Saturday, 17th June 2023
There was a good number of boats registered to go for this trip, 8 in all. However more had registered with QCYC and yet more to stay on the marina.
The sail down via the West Channel was exhilarating with northerly winds of 15 to 20 knots with gusts of 25. Most boats, and they were all sailing yachts, took 4 hours to cover the 25+ mile trip. Along the way we interspersed with a Royal Brighton passage race to the West Channel Pile which added some interest.
On arrival, everyone was parked along the wharf, a total of 25 boats, a record number for this time of year, with double rafting for a lot of them.
Saturday night the bar was heaving, record takings and severely lightened bar fridges. Just as well Sam and his crew had restocked the fridges prior to the weekend!
On Sunday, after a leisurely start, 25 of us got the free shuttle bus to go to the Swan Island Golf Club, a short walk, but you’re not allowed to walk. This had been laid on by the golf club to bring people over to listen to and dance to a live band playing 60s and 70s music for 3 hours, they were superb and well worth the $30 a head cover charge. The Sandringham crew took over the floor on several occasions, and had a go at the bar stocks as well. The commodore is hoping to arrange a visit to SYC at some stage so look out for “The Substitutes” coming to a venue near you.
Sunday evening was pizza night. Gary Cleaver having set up the oven fire before catching the bus, and made arrangements for it to be lit at 4 o’clock. There was an amazing selection of homemade pizzas eaten, not much leftover for breakfast! The bar had another, lighter, hammering. QCYC is a happy club with the coffers being filled.
Monday morning dawned too early and was a grey colour still with northerly winds. Everyone left in their own time, resigned to the ebbing tide in the channel and beating all the way home, most, if not all, motor sailed. It was a bit lumpy with water on deck.
It was regarded as a very successful weekend by all concerned, with no rain and a lot of enjoyment had by all.
