Club members gathered for the grand finale of our 120-year celebrations on Friday 21 November 2025, where we launched the limited-edition 120-Year Celebration SAIL Magazine and unveiled a special commemorative painting. Limited-edition coins were presented to GENCOM, Trustees David Hudson and Trevor Megaw, President and Past Commodore John Levin, all our Past Commodores and a very special presentation to our longest-standing member, Alan Collins, who joined the Club in 1952.
The Publishing Editor-In-Chief of SAIL Magazine, now in its 15th edition, also received a coin for her outstanding work in producing a top-quality magazine for RCYC. Artist Jaques Vrey, creator of the commemorative painting, was likewise honoured and shared insights into his work.
The idea for the artwork began with a conversation earlier this year that led to commissioning a piece celebrating the Club’s 120-year history. Jaques, a talented Club member, enthusiastically accepted the project. The brief focused on reflecting the Club’s heritage and strong sailing culture, culminating in a contemporary view of the Clubhouse and marina with Table Mountain as the backdrop.
Jaques describes the painting as three horizontal layers:
Top plane:
Table Mountain at sunset sets the mood with bright, modern tones blended with sepia to highlight the Club’s history.
Central plane:
A depiction of the Club’s current layout, including the hard and crane. The Clubhouse is mirrored in the marina waters, symbolising the unity of Club and ocean. The burgee flies at half-mast in honour of past members and loved ones.
Lower plane:
- Left cameo – Shadows of the Past: Sailing heritage, framed by Fynbos and the protea, reflecting the Western Cape’s biodiversity and the Club’s diversity.
- Centre: RCYC’s vibrant racing legacy, hosting local and international events.
- Right cameo: The spirit of the Cape of Storms, with Neptune as guardian and reminder of the sea’s challenges.
Additional symbols include a ceremonial cannon referencing the Opening Cruise and the Noon Gun, and a compass representing leadership and direction for the Club’s future. Nautical flags and masts frame the work, uniting past, present, and future, and encode the message “RCYC 120.”
