We are on our way
Sunday 2nd June 2019
Today is the day of our departure from Abell Point Marina. The dock lines were untied and we headed out of the marina at 9.30am ready to start the Coral Coast Rally. The mainsail was hauled up and the spinnaker was pulled out of its bag ready once we were under way. The headsail was unfurled and we began jockeying for the start at 10.30am when the starter’s gun was to go off. The 5 minute warning was sounded and all the boats began heading to the line. Two minutes from the start the unthinkable happened, the wind died out and all the sails on the competing boats just lost all forward movement. The gun went off and 6 boats limped over the line with 6 skippers grappling to get some sort of advantage. Eventually we moved forward and was able to furl the headsail and haul up the spinnaker. Rhapsody began to get going and from then on we had a great sail, right up to Gloucester Passage. The sails were all dropped and the engines turned to be able to negotiate the passage markers safely. Anchor was dropped at 2.30pm at the front of the Eco Resort ready for our Mexican Night tonight.
Mexican Night
Night one of the Coral Coast Rally was held at the Eco Resort at Gloucester.
All the participants got into the spirit and dressed in Mexican costume and to make things even more interesting had to dinghy into the beach and walk through the sand in their attire. Everyone came dressed and enjoyed some drinks and had photos taken before the resort laid on the most amazing Mexican food that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Most went for seconds as the food was so good. Prizes were given for the best male, best female and best couple.
The format for day two was explained which is a 48 nautical mile sail to Cape Upstart with a secret time of arrival between 3.00 @ 4.00pm with a prize for the boat that comes closest. Sunset drinks will be held on the beach after 4.00pm to watch the sun go down.
The race is on.
By Marg
