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Tracey Johnstone pictured third from right

Member Spotlight – Tracey Johnstone

Our next Member has been heavily involved in both on-water and off-water aspects of our Sport for many years. Tracey Johnstone is a familiar face around the CYCA; a longstanding member, sailor and volunteer. Having been involved in two Olympic Games, scores of different local and international ocean races, and other well-known events such as the Admiral’s and America’s cups, Tracey remains a dedicated CYCA volunteer. It is members like Tracey who are integral to ensuring we are able to run such an extensive, successful Racing Calendar!

 

CYCA Member Since: 1984

Favourite CYCA memory: Working in the Sailing Office as a relief Assistant Sailing Secretary for Bob Brenac. It was during a Winter Series and in the lead up to the inaugural Sydney Gold Coast Race. That was a true baptism of fire when it came to working in sailing and with boat owners!

Proudest achievement on water:  Seeing the athletes that I worked with as the Australian Yachting Federation’s High Performance Manager take on the world and achieve amazing success during the 2000 Olympic Games. I was with them every moment of every race cheering as loudly as my voice allowed. I still get a bit teary when I reminisce about those amazing men and women.

Bucket-list event still to attend/enter: I would love to attend an Olympic Games as a spectator – no responsibility, just there to loudly cheer on the Aussies. I was booked to go the Tokyo Games this year… hopefully next year!

Best thing about the CYCA: The strong sense of being a welcome contributor to the world-class Club and the camaraderie between the members, men and women, who I have sailed with and worked with over almost 40 years.

Favourite sailing book/movie and why: Charles Blundell’s first (and only?) autographical book. Cheeky, irreverent; full of memories that take me back to my days running (from a port-a-cabin on the old ‘C’ dock at the CYCA) the Ocean Racing Club of Australia and travelling with the Australian teams that competed in the late 80s and early 90s in the China Sea Series and the Admiral’s, Kenwood and America’s Cup Regattas.

Outside of sailing I…: I have lived a very full life thanks mainly due to my love of sailing and the opportunity to work, sail and drink with some incredible characters. Over the years I have had my hand in many different sailing roles – administration and management, marketing, event management and media, Commodore of Mooloolaba Yacht Club, and the occasional mothering duty of an errant sailor (that’s a story for another day…). I have tried to move into other sports and careers, but somehow, the passion for the sport and the people it engages keeps bringing me back.  

Advice to my younger self: Too late to look back so I offer some advice to the younger generations – always look forward to the next challenge.

I keep thinking there isn’t much more I can do in sailing. I have owned and raced a few yachts, competed in several Blue Water Series, completed one Sydney Hobart Race, travelled the world with sailing, been an (administrative) member of the 1996 Australian Olympic Team and walked with the athletes in the Opening Ceremony, worked alongside some of the very best sailing athletes Australia has ever seen, and walked into a bar in far flung places and found sailors who know someone who know another someone who has sailed out of the CYCA. It’s been a great life so far. So, what more can I achieve? Give me a moment and I will find another challenge.

 

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