and chuck it” process. It turns out there was nothing wrong with the head, it was all a matter <strong>of</strong> technique. On day three we were inshore East <strong>of</strong> Gabo Island, expecting a SW to W change that we would ride across Bass Strait and down to Tassie. When the change came we were on a good heading with good speed and thought we would regain some ground as the others <strong>of</strong>fshore were beating back in. The wind even headed W and briefly NW but not for long enough to set a kite. The first <strong>of</strong> our seasick crewmembers appeared back on deck and started to get back into the watch system, the other two remained bunk-bound. As we neared the Tasmanian coast on Day 4 we were gaining on some boats ahead, and in fact passed a couple. The second seasickie came on deck, and we were starting to feel a bit <strong>more</strong> positive. Later that day the wind went NE so we set an asymmetric kite and pushed on. The final seasickie appeared and we were back to a full crew. We rounded Tasman Island early on the morning <strong>of</strong> the fifth day, having passed Terra Firma and several other yachts. We were able to hold the asymmetrical longer than other boats around us and so passed another Beneteau 44.7. From there we had a reach across Storm Bay and up the Derwent to the John Garrow Light having caught and passed another Sydney 38. We appeared to have a clear run to the finish, although the breeze was fading. About 500m from the finish line the breeze died totally and we stopped. Slowly the boats that we had passed came over the horizon saw our plight and sailed over to the east side <strong>of</strong> the river to slowly cross the line ahead <strong>of</strong> us. We sat in that windless hole for <strong>more</strong> than an hour. An incredibly frustrating experience. We finally finished at about 11:30am At the end, we can look back and say we finished with no damage and no injuries. It was the first S2H for the boat, the skipper and some <strong>of</strong> the crew; we came 36th overall out <strong>of</strong> 78, and learned a lot in the process. I know we could have achieved a better result. Would I go back? Don’t know, but I can now understand why people do keep going back for <strong>more</strong>, as I am sure you keep learning each time.The boat performed well. It is a very dry boat, easy to steer, great bunks, and the galley works well. Any improvements? A brace for the navigator when on port tack, and clearer instructions for the head. Ray Borrett, Rear Commodore. Christmas functions. <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Yacht</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Victoria</strong> is the perfect venue to hold your next function. The <strong>Club</strong> can cater for business meetings, seminars, conferences, product launches, weddings, parties, anything. The flexibility <strong>of</strong> the dining room and covered deck area, combined with the outstanding views <strong>of</strong> the city <strong>of</strong> Melbourne create an outstanding atmosphere for your event. Without compromising general members’ use <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Club</strong> we will organise a function to meet all your requirements. Take the hassle out <strong>of</strong> your next corporate or personal event and talk to Sandra Etheridge, the <strong>Club</strong>’s Function Coordinator (ph: 9397 1277 email events@rycv.asn. au) who will be your point <strong>of</strong> contact and finalise all arrangements. Winter Lunches The dining room is now open for lunch on the first Friday <strong>of</strong> the month over winter; June, July, August and September. Impress your colleagues, staff, family or friends with the <strong>Club</strong>’s facilities. Utilise the parking and enjoy the open fire during a relaxing Friday lunch. Bookings can be made at the <strong>of</strong>fice on 9397 1277.
Top: Laurelle just outside Sydney Heads, Bottom: Laurelle crew in Hobart, author front right.Both photos by Crosbie Lorimer. Newsletter <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Royal</strong> <strong>Yacht</strong> <strong>Club</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Victoria</strong> • June 2007
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