It had to be a good day today, because the weather was so perfect, the breeze so light, and the company so good. Ray, Ralph, Nancy, Megan, Helen, Juliette, Shelley and Peter arrived early so that the barbecue was put out and cleaned, then the boats and tents. It took only a short time, and the arrival of Barry, Luke, Jim, David, Lyn, Jack, Tony and Jacinta to get the 8 boats rigged, under the watchful eye of Boat Operations Manager, Ray, and on the water. While this was all happening, Ralph went out to pick up Charlie’s Chariot, then took Nancy, Ewan and Josh (today’s photographer) on board.Photo of Josh, today’s photographer, In the meantime, our sailing area was becoming full, with Ivan, Mal, Bob, Alan, Vince, Photo of Ivan and Vince, a practise sail,Michael, Rowell, Helene, Denis, and new volunteer, Jon. All that wished went for a sail as we settled down to wait for other participant sailors. David, Barry and Jack were our succession of Pontoon Managers. Jack took compliments from everyone on his excellent handling of boats, pontoon staff and participant sailors and their carers. What an asset this young man is turning out to be.
We had just turned ourselves around when our participant sailors arrived. Oliver came with Colleen, very eager to sail, then Kerrie,Photo of Kerrie and Jacinta Ashley and Anna from Washington House with helper Photo of Ashley and MalAlex. Craig was next, then Jonathon I, with helper, Marshall, Luca with Mum and Dad, Jacque, with Dad, Bob. Philip arrived with Peter and Lillian. Alan trundled himself down to the water, followed by Jonathon G and Gerrard.
There was a constant changeover in boats of sailors, except for Alan and Philip, who, in the solo craft just stayed on out in the blue, enjoying the experience, the light weather, and the feeling of total freedom.Photo of Philip sailing in Alan Wood
Does this sound excellent? We were not finished until Brad, Steve, Roger, Stuart, Carlo, Dirk, Robert, May, Danielle and David from BIRDS, with helper Gaynor to have the best part of their day. Danielle sailed solo, while the rest went off with whomever became available. All together, almost 70 people enjoyed this morning at Manly Yacht Club. Nancy managed to have a quick swim while Photo of Alan staying clear of the ferry,everyone else put everything away, leaving the place ship-shape for the following group. We also want to give a huge thank you to Shelley and Lyn, who kept those sausage and onion sandwiches coming for all who wanted them.
