2013 Yngling Youth Cruise

Twelve sailors from the RSYS Youth program joined members of the Yngling Association for a cruise exploring both Sydney Harbour and Pittwater.  The first day was spent familarising everyone with the Ynglings and loading provisions on the mother ship Tiramisu.  Sailors made their way down to Cockatoo Island, berthed the boats and pitched tents for the night.  Next day was an early start to make our way north to Pittwater ahead of a forecast southerly change on Saturday.

A tow behind the mother ship was uneventful until a pod of dolphins was spotted in the Manly circle.  Next the mast on Merry came down bending the spreaders and plans had to be changed.  Merry was towed into Quarantine Beach and then sailors had a lesson in replacing the spreaders and re-rigging a mast.  There was also anchoring practice and a swim while the repairs were undertaken.  The boats, three Ynglings, Tiramisu and  Skud the RSYS RIB eventually headed out up the coast after lunch for the long sail to Barrenjoyey Head, Pittwater and the Basin.

Rotating positions in the boats each sailor had a pleanty of time to hone steering skills through the off shore swell.  We reached Barrenjoey on dusk and then went under tow again to get to the Basin.  It was challenging as it got dark quickly and there was a thunderstorm moving up from the south.  All boats were secured safely on moorings and tents pitch before a light rain set in.  

The following day the southerly had kicked in at over 25 knots for most of the day.  Tired from our big sail on Friday we opted for a late start in the morning.  A few opted for a swim in the surf and all happy for fish and chips in the shade at Palm Beach for lunch.

Saturday afternoon the group was joined by a second mother ship Crackerjack.  Still to fresh to sail the area around the Basin was explored.  Sunday after breakfast the boats headed out to Cottage Rock.  A great day of swimming but also various boat handling skills.

Meals were coordinated by the motherships.  An enormous thank you to Yvette and Jeff More on Tiramisu and Chris and Jan Harper on Crackerjack for accompanying the group and keeping food up to a hungry group of sailors.

Monday it was a bit of an exercise packing up camp and loading all of the gear on to Crackerjack.  Some short racing off Scottland Island before berthing at Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club to be collected by parents. 

Photos of the adventure are posted on the Australian International Yngling Association facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AustralianInternationalYnglingAssociation