Since its founding in 1872 many families have made significant contributions to the success and standing of the Amateurs, among them the Lawlers.

Their association with the club dated from the 1960s, when brothers Bill, Jim and Bob Lawler began racing, cruising and volunteering at Mosman Bay. Bob went on to serve as the 37th Commodore (1989-92), and four of their sons subsequently became members.

But when Bill’s son, ‘Young’ Jim, crossed the bar in March 2025 the family’s combined SASC membership of over 150 years came to an end. 

The Lawlers’ yachts – Senta (A23), Idle Hour (A63), Bettina (A108), Morning Tide (A94), Firetel (A50), Charisma (A94) and Azzurro (A142) – had provided them and their crews with countless miles of hard ocean racing and pleasurable cruising. Along the way, enduring bonds of friendship and trust were formed with fellow club members and much further afield.

‘Young’ Jim, who joined the club in 1979, embodied the family’s sailing ethos. Renowned for his seamanship, he was highly skilled in every facet of racing and cruising. His offshore career included 16 Sydney-Hobarts, numerous races to Lord Howe Island and Southport, and the Kenwood Cup in Hawaii. 

He was a watch leader on his uncle Jim’s Charisma when she won the PHS trophy in the storm-battered 1993 Sydney-Hobart race. And a prodigious contributor to Amateurs working bees over the years.

Jim’s quiet determination, immense marine knowledge and collaborative, self-effacing good nature made him a popular and sought-after helmsman and crew member. He also mentored many a fortunate young sailor.

But he absolutely hated talking about himself and his accomplishments on the water.

Instead, as ‘Young’ Jim told his longtime shipmate Robin Harris, it was all about the lure of the sea, the fellowship of sailors, and the fraternity of the Sydney Amateurs.