31 January 2014

Harwood to Browns Rock buoy and back on Friday and Saturday

Rae Wills, Pam and Cathy Jones
Cathy sailing down river to Browns Rocks buoy on Saturday
Rae sailing down river to Browns Rocks buoy on Friday in very light airs
I didn't do much at all except say things like "a bit this way" and "a bit that way" when novices were luffing or bearing away too much. 
Rae and Cathy enjoyed a quiet night next to the clubhouse
No wind on Saturday morning so my crew took the opportunity for a lie-in
However both Rae and Cathy looked lively on Monday morning and came to my place to wash down Little Dragon thus ensuring that they are both invited to come again!
There are perils going ashore on the banks of the Clarence River
Possum and green frog make friends above the women's shower at BRSC

17 January 2014

A magic midsummer potter


The pirate Tshirt a gift from the Bail family
Most unusual, we forgot to take any photos. These photos are all from my 70th celebration last August.

Noela came along as crew and Nicky joined us later, just in time for us to head off to Harwood Hilton for dinner with other BRSC Ancient Mariners.

The weather on Friday was excellent - initially a light breeze and not too hot considering it is midsummer. However Noela and I managed to stuff up big time. As it was a northerly I reckoned that I could easily sail out from the bank under jib and then hoist the main when underway. I found it was not so easy to hoist the main with the bimini out, especially as I had forgotten to secure the outhaul before setting off. After a return to the bank to get sorted out all went well and we enjoyed the freshening conditions later in the afternoon.
Noela and Nicky worked up an appetite for my birthday lunch with a cycle


After overnighting at BRSC Nicky and I popped down to Iluka Bluff for a morning dip followed by coffee at Wombah. By the time we got back the club was its usual Saturday hive of activity and the breeze arrived in time for an afternoon sail.
By Saturday Noela and I had ironed out the gremlins that beset us the day before. Nicky came along on "light duties" as she is about to have surgery for a torn shoulder tendon. It was one of those rare "just right" days - weather great and everything went smoothly. There was less wind than the day before, but plenty enough for an enjoyable if undemanding sail. We agreed "magical".