Thursday, 21st September 2023
Congratulations Alex Newman, Matt Turner, Peter Williams and crew on being awarded the Team of the Year Award at the Victorian Sailing Awards on Friday 15 September.
Culminating in victories in the Australian Yachting Championships, Victorian Rating Championships, Association Cup and both Winter and Summer Sandringham Yacht Club Cub aggregate series, before the start of the 2022/23 sailing season, Alex Newman (co-owner Arch de Triomphe) and Peter Williams/ Matt Turner (owners’ The Muppet Show) developed a program to pool the collective resources of both programs with a view to a strong showing in these key events.
With a focus on youth (Henry (Matt’s son) and Jake (Alex’s son)), intermediate/under 30 and female participation, the owners sought to develop a strong team with an ethos to having fun, whilst also competing across club, state and national events. The development of these younger sailors in key roles onboard both yachts was an important objective of Alex, Peter and Matt to create opportunities for younger members who are often lost to the sport during these formative years.
Peter commented “As younger youth members of Sandringham Yacht Club, we were afforded the same opportunities by owners such as Kevin Wood, Alan Whiteley, John Williams and Robbie Davis, and through this we were able to develop in the sport. It was fantastic opportunity for us as owners to be able to develop the next generation of sport by creating the same opportunities to compete at a state and national level. It was also great to have the support of Alex’s co-owners, Alistair Murray and James Taylor to allow us the opportunity to race such a well-prepared yacht in the Australian Yachting Championship’s in what was a large undertaking to truck the boat over to Port Lincoln. It was also great to see Jake develop over the season and have an opportunity to compete at the Australian Yachting Championships with Alex.”
Along with the focus of the primary regatta’s, the team also supported participation in a number of grass root Victorian club events, including the ORCV Cock of the Bay, Petersville Regatta and Festival of Sails, with the running of Arch de Triomphe on Twilight racing coordinated by intermediate SYC member Jordan Commins. The season long campaign requiring 22 different crew members making up the team. With a mix of age and experience, the ethos of fun and learning, saw the group develop their skills for the primary events in what was ultimately a successful season.
Congratulations to the entire team!
