From her humble beginnings as a school holiday course student to becoming a national champion in 2019, Emma Byrne has high hopes for her future in our sport as she looks back on the past six years of Club life. In 2014, Emma joined our Youth Sailing Academy and since then has experienced nearly everything the CYCA has to offer. Emma has been a regular competitor in Club racing both inshore during the winter series, and offshore, completing her first Rolex Sydney Hobart in our 75th historic edition. Emma’s progression has been amazing to watch as she hopes to get back out on the water shortly to defend her Australian Women’s Match Racing National Championship crown in October.

CYCA Member Since: 

2016

Favourite CYCA memory:

Winning the John Messenger Regatta. I had a great team and a fun time.

Favourite moment from the 75th Rolex Sydney Hobart:

Early on our last day we were about 5 hours from rounding Tasman Island and we had at least a hundred dolphins playing around at the front of the boat, jumping out the sides and chasing us down the waves. It was amazing to see all the wildlife and even a few seals playing around in bait balls.

Proudest achievement:

2019 as a whole was a great year. Being part of a winning crew for Women’s Match Racing at both the John Messenger Regatta and the Australian Women’s National Championship was an awesome achievement. Also competing in my first full BWPS with Arch Rival after winning Division B in the CYCA Winter Series.

Bucket-list event still to attend/enter:

Still a lot to tick off: Sydney Noumea race, the new Sydney – Auckland and the Transpac race are definitely a few races I would like to tick off.

Best thing about the CYCA:

The friendly nature of all the people there. Being able meet and chat to people about their sailing stories and any crazy adventures they’ve experienced.

Favourite sailing book/movie and why:

I tend to stay away from sailing books or movies. Don’t know why just haven’t wanted to watch or read sailing related things.

Outside of sailing I…:

Explore different places around Sydney and the central coast either bushwalking or 4WD. I am also currently studying at uni so that takes up a bit of time.

What do you want to achieve in sailing over the next 5 years:

I would like to compete in more match racing and offshore events. I would also like to get out on more boats, both dinghies and yachts, and just expand my knowledge and ability.

What’s next?

Currently fixing up and re-painting an MG14, once COVID-19 restrictions are eased I would like to go sailing on that.