Another glorious day today, and our early bird helpers were out in force around 8.30 to put the boats out, so that our sailors could get moving early. Apart from bright sunshine, we also had 10 knot westerly breezes which made sailing a very pleasant experience. Tom arrived early and went over to pick up Charlie’s Chariot, then Col, Brian, David, Denis, Ray put out boats and started the rigging, Helen and Sue put out the registration papers and morning tea and we were almost ready to go. It wasn’t long before the arrival of John and Sheila, then Tony, Corey and Susan almost completed the team. It was lovely to see Rob again, after a 6 months break while he completed some training, then John M, Jim, Ivan, Phil, John C, Kandy, Pam, and Peter completed the team.Photo of Samantha and Phill
Thank you so much to Tom, Support Boat Driver, Corey, the observer, sailors: Ivan, Jim, Joely, John C, John B, Samantha, Rob and Brian: David, Pontoon Manager Extraordinaire, Ray, our brilliant Sailing Coordinator and the staff on the deck and the pontoon.
When our participants arrived, it all became worthwhile. Alan took off solo in Clea and we didn’t see him again close to the pontoon for 2 and a half hours. Royal Far West participants Samuel,Photo of Sam and Jolie. Tyler, Dylan, Riley, Cheyenne, Vanessa, Timothy, and Chiara fitted in their sailing between appointments, some opting for a support boat ride and photos being taken by Vanessa. Next to arrive were Rebecca, Judy, Jen, Ross and Karen, a new group from French’s Forest. Rebecca and Karen were brave enough to go for a sail, while the rest sat in comfort and absorbed the atmosphere. Sunnyfield brought Jocelyn and Robert, for a ride on the Support Boat and Paul, Alice and Ashley for a sail.
Photo of Peter and AshleyWe really appreciate the help we received from the carers, Clare, Anthony, Glenn, Lauren (especially on the Support Boat) Annette and Fiona.
A couple of highlights in today’s program: Karen going for her first sail ever under the watchful eye of her carer, first time in a boat, first time in a harness/hoist. Alan coming back after his marathon sail announcing that he felt utterly calm, after a hectic morning.
