An actual, discernable course was nominated and surprisingly adhered to by the seven craft participating. But, dear reader, don’t be misled and think that this was a race. No, merely a contest of speed, cunning and one-upmanship, loosely based on David Churchill’s creed of not being an actual race unless I’m in front.

“Klee Wyck”, with Penny Moon at the helm, bolted up the channel as the 10.30 gun signalled all away.

Roger (rocket) Robert made a propitious debut in his jaunty Bonito 22, “Bone Idle”. This smart 22 footer is anything but what her name suggests, as she, A) scurried amongst the moorings, B) ran aground, C) shanghaied the prize crew of Glen Churchill and D) sailed laps around “Sandra Michelle” ...all this before the flag went up.

“Jafra”, “Chardonnay”,” Morning Gold” and “Golden Odyssey” were all shepherded toward the fairway beacon by Ken & Paul Smyth in “Big Bird”. The Smyth’s were having a fun sail, trying different formulae but having a struggle to beat to windward with a reduced keel.

The second leg of the journey involved a tight reach to the million dollar “stink” boat moored at Island Beach. Brian & Penny sought discretion and came about early but dutifully competed a 360 degree turn to compensate. Great race protocol. Maybe it was a race?

Ants Harris and his erstwhile crew of foreigners (some from the exotic location of Parndana East) really put the hammer down along the run to Rocky Point, with the 2 Johns (Ayliffe & Karran) & Robert Bruce sending “Morning Gold” rustling along in pursuit.

A task of counting the buoys along the beach had been set for this leg, but guesswork was SOP for most vessels, although to be fair, some skippers simply could not count.

Suddenly it became a race for the commodore as he was the only one to know the correct luncheon buoy & “Jafra” dropped canvas to coast onto the mooring at Rocky Point. Other vessels soon rafted up, cheap red wine was spilt, sandwiches devoured and notes compared. Absent Pointers were toasted with John Gray’s home brew. (Deemed rather special, by most sailors) A convention of previous and current owners of Wanderer’s Rest (great accommodation & meals) took place as we enjoyed the sunshine.