​A pretty spectacular Autumns’ day was in store, and from the outset it was looking mighty fine: a NE breeze was eminent and the sun making good heat. All the makings for a great day sailing. As we sat waiting for our voyaging vessel, drinking heartily on the brew that brings on sailing abilities that only a league of extraordinary gentlemen can acclaim, we watched on as the drama unfolded below us at Banjo’s Wharf. Xena (Warrior Princess) was flexing her muscle over a much larger motor yacht to gain access to dock and tie up. Amid the battle, numerous fisherman were sent scurrying, and the motor yacht gave up in defeat. Final scores: Xena 1- Motor Yacht 0. “Way to go, Idaho!”

When I pull up in the car at Bedlam Bay the rain was bucketing down, Darrell arrived a minute later and as we sat in our cars the question was not will we sail, but will we even get out of the car!  A full ten minutes passed and there is no sign of Barry so Darrell and I discussed what beer we would have back at the warm dry club house. With no Barry in sight we decided to head off to the club, however just then his car pulled up and miraculously the rain eased off.After a lengthy discussion under cover in the shed, the time came to make a decision.  We opted to go out with just enough time to make the start. ​

​​Saturday arrived with a forecast much similar to the working week just past with predicted rain & thunderstorms. The day was also a significant Sydney yearly event with the Mardi Gras festival being held in Oxford Street. Five boats braved the conditions with three Div 3 boats and two Div 1 boats. It was another occasion of participation in Div 1 overshadowed by the smaller boats of Div 3. Resurgent put in apologies early in the week from the event. L.O.E.G again found the conditions not to their liking on the day with rain about, or was it too hot or too windy? Or was the boat being used somewhere else (a float to get to their float down in Oxford St), and what the G stand for??? These questions were being asked about this mysterious craft.

​For LoEG’o it was the usual pre start drinks and with young George Wilson again racing with us.
He reported on his visit to the Doctor last Monday for a very red and raw throat, a result from
  eating a family size bag of corn chips while sailing , this week he had same size bag but just
  standard chips with plenty of water to drink.   Problem solved we hope this week.......

​Special Trophies Race 5 started in a sou easterly breeze at about 15 knots but with holes around Abbotsford Pt. 2.15pm high tide and all four Div1 boats in attendance.
 
The start was spectacular with all boats at speed and right on the line on the gun (no Barry the battler, none of us were over as confirmed by Anne – an optometrist booking has been made for you……..) with RSGT to windward of AOE, LOEG and SF. The blaze across to east Bedlam Bay was overproof rum and SF footed through to leeward and after a couple of tacks laid Searles to lead by a couple of boat lengths from RSGT with LOEG inside them, and these positions held on the close reach to Drummoyne Pt.

​The river was welcomed us with scattered clouds and a nice ESE breeze at around 10 knots. We were to find out that this nice breeze did have plenty of gusts, lifts and knocks in. Darrell forgot his gloves so he claimed the helm with Barry and I grinding.  The foredeck work as assigned to myself because I “need the practice”......

​Our usual skipper, Carolyn, was avoiding the hot Sydney weather by gallivanting about in Hobart at the wooden boat show in Tassie. So her motley crew found it necessary to brave the elements (37.5 Deg C) without her.. ​...

​I don’t think I have sweated so much in the lead up to a race before. The lack of wind had us worried as we struggle when the wind is light. But as always great humour was aboard Memphis. Thankfully after a mercy dash back ashore and to the local, we had some suitable refreshments for the day out.....