In 2009 the Strawbridge Pointers continued this practise and partook of the local cuisine at the Penneshaw Hotel.

Vast improvement has occurred over time.

A hostelry has been operating from this site since 1886, with the current building dating from 1903. With a terrific menu and friendly service the pub continues the tradition of fine Penneshaw hospitality.

Earlier, the commodore waved off 7 vessels and 20 crew from the American River wharf, but not before issuing rubber gloves to his crew to handle “Jafra’s” new mainsail.

Local yachty and sail maker, Trent Neighbour and the crew at Alegayter sails had done a marvellous job of delivering the canvas in record time.

Sails (both old & new) were superfluous on the run to Penneshaw as the gentle northerlies made no real effort and then expired completely, leaving the fleet strung out across the bay. “Golden Odyssey” gave us our cue and diesels were fired up to meet the Christmas cove deadline. The deeper draught vessels practised expediency and moored outside the cove, with “La Hoya” assuming the former anchorage of “Le Geographe” in Hog Bay.

“Zenith’s” crew were quickly rounded up by the fleet Border collie and the Pointers repaired to lunch.

Christmas Cove is an important geological monument, as it was sculpted by glaciers during the Permian period. Following inspection of the scarred bedrock, the fleet bolted out of this under utilised cove under power but soon resumed a more glacial speed as the winds continued to be fickle.

By mid watch the forecast sou’ westerly change arrived and soon piped up to 18 knots, sending the fleet rollicking across the bay on a westerly tack. The return reach was short-lived as the breeze became fluky and morphed into the Strawbridge “doctor”, forcing canvas to be lowered again.