 Burgee of the Ross Island Yacht Club Antarctica | |
| Abbreviation | RIYCA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2000 |
| Legal status | active |
| Headquarters | McMurdo Station |
| Location | |
Official language | English |
Commodore | Michael Deany |
Ross Island Yacht Club Antarctica (RIYCA) is a prominent organization within McMurdo Station, Antarctica, founded in 2000.[1] It serves as a hub for individuals who share a keen interest in sailing, providing a platform for camaraderie and knowledge exchange.
History edit
RIYCA's inception in 2000 marked the establishment of a vibrant community dedicated to the art of sailing. It emerged as a response to the collective enthusiasm for seafaring, offering a space for approximately 25 members annually to convene and share their maritime experiences.[1]
Membership edit
RIYCA boasts an inclusive membership policy, welcoming individuals with a genuine passion for sailing. While the club's primary requirement is an interest in sailing, a light-hearted exception excludes convicted pirates. This policy ensures a diverse community of sailing enthusiasts can gather to share their common love for the open seas.[1]
Symbols edit
Central to RIYCA's identity is its burgee. The emblem was improvised from an Argentinian flag and a Scott tent.[2] It displays a silhouette of Ernest Shackleton and his crew, honouring one of the earliest "yachting endeavours". It also shows the silhouette of an Antarctic Skua, which serves to inspire freedom, and a red bowsprit, which must always be pointed south or "towards the nearest pub".[1][2] The colour blue, representing the sky, is said to symbolise the valour of sailors, while the colour white, representing the ice, is said to symbolise the purity of sailors and the seas off Ross Island. In yellow, "illuminated by the rising southern Sun", the RIYCA's initials.[2]
- ^ a b c d Rejcek, Peter (September 6, 2013). "Join the club. Enthusiasts find common ground (air, water) at McMurdo Station". The Antarctic Sun. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023.
- ^ a b c "RIYCA Burgee. The Ross Island Yacht Club of Antarctica Burgee Story". Facebook. February 2, 2015. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023.