My OperaChristmas Present 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010 11:19:59 AM
I had an early present 2 days before Christmas. I went to wish Ludde a good race to Hobart. To my surprise he said we are going for sail trials now, come along.
A few hours later I was back aboard Mind the Gap rinsing the salty sea spray off under a hot shower and still wearing my huge smug grin. During the sail the wind had picked up to around 20 knots and we were doing close to that through the water despite the short runs up and down the harbour. We only used the main and headsails, no down wind sails. Under the right conditions and tactical decisions this boat is certainly in with a chance of making it 3 line honours wins.
Christmas eve we spent at Cammeray marina where the owners hosted a party for international cruisers. It is a family run business with a big reputation based on friendship and a firm favourite with the cruising community. We each brought a national dish to supplement the giant size prawns and fish including shark that was provided. It was delicious. The deserts were to die for – death by chocolate and ice cream and all sorts of other sweet stuff. What a way to go!
It was a welcome get together as otherwise Christmas Eve would have been quiet with just Lorna and me. We have always had family with us or close friends and this year it was made special by Kelvin, Barbara and Fran.
We walked over to Bondi Beach on Christmas Day and people watched. Interesting togs or lack thereof, we will spare you the detail - oh what it is to be young and foolish.
Boxing Day was the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2010. The day started off rather gloomily but brightened before the start got underway.
We staked our spot in a prime position on the cliffs of South head by planting our British flag firmly in the ground. We got comfortable watching through binoculars all the pre race manoeuvres of these magnificent maxi yachts and at the same time listening to the tumbling of Aussie wickets in the England vs Australia, Ashes test series.
We had decided that watching from aboard Mind the Gap would constrain our view and the bustle of all the spectator boats would distract us from watching the race itself. We left the big boat in one of the bays.
I cannot imagine there being a more impressive sight given the setting and conditions. It was not long and Lorna and I attracted a bit of interest from the TV crew.
When interviewed, we told them that we were chiefly supporting friend Ludde Ingvall on YuuZoo of Australia for the sailing but England for the cricket. Ran and Titania with Robin Knox Johnson were the only entries that were sailing for England and they obviously had our support as well.
The maxi’s led the way and true to form it was the 3 super maxi’s that led the way. Wild Oates XI, Loyal, Wild Thing. Then close together, YuuZoo, Loki, Lahana and Ran. This is gearing up to an exciting race with the fleet set to encounter some rough stuff on the nose over night.
We will keep you posted…
A few hours later I was back aboard Mind the Gap rinsing the salty sea spray off under a hot shower and still wearing my huge smug grin. During the sail the wind had picked up to around 20 knots and we were doing close to that through the water despite the short runs up and down the harbour. We only used the main and headsails, no down wind sails. Under the right conditions and tactical decisions this boat is certainly in with a chance of making it 3 line honours wins.
Christmas eve we spent at Cammeray marina where the owners hosted a party for international cruisers. It is a family run business with a big reputation based on friendship and a firm favourite with the cruising community. We each brought a national dish to supplement the giant size prawns and fish including shark that was provided. It was delicious. The deserts were to die for – death by chocolate and ice cream and all sorts of other sweet stuff. What a way to go!
It was a welcome get together as otherwise Christmas Eve would have been quiet with just Lorna and me. We have always had family with us or close friends and this year it was made special by Kelvin, Barbara and Fran.
We walked over to Bondi Beach on Christmas Day and people watched. Interesting togs or lack thereof, we will spare you the detail - oh what it is to be young and foolish.
Boxing Day was the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 2010. The day started off rather gloomily but brightened before the start got underway.
We staked our spot in a prime position on the cliffs of South head by planting our British flag firmly in the ground. We got comfortable watching through binoculars all the pre race manoeuvres of these magnificent maxi yachts and at the same time listening to the tumbling of Aussie wickets in the England vs Australia, Ashes test series.
We had decided that watching from aboard Mind the Gap would constrain our view and the bustle of all the spectator boats would distract us from watching the race itself. We left the big boat in one of the bays.
I cannot imagine there being a more impressive sight given the setting and conditions. It was not long and Lorna and I attracted a bit of interest from the TV crew.
When interviewed, we told them that we were chiefly supporting friend Ludde Ingvall on YuuZoo of Australia for the sailing but England for the cricket. Ran and Titania with Robin Knox Johnson were the only entries that were sailing for England and they obviously had our support as well.
The maxi’s led the way and true to form it was the 3 super maxi’s that led the way. Wild Oates XI, Loyal, Wild Thing. Then close together, YuuZoo, Loki, Lahana and Ran. This is gearing up to an exciting race with the fleet set to encounter some rough stuff on the nose over night.
We will keep you posted…
