COFFS Harbour Yacht Club (CHYC) has welcomed new member Maud Demazure, a talented sailor with purpose who arrives in the city this month.

“When my husband confirmed we were moving to Coffs Harbour for his work, it felt only natural for me to join the local yacht club to participate in local races and meet sailors alike,” Maud told News Of The Area.

“As a professional skipper, I’ve delivered yachts around Australia and spent some time in Coffs Harbour.

“This sailing playground always reminds me of my home waters where I grew up in South Britanny, France.

“The Solitary Islands are a beautiful day escape and it’s especially nice to know you can get in and out of the marina in all weather; something I’m very much looking forward to as my yacht is currently in Iluka with much more limited access to offshore sailing.”

Maud is one half of the Mothership Sailing campaign raising awareness and funds for national not-for-profit organisation, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health.

With co-skipper Saskia Groen-in’t-Woud, the pair are active brand ambassadors for the organisation.

Throughout a series of double-handed races across the Pacific including the Sydney to Hobart on Boxing Day and the Melbourne Osaka Cup 2025, Maud and Saskia’s goal is to promote women’s and mothers’ resilience by undertaking some of the greatest challenges in ocean racing.

“After receiving a heartwarming welcome from CHYC Sailing Committee Secretary Moyra Mendham, I have no doubt I’ve made the right choice to join the club and will absolutely love being part of the club community.

“During the Sydney to Hobart as well as the Melbourne to Osaka yacht races, I’ll proudly fly the CHYC burgee in Celeste’s port shroud.”

Maud hopes that in between the two events, she’ll have the opportunity to meet everyone at the club and to do a race or two.

“I’m certainly planning on spending a lot of time over there once I’m back from Japan with my yacht Bluebonnet (a Rustler 36) that hopefully will be happily sitting in the marina.”

CHYC Director Tammy Mills-Thom said, “Maud brings a wealth of experience to the club having won the 2022 Sydney to Hobart Race in the PHS division on a Beneteau 473, “Cyan Moon”.

“Members look forward to following her progress in the Double Handed division in this year’s race onboard “Celeste”, a Sparkman and Stephens designed Nautor Swan 38, owned by her sailing partner Saskia.”

CHYC has another member sailing in the double-handed division this year.

Following on from their success in winning the inaugural 2024 Gold Coast to Mackay Yacht Race, Peter Vaiciurgis will be joining Michael Spies sailing on Maritimo Katwinchar, a Watney Circa 1904.

“We wish both skippers every success and look forward to sharing their stories on their return,” Tammy said.

By Andrea FERRARI