Competitors enjoyed three days of thrilling racing at the Nautilus Marine Insurance Lipton Cup Regatta, which took place 14–16 November. Hosted by Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV), the prestigious multi-class sailing event attracted 100 entries from across Victoria.
“Regattas like the Lipton Cup are the heartbeat of Australian sailing,” says Lyndon Turner, CEO, Nautilus Marine Insurance. “We’re proud to support RYCV and the Nautilus Marine Insurance Lipton Cup Regatta, which showcases great competition and brings together sailors, families and yacht clubs in the spirit of friendship and fair racing.” 
The Lipton Cup story began over a century ago. Numerous Lipton Cups were donated around the world by keen yachtsman and businessman Sir Thomas Lipton, whose name is synonymous with both sailing excellence and sportsmanship. RYCV was the only yacht club in Victoria to receive a Lipton Cup, and one of only two in Australia to be honoured in this way. The trophy was first raced for on 13 March 1909 and has remained an enduring symbol of community and competition for Victorian sailors.
Northern Port Phillip’s premier regatta began late Friday with an invitational twilight race. Conditions were reasonably challenging with an 18–20 knot southerly breeze. Competitors joined local boats in a short passage race followed by the pre-regatta briefing and RYCV’s renowned hospitality and entertainment. Free berthing was provided to all visiting competitors for the weekend, allowing everyone to enjoy the full regatta experience.
Racing commenced in earnest on Saturday morning, with Off-The-Beach (OTB) classes such as International Cadets, Optimists and Mirrors competing in Hobsons Bay, while the keelboat fleet headed south to Altona Bay for windward/leeward races.
On Sunday, the OTB fleet returned for a Sprint Series, while keelboat competitors contested a medium-distance passage race with multiple course options. The regatta concluded with a lively presentation event on the club deck, recognising achievements across all divisions and awarding the Nautilus Marine Insurance Lipton Cup for 2025 to first on Performance Handicap System (PHS) in both OTB and Keelboat divisions.
“This year’s regatta saw 100 boats compete in OTB and Keelboat divisions, with more than 500 competitors coming together in the true spirit Sir Thomas Lipton envisaged when he donated the trophy to RYCV in 1907,” says Matt Fahey, Rear Commodore Sailing, RYCV. “We are delighted to have Nautilus Marine Insurance as a key partner for this long-established and prestigious Port Phillip sailing event. Their commitment to supporting sailing and the broader boating community aligns perfectly with the spirit of the regatta and helps us continue the proud tradition and excitement that the Nautilus Marine Insurance Lipton Cup is known for.”
Visit liptoncup.com.au