The Bridge to Breakers: a winch handle and a shiner

The Bridge to Breakers weekend was forecast to be a scorcher, 40c to 41c, but dry with a delightful 10 knot northerly. Noela and Nicky were again crewing although Nicky was on light duties with a frozen shoulder.

We weren't racing but just enjoying a sail down river to the Goodwood Mark and back as spectator fleet. So we  decided to shelter from the sun under the bimini, it does reduce vision a bit but we weren't frizzled. A few dinghy sailors ended up pretty dehydrated. Luckily the temperature on the river didn't get much over 30c but the wind was well above forecast, around 15 knots gusting 18 at times. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. A great sail and we had fun dodging the fleet who were all intent on racing.

There were a couple of incidents that I should put on record (I won't put on record a couple of dodgy gybes which proved that Little Dragon behaves very calmly when a dinghy would have capsized).

First, that damn jib furler. We tested it out several times before setting off and the jib furled and unfurled just fine. When we needed to furl before coming in to the shore it just refused. I am at my wits end over how to fix this problem. Ideas?

Second, the trailer winch handle flew out and hit me hard on the cheek when I started to winch Little Dragon in. My fault as I assume I hadn't locked the handle on properly. Now I have a splendid shiner (no photos). It missed my eye by about half an inch. I keep saying I won't make the same mistake twice and I certainly don't intend to do that again.

A "just right" Saturday afternoon afloat

It was a "just right" Saturday afternoon afloat, a gentle breeze but enough for the enthusiastic crew to hone their skills, not too hot/cold, no rain (we need rain but not while afloat) and best of all No Mozzies (? too dry).

Green frogs have made the BRSC ladies heads their home. I wonder why they never fancy the gents?

Pam and Cathy

Rae

All the best crew help with the wash down

The weekend followed a familiar pattern. Leave Byron Bay early, stop at Little Italy en route for a coffee, arrive at the BRSC around 10.30 and rig Little Dragon followed by a first rate sandwich from the canteen. Better gloss over the next bit as I still haven't got the hang of backing Little Dragon down the single ramp. Once afloat Rae and Cathy practiced motoring head to wind. Hoist the sails and we're off up to the Harwood Bridge and back. I couldn't resist the temptation to join the last round of the Saturday afternoon race. Good fun especially as we had to gybe round all the marks. Rae and Cathy did the pack up and wash down while I was at a committee meeting. Then off to an excellent dinner at the Harwood Hilton. Next morning we headed home after breakfasting on the club deck watching the sun burn the mist off the river. We reckon this is the best glamping ever.