This morning was doubtful for sailing, with almost no wind, and a low cloud overhead. We decided to go ahead anyway, as the last few days have been similar, with no rain eventuating.
We started with our keen helpers arriving and putting all the gear out, rigging 6 boats. Max went across to pick up Charlie’s Chariot, all the helpers were present and we were ready to go. Michael P, Sue, Ray, David Webb, Helen, David Goldner, Barry, Ivan and Eli got the boats rigged and down to the water, while Denis, Michael, John, Terry, Colin, Bob, Kandy, Michael Burnett, Samantha, and John stayed up on deck, helping with life-jackets, warming cups of tea and coffee, registrations, and helping with the participants and their carers as they arrived.
We were hoping to get our new helpers; Terry, John, Colin, Bob, David out on the water, but this did not quite happen as it should, because by the time all of the students had had their sail, it poured with rain, so it was time to pack everything away. Pam was the Support Boat driver, with Corey as observer, and a student driver completing their competency test. In this way, both David and Tom are our newest drivers, with John and Colin lining up for next time.
Participant sailors this morning were Lochie, Photo of David G and Lochie from Nowra.Jack, Lachlan, Bruce, Karen, 2 Thomas’s and another Lachlan from Royal Far West. It was good to see these students again, as most can now sail quite competently. Their best fun was paddling across the ferry lane at great speed as there was not enough breeze to get them across.
Photo of the group from Arranounbai waiting for their sail. Photo of Joe, walking down the ramp on his way for a sail. Photo of Brian and Riley.
This group was followed by James, Wenlan, Joe, Dylan, Jonah and Riley from Arranounbai. Riley, sailing with his grand-dad, Brian, decided that the best way of sailing is with half his body in the water, adding a little extra drag and giving his teacher a few heart stopping moments. Everything was safe, however, and he arrived back at the pontoon safely. Thank you so much to sailors: Brian,
Ivan, David, Michael, John, Max for hanging on into the rain, and for everyone for jumping in and helping with the putting away, which was completed in record time when the rain started coming down in sheets.
Photo of Glennis checking out the bubbler.
Later in the afternoon, we had a short dedication ceremony for the Michael Brothers Bubbler. Michael was a most dedicated helper who passed away just about 12 months ago, and his wife came down to help us unveil the Bubbler in Michael’s memory. She spoke a few heartfelt words about how Michael used to love to come to sailing, and would have appreciated the gift of water from God, rather than using the bottles that used to be our habit.
