G’day folks from Sydney where, thanks to a very appealing suggestion from our new hosts Teresa & Trevor, 3 families agreed to hire a 41′ yacht and sail all 11 of us round Sydney Harbour for the day🇭🇲😎⛵
Greeted by clear blue skies, and the mercury already at 20C by 8am, this encounter filled us with eager anticipation as we “Uberred” our way to the pick up bay, where we would go through all the safety paraphernalia before hopping into 2 tenders to board our home for the next 6 hours or so😊
Once aboard skipper Teresa, more than ably abetted by helmsman Trevor, came into her own organizing her crew to quickly learn some new tasks and terminology…
The plan was to head up to Manly Beach, moor up for some lunch and then have a swim before returning to base ensuring we sailed under the Harbour Bridge en route…
We used the twin motors first to navigate away from the bay where we were moored and then the “hoist the mainsail” order was given by the skipper!
I’m sure the following images will show, far better than I can describe, how much fun this all was..
After lunch 3 unplanned events occurred…
Firstly, as we encountered a sudden squall, Morven’s newly acquired hat was blown off into the sea when, before you could say boo to the proverbial goose, Sophia, already in her cossie, jumped out of her T-shirt and shorts and launched herself into the sea like a hungry seal that had just eyed their supper!
Hat duly retrieved, Calum hauled her back into the boat where Sophia was crowned Hero of the Day – richly deserved too🤗
Secondly, on the return leg, a huge tanker was rapidly gaining on us at such speed that the Harbour Master’s patrol boat used his tannoy to tell us to get out of the shipping lane!
Having unsuccessfully tacked Trevor quickly turned on the engines and we avoided a potential collision…phew…
Relieved at that near miss we then became aware of the dark storm clouds gathering ahead..
Skipper Teresa took a hard look then issued “get those sails down pronto!” command!
Just as well, since the heavens opened with a deluge and all “crew” up top got a good soaking!
About 5 minutes later the hire company called to warn us of a storm and ask whether we were safely moored up….good timing!
About 20 mins later the storm had blown through and we cruised safely back to base
Not only is Teresa a very capable sailor, but back at their home she rapidly conjured up a delightful meal😊
Trevor then proudly flicked the master switch and showed why they had won the award for the best dressed Christmas house in their area🎅🏾🌲
Yet another hugely satisfying day in the company of good friends where every day seems to bring an array of new experiences 😊
BTDU 