Royal Melbourne victors over Royal Brighton in Frostbite Challenge

10:44 AM Sun 21 Jun 2009 GMT

'Tight finish between RMYS and RBYC in sabots - Annual Frostbite Challenge' Louise Griffiths

In an ancient sporting feud that rivals the Ashes, the Annual Frostbite Race again saw Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron victorious over the visiting Royal Brighton Yacht Club.

The annual battle sees Flag Officers of each club competing in tiny Sabot's in the chilly water of Port Phillip Bay. The Cup - comprising a bottle of muddy Yarra River water - has been fought over since 1964. The race, originally started as a mid-winter dare on the Yarra River, has been sailed on Albert Park Lake as well as the respective St Kilda and Brighton harbours.

This year, fluky winds saw a great display of technical and tactical competency from the erstwhile keel boat sailors. Luckily the spectator fleet was close enough to remind Brighton Club Captain Don Richmond of the correct course, resulting in a close line honours win over RMYS Tony Warren.

The hosts four boats finished in second, third, fifth and sixth places resulting in Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron retaining the trophy on points. Victories by RBYC junior fleet in the Extreme Dinghies indicated a future threat - although it looks like the trophy will stay securely at St Kilda until the juniors are old enough to join General Committee. Stuart Tait - Vice Commodore of RMYS offered RBYC Commodore John Spencer asylum at RMYS as it was doubted he'd be welcomed back at Brighton for a while.

Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron Senior Team was made up of: Vice Commodore Stuart Tait, Club Captain Stuart Addison, Tony Warren and Peter Davison.

Royal Brighton's team comprised Commodore John Spencer, Vice Commodore Gary Rowswell, Club Captain Don Richmond and Kate Clarke.