 1. Whirlwind II (J Smith/, 2, Whirlwind I (B Thornton), 3 Won by 4m 25s, lm 16s V S handicap Comet lil (W Toft), scr, 1, H CB (T Bale), scr, 2 Won by 5m 5s Hopkins Trophy Comet III 2m, 1, HCB, lm, 2 Sally (P Hanson), scr, 3 Won by 20s 2m

PALM BEACH- Point-score races division A, first heat of Curtis Memorial Cup Don Juan (B. Wanless), 17m. 1. Sea Fire (Mrs J Martin), 15m, 2 Triton (R Gray), 11m 3 Won by 10s, 8m Fastest time, Aloha Division B. first heat E Middleton Cup Kestrel (M Boorman). scr. 1, Ess (J Jensen), 4m 2. Adios (B Jones). 10m 3 Won by 30s, 1m 30s Fastest time, Kestrel Protest entered against second boat

SURFING

FRESHWATER CARNIVAL -Senior R and R Sth Narrabeen, 73 2, 1, Freshwater, 72 16, 2 Deewhy, 71 6, 3 Junior R and R Freshwater, 71 80, 1, Cronulla, 71 54, 2, Nth Narrabeen, 70 69, 3 Senior belt A Williams (Queenscliff), 1 B Moloney (Sth Narrabeen), 2, C Hendy (Nth Bondi). 3 Junior belt J Bloomfield (Kiama), 1, J Clarke (Sth Narrabeen), 2, N Bertram (Nth Narrabeen) 3 March Past Maroubra 1 Sth Narrabeen 2 Morn Vale, 3 Open surf B Hancock (Nth -Narrabeen), I, P McMahon (Freshwater), 2, J Torres! (Manly), 3 Junior surf B Lumsdaine (Freshwater), 1, F Lister (Freshwater), 2 J Campbell (Bondi), 3 First novice J Everett (Nth Narrabeen) 1, C Crawford (Nth Bondi). 2 K Baynes (Manly). 3 Second novice P McKenzie (Deewhv) 1. K McLachlan (Nth Steyne), 2 Board K Hurst (Nth Bondi), 1, D Trumper (Coogee) 2 G Bishop (Maroubra), 3 Beach sprint J Bliss (Nth Narrabeen), I, P Hickman (Cronulla), 2, N Montgomery (Collaroy), 3 Relay Nth Narrabeen, 1, Cronulla 2 Sth Narrabeen. 3 Ski R Hoskin (Coogee), 1. R Mulcahy (Maroubra). 2, H Booth (Coogee), 3 Senior boat Cronulla. I, Nth Steyne 2 Mona Vale 3 Junior boat Cronulla, 1, Nth Narrabeen, 2. HOLIDAY SPORTING IN DETAIL (1951, January 30). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18196923 

PALM BEACH: Final heat championship races division A Aloha (G Stevens), 1, Thistle (B Martin), 2, Sea Fire (J Martin), 3 Won by 3m, 5m Championship winners Aloha, Sea Fire, Whispering Point score race in conjunction Sea Fire (J Martin), 10m, 1; Aloha (G Stevens) scr , 2, TiisUe (B Martin), Im, 3 Won by lm 50s, 2m 5s Season s point score winners Ace, Thistle Whispering Division B, final heat championship races Kestrel (M Boorman) 1, Dolphin (C Way), 2, Ess (J Jensen), 3 Won by 1m 59s, 3m 14s Championship winners Dolphin, Kestrel Ess Point score race in con-junction Kestrel (M Boo-man), scr , 1, Dolphin (C Way) lm, 2. Ess O Jen-sen) 4m 3 Won by 55s, 14s Season’s point score winners Kestrel, Dolphin Ess. Sailing Results (1951, April 8). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 11 (Sports Section). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18490117 

PALM BEACH-Point score races. Division A Heat 2 R Moore trophy Thistle (B Martin), lm, 1, Lightning (J Martin) scr, 2, Triton CR Gray). 8m, 3 Won by 2m 17s, 18s Fastest time Thistle Division B, heat 2 of S G Rhodes trophy Kestrel (M Boorman), 2m 1 Ess (J Jensen), scr, 2 Victory (B Hillier), 10m 3 Won by lm 45s 18m Faslest time Ess. Boats Capsize; Harbour Thrills (1951, November 11). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 8 (Sports Section ). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18487737

PALM BEACH -Point score races; Division A Mrs C Smith Trophy Final heat Naomi (C Way) 4m 1 Whispering (K Rhodes) 6m 2 Magic (B Watts) 7m 3 Won by 55s 3m 10s Fastest time Naomi Trophy winner; Naomi. Division B R Richardson Trophy final heat Ess (J Jensen) scr 1 Kestrel (M Boorman) IVim 2 Viking Star (B Morgan) 12i/im 3 Won hy 40s 15m 40s Fastest time: Ess Trophy winner: Ess. SAILING TITLE TO MYRA III (1951, December 2). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 11 (Sports Section ). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18492774 

PALM BEACH-Ladies day Division A Flight Again (Miss D Stephens) 2m 1 Lightning (Mrs L Martin) scr 2 Ripple (Miss K Williams) 7m 3 Won by 31s 50s Fastest time Lightning Division B: Kestrel (Miss J. Boorman) scr 1 Viking Star (Miss J Seller) Um 2 Narwal (Miss S Milton) 1m 3 Won by 1m 3m Fastest time Kestrel. SAILING (1951, December 23). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 9 (Sports Section). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18501043 

PALM BEACH SAILING CLUB. — Invitation Races to BYRA. — Vee Jays: Kestrel (Max Boorman) scr 1, Viking Star (B. Morgan) 6min 2. Vamose (P. Sellars) 12. 3. Vee Esses: Naomi (C.. Way). Only boat to finish. SAILING (1952, April 20). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230706542 

Palm Beach Sailing Club hosting NSW State Championships

THE NORTHERN STAR
SPORTS SECTION
On the Sportline
Young Owner in Bid for State Sailing C'ship "Norcoast")

RICHMOND River Club V.S., Blondie, will be the only North Coast representative in the State sailing championships at Palm Beach next weekend.

Blondie is owned by young sailing enthusiast Bruce Small, of Lismore. But experienced Bill Heesh will skip her in the State championships, with Small and John McKenzie as crew. McKenzie has also had experience in State events. He was unplaced last year with his own boat, Zeal.

McKenzie's brother, Charlie, will sail former Richmond boat, Zephyr, in this year's titles. Zephyr is favourite. Two Richmond boats, Pam (Heesh) and Shadow 8 were third in former titles. Small, who built Blondie, says she is at her best in a medium or light breeze. The three members of the crew will leave for Sydney by car on Thursday with the boat on a trailer.

On Friday night Small will sit for an examination at Sydney Technical College. The Northern Star SPORT SECTION (1952, November 18). Northern Star (Lismore, NSW : 1876 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article96528108 

Kogarah Bay Sailing Club: Palm Beach was honoured by the presence of three of our boats on the 22nd and 23rd November. Approximately 200 boats from widespread N.S.W. were present. Kogarah Bay Sailing Club (1952, November 27). The St George Call (Kogarah, NSW : 1904 - 1957), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article235295763 

PALM BEACH -V S heat 2 Ishkoodah (K Rhodes) scr I Cyclone (P. Feller) 8m 2 Flying Cloud (H Shanks) 9m 3 Won by 32s lm 19s Fastest lime Ishkoodah V J heat 2 Kuppa (D Stephens) 7m 1 Ac’Ola (J. Bowman) 12m 2 If (M Boorman) scr 3 Won by 1m 7m 10m Fastest Time Kuppa. Apex Led All The Way To Win Sailing Championship (1952, December 14). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 9 (Sports Section). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18515344 

SAILING. PARRAMATTA RIVER: Eillon (R. Searle, 15.0) 1. Djinn (R. Hodgins, 5.0) 2; won by 16.0. ST. GEORGE. — 16-footers: Barella (S. O'Toole) 1, Myuna (E. Colliss) 2, Resolve (S. Rolleston) 3; won by 0.27, 0.3. PALM BEACH SAILING CLUB. — Invitation Races to BYRA. — Vee Jays: Kestrel (Max Boorman) scr 1, Viking Star (B. Morgan) 6min 2. Vamose (P. Sellars) 12. 3. Vee Esses: Naomi (C.. Way). Only boat to finish. ROYAL PRINCE ALFRED. — Old-timers: Juain (J D. Borrowman) 1, Atalanta (C. Boult) 2. Suzanne (Dr. Furber & D C. Carver) 3. Won by 0.57. 0.41. SAILING (1952, April 20). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 27. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230706542

Victor Boorman wins!: 

PALM BEACH.— Oldsters' Race, 'Vee Ess: Ishkoodah (L Milton) l. June (R. E. Forbes. 1.0) 2, Ripple (J. Royle, 8:0) 3; won by L55, 3.55. Vee Jays: If (V. Boorman, 2.3) 1, Kuppa (G. Stephen, 2.0) 2, Ae'ola (H. Foore,' 5.0) 3; won by 1.25, 1.1. SAILING (1953, January 11). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 30. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230848196 

PALM BEACH -Forard hand races, VS R G Hillier trophy Lightning (M Stephenson), 6m. 1, Cyclone (R Du…

LANE COV E VJ -Sweepstake trophy Dart (V Pollak) scr, 1, Mistake Junior (T Langwill) 10V6m, 2 Rampant (L Cornish) 6m 3 Won by 2m 36s 13s boss) 7m 2 Ishkoodth (R Hillier), scr , 3 Won. by 3m 16s, lm 4s Fastest time Ishkoodah V J If (J Boorman), 2m, 1, Ac loa (K Plumb) 10m. 2 Kuppa (B Watts), 4m 3 Won by 57s. 7m 56s. Fastest time. If. The Tiger's Sailing Win (1953, February 22). The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953), p. 8 (Sports Section). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18510932 

PALM BEACH.— V.S. Div.: Thunder (J. Martin), 4mln„ 1; Lightning (P. Seller), scr.; 2; Tempest (B. Martin), 4min„ 3. 5min. 5sec.; 2mln. 28sec. Fastest: Thunder. V.J. Div.: Hush (J. Bowman), 5mln., 3; Ono (Miss B. Seller), 7min., 2: Kappa (Miss D. Stephens) 5 min., 3. 2mtn. 29sec.; 49sec. Fastest: If. Sailing notes (1953, October 18). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), p. 61. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article248606290 

Hosting the Australian Championships:

EIGHT ENTREES FOR V-J TITLE 

NEWCASTLE, Thurs.— -Eight Newcastle sailing boats will compete in the Australian VJ. championships on the Palm Beach course between December 29 and January 1.

Among the four skiffs from the North competing in the senior V.J. events will be the present State champion "K-T," sailed by Ross Sinclair. In the junior event, Kel Worth from the Belmont club will be sailing "Starlight," which is also the N.S.W. . champion in its class.

Worth was third in last year's championships held in Melbourne. The Newcastle representatives are confident that they will be able to hold their own against Sydney, Victoria and West Australian competitors. The course is nine miles, and organisers have arranged for the championships to be broken up into three heats, one to be sailed each day. EIGHT ENTREES FOR V-J TITLE (1953, December 24). Daily Mirror (Sydney, NSW : 1941 - 1955), p. 10 (Cable Edition 2). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article277894707 

PALM BEACH.-Handicap, V.J., 1st heat (E. Middleton trophy): Hush (J. Bowman), .., 1; Kuppa (M. Boorman), scr, 2; won by 31s. Fastest time, Kuppa. V.S., A. E. Morgan trophy, 1st heat: June (D. Forbes), scr, 1; Thunder (J. Martin), 5m, 2; X.T.C. (V. Parker), 9m, 3. Won by 22s; 8m Is. Fastest time: June. JAN'S CLOSE WIM IN HARBOUR SAILING (1954, October 24). The Sun-Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1953 - 1954), p. 36. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12647740 

Avalon Beach Historical Society President, Geoff Searl OAM, also shared some memories. Geoff explains:

''I was a member (including the family) from 1958 to 1962 - we sailed from Careel Bay and then moved to Sand Point in 1961.

Of course we have a million pics - Dad frequently spent time on the start and rescue boat photographing madly.''

This program was dated 1965:

This pic was taken at the presentation night in 1956. This is Clive Way and Len Hillier on the right:

Palm Beach and Palm Beach Sailing Club hosts the NSW State Championships: some pictures

February 25th 1956 was a Saturday. In the 1956 NSW Vaucluse Junior (VJ) Championships held at Pittwater on February 25, 1956, the Senior Division was won by Doug "Tubby" Reid and his crew, John Hunt Jnr, sailing their VJ named 'Gaze Way'. 

NSW States - 1956 Seniors Winners

Below run some of those photos from that show Sandy Point Pittwater during NSW VJ Championships, Pittwater, 25 February 1956. Part of; ACP Magazines Ltd. photographic archive including Pix magazine negatives, 1930s-1980s. Creators; Australian Consolidated Press and Consolidated Press, courtesy the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales. Album shows Sandy Point Pittwater of then in background, including laneways at north and south end of the beach granting access to the shoreline:

One of the Palm Beach Sailing Club women sailors, Dawn Stephens with 'Kuppa'

Gaze Way on Sand Point and on her way to the estuary - to win!

Palm Beach Sailing Club continues its legacy of sharing the joy of sailing, and continues to host State Championships, such as the 2017-18 Hobie States, and again in 2020-21, along with its own 'BB' regatta - open to clubs across the state - and club races. 

For those inspired to test out if they may like this kind of sailing, Avalon Sailing Club, Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club and the Bayview Yacht Racing Association all have excellent programs for juniors, from beginners through to more experienced sailors. 

For those who want to try out VJs, BYRA states VJs will be back sailing at Bayview Yacht Racing Association again this 2025-26 season. Visit: www.byra.com.au/home

Why go sailing in the pure salty air over the pristine waters of Pittwater? Because, as Water Rat said to Mole:

"Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing—absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats" - Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows, 1908

Two Boys And A Boat

Published by NFSA -  From the Film Australia Collection.  Made by the Commonwealth Film Unit in 1958. Directed by Richard Mason. The story of how two boys acquire a V.J. sailing boat by joining a club on the shores of Sydney Harbour and the way in which they are taught to sail their craft in safety

Extras - References

1. State Library of NSW - NSW VJ Championships, Pittwater, 25 February 1956. Part of; ACP Magazines Ltd. photographic archive including Pix magazine negatives, 1930s-1980s. Creators; Australian Consolidated Press and Consolidated Press, courtesy the Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales. Full Album at: collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/digital/68GqE65xLyxoz 
2. Trove - National Library of Australia
3. National Archives of Australia
4. Avalon Sailing Club History by Norm Field, Commodore 1998-1999
5. Palm Beach Sailing Club Honours World and Olympic Champion Members at 2018 'come have some fun' Open Day
6. The Basin, Pittwater: A Reprise
7. Pittwater Roads II: Where The Streets Have Your Name - Coaster's Retreat and The Basin
8. A Tent Or Hut At The Basin During Holiday Times
9. Goldthorpe & Smith Boatshed Becomes Port Jackson & Manly Steamship's Palm Beach Marine Service: Palm Beach Boatsheds 
10. Iluka Park, Woorak Park, Pittwater Park, Sand Point Reserve, Snapperman Beach reserve - Palm Beach: Some History
11. William (Bill) James  Goddard II shares family insights at Avalon Beach Historical Society's 2022 AGM
12. MILTON FAMILY PROPERTY HISTORY – PALM BEACH by William (Bill) James Goddard II, Photos courtesy of the Milton Family
13. Pittwater Fishermen: Barranjoey Days (Arblaster family)
14. Palm Beach Public Wharf: Some History
15. Clareville Public Wharf: 1885 to 1935 - Some History
16. Palm Beach Sailing Club’s 50th Anniversary - 2012

Above: (l to r) PBSC's Commodore Anthony Duchatel, Pittwater Council Mayor Harvey Rose, Hon. Bronwyn Bishop and Pittwater MP. Rob Stokes, unveiling 50th Anniversary plaque. Pictures: AJG/PON

The funds of the candidate will be considerably strengthened by donations of a magnificent oil painting, the work and gift of Miss Ettie Mansfield, Southgate, a handsome camisole, the work of Miss Laura Watkins, Swan Creek, also two beagle pups, donated by Mr. Victor Boorman, Southgate, all of which will be .... SOUTHGATE AND DISTRICT CANDIDATE (1919, April 29). Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195154450

KURING-GAI FIGHT.
Assault on Ranger.
SHOT FIRED AFTER WARNING.

In the Hornsby Police Court yesterday, Horace Vincent Johnson, 20, was ordered to enter into recognisances to be of good behaviour for 12 months and to pay £3/5/ costs for having assaulted Ernest Victor Baden Boorman, a special constable and ranger employed by the Kuring-gai Chase Trust, and for having refused to give his name and address. A further charge of having disturbed animals in Kuring-gai Chase was adjourned until next Tuesday.

Boorman alleged that on Sunday morning, May 16, at Bobbin Head, he saw several beagle hounds, and also a wallaby, which was rushing down to the water's edge. Johnson admitted that the dogs were his, but refused to give his name and address. A fight followed, and Johnson ran away. The chief ranger (Mr. Berry) picked up a rifle and fired a shot after warning Johnson, who, however, got away.

Johnson, in evidence, said that the dogs had gone into the bush when rabbiting the previous day, and that he had gone to recover them. He alleged that Boorman hit him and that he retaliated.

After the Rev. R. J. Cameron, of Turramurra, had given evidence of good character, the magistrate (Mr. Stevenson) said that but for the evidence of character and the youth of the defendant he would have imposed a heavy penalty.

Mr. Stevenson added that persons who went out at week-ends to shoot or hunt birds or animals had destroyed practically every wild animal within 50 miles of Sydney. KURING-GAI FIGHT. (1937, June 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17389667

The following week:

CHARGE NOT PROVED.

Alleged Disturbing of Wallabies.

TRUST TO PAY COSTS.

At the Hornsby Police Court yesterday Mr. Stevenson, S.M., dismissed a charge against Horace Vivian Johnson, 20, labourer, ol hivlns disturbed wallabies In Kuring-gai Chase.

Ernest Victor Baden Boorman, a ranger employed by the Kuring-gai Chase Trust, said that he saw a wallaby being chased by dogs near the water at Bobbin Head. Later he saw the defendant, leading a dog. Another dog was running about.

Mr. Stevenson said that he was not pre-pared to accept the evidence about the Identification of the dogs He had the strongest sympathy with the efforts of the trustees lo protect the Chase, but he was not satisfied that this case had been proved.

The complainant was ordered to pay £2/2/ costs of the defendant. CHARGE NOT PROVED. (1937, June 16). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17395272

How this was misreported elsewhere:

WALLABY CHASED
COURT CHARGE FAILS.
SYDNEY, Tuesday.

Allegations that he had seen a pack of Beaglehounds chasing a wallaby in Kuringai Chase, and that he had seen Horace Vivian Johnson (20) with two dogs which he identified as having been among the pack, were made at the Hornsby Court to-day when Victor Boorman, park ranger, proceeded, against Johnson on a charge of having disturbed a wallaby in a protected area. Detective McMahon said that Johnson admitted he had been hunting in Kuringai Chase. The Magistrate' dismissed the case, saying that he could not accept the evidence of identification of the dogs. WALLABY CHASED (1937, June 16). National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160569970

This Notice from September the same year seems to name all the Rangers looking after the park then:

WILD FLOWERS AND NATIVE PLANTS PROTECTION ACT, 1927.

Appointment-of Honorary Rangers.

THE undermentioned persons have been appointed as Honorary Rangers, in pursuance of the provision of the Wild Flowers and Native Plants Protection Act, 1927:— 

George Herbert Mountague Berry, Esq., The Lodge, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Turramurra, N.S.W.

Ernest Victor Baden Boorman, Esq., Gumnut-road, West Pennant Hills, N.S.W.

Mervyn Richmond Jarrett, Esq., 5 Citrus-avenue, Hornsby, N.S.W.

Peter Charles Jolly, Esq., The Basin, Palm Beach, N.S.W.

Leonard Alfred Lovegrove, Esq., Towler Bay, Pittwater, N.S.W,

Thomas Bernard Roache, Esq., The Lodge, Mt. Colah Gates, Hornsby, N.S.W.

Stanley Michael Power, Esq., Bobbin Head, Ku-ring-gai Chase, N.S.W.

(L.G. 1937-G. 2,904)

J. B. SHAND

(for Minister for Works and Local Government). Department of Works and Local Government, Sydney, 24th September/1937. WILD FLOWERS AND NATIVE PLANTS PROTECTION ACT, 1927. (1937, September 24). Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001), p. 3880. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222028239

PENZIG— BOORMAN.

A gown of French magnolia satin was chosen by Miss Dulcie Boorman, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Boorman, late of Southgate, Clarence River, for her wedding at the Methodist Church, Turramurra, on December 9, to Mr. Vincent Penzig, eldest son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Penzig, of Croydon. 

The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion by friends of the bride, and the ceremony was performed by Rev. Dyer. 'She wore a lovely embroidered veil, lent by Mrs. F. Wannerfaerd, which was held in place with a spray of orange blossoms. Her boiiquet was of cream rosebuds and gardenias. 

The, bridesmaid, Miss Mildred Laraghy, niece of the bridegroom, wore a gown of rich apricot satin, finished with net and tiny black - velvet bows. On her head she wore a circular veil arid .spray of roses, and carried a bouquet' of carnations arid delphiniums.

Little Joan Boorman, niece of the bride, made a charming flower, girl. Her gowii of cream .satin was set off with a spray of baby roses , on her head, and she carried a basket of roses. Mr. Victor Boorman, brother of the bride, was best man. 

A reception was afterwards held at the Sunday School Hall, where the bride's mother received the guests, charmingly attired in a dinner gown ox black marquisette and silver lame. The usual toasts were honored. Prior to her marriage the. bride was entertained by her many friends and presented with a beautifully bound morocco 'hymn book, suitably inscribed. PENZIG—BOORMAN. (1940, February 10). Daily Examiner (Grafton, NSW : 1915 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192340389

NSW BDM's births: 

BOORMAN, DULCIE M 16410/1908 born to ERNEST and MARGARET ELIZA registered at MURWILLUMBAH

BOORMAN, ERNEST VICTOR BADEN  17274/1900 born to ERNEST and MARGARET ELIZA registered at ULMARRA

Rescues At Coogee, Palm Beach

In yesterday's storm a Coogee surf boat rescued two youths in a V.J. near Wedding Cake Island, and two surf boats towed a disabled launch two miles to safety in choppy seas off Palm Beach.

Six-hour Drift

The rescued launch, a three-ton ex-Navy crashboat with three men aboard, had been drifting for six hours after the motor cut out shortly after midday.

The crew, 71-year-old Mr. Ernest Jones, of Woy Woy, who owns the boat, Mr. J. L. Mackay, 52, of Brighton le Sands, and his son-in-law, Mr. Ron Miles, 31, of Ermington, had been trying to attract attention for four hours, but succeeded only after dusk when their light signal was noticed.

A scratch crew from North Palm Beach Life-saving Club, under the direction of 16-year-old William Oliver, went out to the launch, followed by a second boat, from the Palm Beach Club, and together they succeeded in taking the launch in tow.

They towed it to within 200 yards of Palm Beach, but because of the heavy surf they were unable to beach the craft.

A motor launch belonging to Mr. T. Smith, of Pittwater, then went out and completed the tow of the launch, taking it to Pittwater. Rescues At Coogee, Palm Beach (1954, November 21). The Sun-Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1953 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12647242 

Australian Geographical Society & Australian National Publicity Association & Australian National Travel Association. (Walkabout Vol. 20 No.11 1 November 1954). PEERLESS PITTWATER, Walkabout Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-741436170 

Palm Beach Sailing Club's Hosting of State and National Championships: 77 Years of 'mucking about in boats' - the VJ' State Championships of February 25 1956 - A J Guesdon, 2026