Mad dogs and Englishman go out in the midday sun – but only Strawbridge Pointers would venture to sea with the glass falling and the wind blowing the froth off the top of the cappuccinos. Put to sea they did, five study vessels and stout hearted crew. A near mutiny on Raraku, as the crew watched the wind speed dial hover over 25 knots, was soon dashed by Skipper Robert, as he “sprang” the Adams 12 off of the lee pontoon. Even the little Dauntless proved its name with a motley collection of seafarers lead by Nic Pike, showing how it should be done.
The two big Adams vied for rig supremacy with Ants on Break Free going for reefed genoa and stay sail and Robert on Raraku choosing a double reefed main, more out of necessity as it was the only serviceable sail he and Margaret had left after battling the ocean off Yorke Peninsula for a week.
Klee Wyck with the returned Moons in command, plus a pressed Dutch crew, showed that the older designs can stand up to their canvas, as it charged around under main and jib. (Yours for a modest fee.) It might have gone faster if it had “running backstays” like Raruku.
To complement the fleet Ruby the dog took the little catamaran Angels Wings out with the help of Henk; proving that even a dog can control a cat with ease in windy conditions.
Sorely missed was our Commodore who had deserted his flotilla and taken Rubicon to visit the North Coast and brave the dreaded katabatic winds. Despite the lack of his iron rule and the swish of his cat o’ nine tails, most of the fleet managed to anchor for lunch at Rocky Point, in relative shelter. Lots of bragging went on, but luckily no dragging. During the break Channel 77 burst into song with a Break Free crew’s rendition of “We are Australian”, in honour of Australia Day. Amongst the general applause, comments of “don’t give up your day jobs,” were heard.
After lunch the fleet retired, more or less directly, to the safety of the River, where they rendezvoused at their favourite “club house” – Wanderers Rest; thanks Ros and Chris. Here the guest of honour was that ancient mariner, Tim Williams, who celebrated, yet another birthday. Resplendent in designer attire, complete with Golden Odyssey logo, you could say he was the “bee’s knees”. Celebrate they did and as the hours flew by faster than you could say “running backstays” and the benefits thereof, the gathering realised that they had spent more time carousing than sailing. Who’s complaining!
The port hole, despite being dragged around, somewhere down the north coast, was still awarded and the lucky recipient was Henk, for exceeding the speed limited set by the acting commodore, Brian, by touching 9 knots. Disgraceful behaviour.
He narrowly beat Brian, who was charged with neglecting safety equipment by dangling his life-buoy light in the water at lunch time. A charge he successful defended by blaming Angels Wings and Ruby the Wonder Dog, who were hanging off his stern. It’s a dog’s life!
Tel Tale
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