The CYCA mourns the passing of 50 Year Member and Sydney Hobart Yacht Race winner, Russ Williams.
Russ joined the CYCA in 1958, having first become involved in sailing through the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in the early 50s.
After sailing in the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on board Caprice of Huon, Josephine and Lolita, Russ launched his own boat – Cherana – in 1959, enjoying plenty of early success.
A third-place finish in the wild 1959 Montague Island Race was followed by Overall victory in the 1959 Sydney Hobart.
Rear: Phil Hill (NSW) and famed Sydney sailmaker George “Raw Meat” Pearce (NSW) dec.
Middle: Jimmy Lockwood (CYCA) dec, Russ Williams (CYCA) dec. and Bill Ridding (VIC) dec.
Front: Tony Cable (CYCA) and Dudley Burridge (TAS) dec.
Cherana also finished second in the 1960 Brisbane to Gladstone Race, before being sold by Russ in 1961.
Russ then built the 40ft sloop Fare-Thee-Well and competed in a further two Sydney Hobarts (1965 and 1967).
In 1968, Russ and wife Angela moved to the Southern Highlands for two decades, then to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Russ will be remembered “for his generous nature, his willingness to help others, his happy smile and his love of a good party”.
Vale Russ.
*Vale produced with thanks to the Williams family.
