Renene

My father, Bud Bacon purchased Renene in 1957 from its owner/builders at Hobson’s Bay and we took her back to SYC. Renene was then one of the largest boats in the club (boy has this changed !).

The boat competed in the 1956 Sydney/Hobart race and was involved in a 3 day search and rescue. They had no Motor/Radio /Life Raft etc and by the time they sailed into Hobart finishing the race some 5 days after the last boat, had very little left to eat. However Renene was one of the few boats with no damage to boat or crew.

For many years from 1960 till 1978 Renene competed in the Queens Cliff to Devonport races, cruising Bass Strait, coastal and bay races; not often the first to arrive (if ever) but always good sailing.

In 1978 Bud’s business moved him to Sydney and Bud, Kent, Brian Reidy, Richard Goldman (dec) and Ralph Dodrell (still a member of SYC) sailed to Pittwater where she was enjoyed for some 20 years by Bud, Vo, friends and family members from Melbourne. Although still registered at SYC, Bud also became a member of Royal Prince Alfred. Renene was either moored at the Club or most usually at his mooring in front of his Careel Bay home, providing much enjoyment to all.

Bud/Vo decided to move back to Melbourne in 1996 and again Bud, Kent a few friends (Reg Walsh, Mike Shannon, Barry Bevan) sailed her back home to SYC. Some major work has taken place on Renene, which never stops; still a work in progress (in true Classic Yacht Tradition !).

The boat is still active at SYC and CYAA activities and continues her tradition of providing enjoyment to family and friends.