30 May
Sydney couple Jillian and Philip are planning to take full advantage of the stunning natural beauty on their doorstep in their new RYCK 280.
A mutual zero birthday was the catalyst for Jillian and Philip to get back out on the water. Having owned a sailing yacht they felt it was time for something different and started researching centre-console day boats that offered the ability to make fast hops to beaches or coves, entertain family or friends on a stylish open deck with an outdoor galley and fridges, as well as being able to stay out overnight or for a few days.
“What was important to us was to be able to overnight or maybe go away for a weekend, and have a separate head,” Philip tells Current Torque over a coffee at Windcraft’s Bayview headquarters. “And to have enough facilities, cooking and fridges, to host six or so people.”
He and Jillian’s RYCK, hull #282, is undergoing final commissioning, and they are more than satisfied with their choice. Their RYCK, the most highly specced Windcraft has ordered from the factory in Germany, has a wetbar with a sink and two-burner gas stove behind the helm, plus storage underneath. There are two fridges, easy-to-access drawers on either side of the L-shaped cockpit lounge.
Tied up at the dock, the RYCK’s aesthetics of long unbroken lines, tapered forepeak, wide open deck, reverse bow, and sleek, twin-stepped hull create a very pleasing first impression.
“It’s beautiful,” Philip says. “It’s beamier than I thought it would be and I’m struck by how accommodating it is,” he adds.
For Jillian the RYCK’s distinctive appearance is also appealing. “It just looks lovely and it’s very, very exciting,” she agrees. “I can’t wait to spend as much time as we can on it together.”
The couple, experienced yacht Owners, live on Pittwater. Fringed by 30,000 hectares of unspoiled and spectacular Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Pittwater and the lower reaches of the Hawkesbury River are home to dozens of beaches and coves, many only accessible by boat.
Secluded bush anchorages aside, Jillian quickly nominates one of the world’s great dining destinations as one of her top picks for an outing in the RYCK.
“I’m looking forward to going to the Berowra Waters Inn,” Jillian reveals. Referred to Australian dining’s MCG, the Glenn Murcutt designed restaurant is nestled on the cliffside banks of the Berowra Creek, one hour north of Sydney.Guests can still only arrive via boat, punt, or seaplane – there is no access by land. Staff await guests’ arrival and accompany them from the pontoon into the building, past the stone foundation and up a staircase. At the top of the staircase, they arrive at the dining room, and the whole river view is finally revealed from the restaurant’s position on the hillside. Jillian and Philip will be able to enjoy their sublime dining experience at Berowra Waters and stay on the RYCK 280 if they so choose, as the cabin located in the bow offers a generous queen-sized berth of two metres by two metres, with a bathroom featuring an electric head and nicely finished vanity. When it’s time to head home, the RYCK’s exhilarating 40 knot performance will ensure a fast, safe passage back to Pittwater.
This RYCK is equipped with the most powerful Mercury powerplant so far teamed with the Bill Dixon-designed twin-cushion hull. The 5.7-litre Verado V10 pumps out 350 hp, an extra 50 hp on earlier models, but delivers a significant performance boost for a number of reasons.
The new engine swings a much bigger prop that’s 35 per cent larger than the one used on the supercharged I6. The new prop helps with low-speed control and provides more bite to improve hole shot performance.
As well, Mercury claims the Verado V10 is the quietest and smoothest in its class and that these motors run 45 per cent quieter than their closest competitor when driven at cruising speed, plus it also weighs less than its rivals.
More desirable extras such as a bow thruster, an upgraded battery system and a Simrad chartplotter, Sonar and Triducer ensure Jillian and Philip’s RYCK 280 is more than adequately equipped for whatever outing or getaway they have in mind.
“It’s calmness, it’s quiet and the movement of the boat that has a cadence of its own when the engine is off or the sails are down,” Philip says, eloquently distilling what many of us feel being out on the water. “I’m the world’s worst surfer,” he continues, “but I like to sit on my surfboard and it’s the same feeling. It transports you away from all the responsibilities of the land and you can just be in the moment.”Of course, now he’ll have his own personal transport to secluded breaks on the RYCK, and a hot shower afterwards, something no doubt he’s already factored in.
“The RYCK seemed to tick all the boxes,” he sums-up. “Other competitors offered something, but not all in the same package.”It’s a case of form and function complementing one another in the best possible way.
