A long-time stalwart of the Metung Yacht Club (MYC), Bill Newcomen has been honoured with one of the club’s safety boats named after him.
The Bill Newc, a rigid inflatable boat, a key part of the Metung Yacht Club fleet of support and safety boats, has been named after Newcomen.
Newcomen is well known in Metung and was a Commodore of MYC for two seasons, between1997-999, after being the club champion in season 1996-1997.
He ran the junior sailing program at Metung for decades and graduated numerous young sailors, including taking some of them to Australian championship and representative status.
Newcomen continues to be willing to take adult learner sailors on board his boat, particularly during Wednesday twilight sailing, a program he coordinates on behalf of the club.
A life member of the MYC, Newcomen continues to be involved in governance roles, contributing on the general committee and sailing committee member.
He can often be found among the club dinghies and rigid inflatable boats, ensuring minor repairs are completed.
Club commodore, Peter Kanat, was glowing in his praise of Newcomen.
“Bill works selflessly for Metung Yacht Club and the club’s general committee is proud to name the RIB after such a revered member,” Kanat said.
Newcomen was at the helm of the Bill Newc during the recent Etchells 2025 Australian championship regatta, held at Metung.
The Bill Newc was the pin boat on the start and finish lines for each race for the five days of the regatta.
Bill Newc also served as headquarters for Kevin Wilson, who was co-race officer with his brother Ross for the regatta.
