Dutch navigators were the first to set eyes on Western Australian shores in the 17th century and set the State's maritime history in motion.
These days Western Australian waters are known as the arena for world-famous yacht races such as the Whitbread-Round-The-World Race and the America's Cup in 1987, and sailing is a popular past-time for many proud locals.
There are about 24,000 registered members across 36 clubs, including Royal Perth Yacht Club, Australia's third oldest yacht club, whose history traces back to 1841, just 12 years after colonisation.
RPYC's membership base has included many world renowned yachtsmen such as John Bertrand, Peter Gilmour, Iain Murray, Skip Lissiman, Colin Beashel, Jon Sanders, Sebastien Destremau, David Dicks and Noel Robbins. The club is also credited with running Australia's highly successful defence of the America's Cup in 1987.
