Australia Day 2014

If you are a seeker of the true Australia day experience and get seduced by lamb chops on the bbq, flag waving parades or Hottest 100 pool parties, I challenge you next year to embrace the true spirit of the first fleet's arrival and join us in the Australia Day Regatta. This is a race that is older than the Squadron (begun in 1837), combines fun and competition (there's tea and bikkies with the Mayor at stake!) and is simply a wonderful event.  There is something magical and deeply moving about navigating through the tall ships of yesteryear as they sail down to the harbour bridge and skyline of our modern Sydney lives.

As always, the ynglings had a good presence in Div 3 (Spinnaker).  A civilised 2pm start had us heading from Clark Island, past naval vessels and cruise liners decked for the day to Obelisk, Shark Island and home (with a  few marks in between).  More than one boat had libations on board to toast the day and all enjoyed the very gentle conditions for sailing.  We were delighted to have a new yngling combination of Therron Simms and cousin Ben join the event.  Hamish Jarrett and Max Hayman held the lead in the ynglings throughout, though Jan Newman and BJ sailed at times as if they had the motor running! Aus 45 (Gary Wogas and Helen Impey) and Aus 19 (Ruth McCance and Trent Goldsack) made up the rest of the yngling fleet. The final results showed Hamish and Max taking first place in Div 3 by 1 second - so they get the tea and bikkies and their name on a very worthy trophy.

So next year, if lamb chops are a must, get on a cruising boat, else bring Triple J onto an yngling and get on the water...

Ruth McCance