Savaad and I set out in Little Dragon optimistic that we would get a place, there were only 4 in our division (the slower yachts and trailer sailors). Before we got far down river a very gusty southerly blew up. It was hard work requiring all our attention to play the jib and main to keep sailing as best we could. We got downriver through the notoriously choppy patch near the Goodwood mark, kept tacking on down river past the anchored navy vessels. In fact the Iluka turning mark was only around half a kilometre further on. Then there was a strong southerly squall and we made a snap decision - we had had enough! Somewhat embarrassed we turned and headed for home. DNF (for any non sailors Did Not Finish) was duly marked on the sign off sheet.
No photos of Little Dragon as it took all our attention to handle her instead snaps of a couple of other competitors, taken at less gusty moments by the rescue boats.
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| Lea Foster and note the mainsail is reefed. |
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| Never too young to start. Hats off to this mum and son team who both seemed totally unpeturbed by the gusty conditions and completed the course. |
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| Savaad heading up Main Beach at Byron Bay with other Stingrays Ocean Swimmers for our daily ocean swim |
I am often asked how come I never seem to have a problem finding crew. This photo gives you a clue. Our large swimming group has an abundance of members keen to crew on Little Dragon. Many, like Savaad, have many years sailing experience behind them but but no longer have a boat so relish the opportunity to get afloat again.
