REPORT: June Long Weekend, Cruise-in-Company to RMYC Port Hacking

There were three yachts from BPYC and two from SASC who braved the chilly W-SW'ly winds and significant swells.

Departing Chowder Bay around 1100hrs in what seemed like a rather light breeze from the west, Blue Sky was keen to try an untested spinnaker from the sail wardrobe.  She was soon followed by Samphire and Le Mistral, Money Spinner III and G-Whizz heading towards Sydney Heads for the two to three hour sail south to Port Hacking.

This part of the trip, heading south along the Sydney beaches and Port Botany, was relatively smooth going for the travellers although some extra layers were required to keep the cold SW'ly at bay. Some of the skippers later mentioned they recorded as much as 28-30 kts!

Rounding Cape Baily Lighthouse to enter Bate Bay, we could see Cronulla in the distance.  Sadly the huge sand hills of Wanda and Greenhills are now long gone but a few of us on board recalled how we used to visit with our families to climb the hills, then slide down on a sheet of cardboard. I guess that is the cost of progress to build the city we now have.  I often wonder where the construction industry is mining their sand today...

The final run into Port Hacking was more of a work with the wind strengthening from the SW.  Fortunately it didn't take too long before we had to navigate down to Gunnamatta Bay where we turned to starboard making a beeline to the RMYC.  The marina assistant was most helpful directing us to pre-booked berths and made us feel very welcome.

Most of the crews headed to the bar for a debrief over a few beers and even some chips or salt'n'pepper squid.  Others took a shower before joining us on the terrace.

There was a pretty strong turnout for dinner with several loved ones and friends joining from Sydney by car.  
The bistro atmosphere was such that any rehearsed speech was not practical as there was significant noise with other guests dining and enjoying the company of their friends.

The feedback I received was very positive, with skippers and crew thanking the club for organising such a lovely destination over the Queen's Birthday long weekend.  A suggestion received was to extend the trip to Shell Cove (Shellharbour) with a stopover in Port Hacking then a stop in Shell Cove before returning to Sydney Harbour.  

.....A thought for the Committee.

Michael Jansen (Commodore)

Blues Point Yacht Club