This week’s Member spotlight delves into the uncharted waters surrounding Tom Barker. As an active member since 2004, Tom first joined the CYCA through the Youth Sailing Academy (YSA), having moved to Sydney for university from Gladstone.

Enjoying four years in the YSA, Tom has been an active sailor at the Club, having completed 14 Rolex Sydney Hobarts, nine Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Races and regularly sailing across many one-design fleets in Sydney.

Tom was awarded Ocean Crew Person of the Year in 2007 and these days, is also a valued committee member, having served on the Training & Development Committee since 2010 and is also on the Audit Planning & Risk Committee.

 

CYCA Member Since:  2004

Favourite CYCA Memory:

Not sure if one specific memory, but it’s very nice to look back at all the sailing at the club over the years. From early racing and training on the Elliotts at the YSA to regular racing on AFR Midnight Rambler and other members’ boats. The regular club atmosphere and getting to know other members has been very important to me.

Proudest achievement:

I raced aboard AFR Midnight Rambler for many years with Ed Psaltis, Bob Thomas and our regular crew. There were lots of great races in that time but I think when we won the 2006/07 Blue Water Pointscore and the 2009 Sydney Gold Coast are two that stick in my mind.

Bucket-list event:

The Rolex Sydney Hobart is a race I always wanted to do as a kid … I’ve ticked that off a few times now! I’d really love to do all the “majors”. I was lucky enough to take some time off work a few years ago and competed in the Newport-Bermuda and Caribbean 600 races – so still need to tick off the Fastnet, Middle Sea and Transpac.

The best thing about the CYCA:

I think it’s the atmosphere and members. Having not grown up in Sydney, I’ve always found it really great being able to come to the club each weekend and see friendly faces. Not just people I’ve sailed with, but members you see every weekend and you get to know.

Favourite sailing book/movie and why:

I’ve read plenty of sailing books over the years, however, one that sticks out is David Adams book about his BOC Solo Around the World racing. I think it was titled “Chasing Liquid Mountains”. His description of the Southern Ocean and how he clawed his way back into the first leg against Giovanni Soldini in 1994 always stuck with me.

Outside of sailing I…:

My work in tech and business consulting has been very busy lately – including regular travel to Brisbane and Melbourne before COVID-19 restrictions kicked in. On top of that, my wife Joanna and I bought a little timber launch called “Kareela” 18 months ago. There’s lots of timber work to keep maintained so if I’m not on the harbour racing, we’ll often be sanding, varnishing and painting or finding a small nook somewhere on the harbour to drop the pick.

Advice to my younger self:

Work hard, but don’t forget to take a break (and get out on the water). You’re always better when you get the balance right.