Even though our yacht was fairly
fast with the crew doing its best to
get around the triangular course
quickly, I got the feeling they were
enjoying the sail as much as I was.
We did our fi rst sharp turn
from the channel, and headed
north as the colourful channel
lights disappeared behind.
By now darkness had descended,
and we were sailing parallel to
the coast between Magnetic
Island and Townsville, in what
seemed like a gentle breeze.
I mentioned the light wind and was
given a quick lesson on the diff erence
between true and apparent wind.
Stars shimmered from above, and
our skipper allowed a sneaky BYO.
One of the seasoned sea dogs on
board climbed down to uncork and
pour bubbles into acrylic glasses,
passing them up from down below.
Sipping on our drinks, we also drank
in the evening quiet, as others brought
out nuts and chocolates to share.
Listening to the rhythmic sound of
sea spray, the yacht dipped through
the small waves into the night.
I was in the moment that I
had been putting off for years,
and it seemed surreal.
One of the crew broke the silence
and yelled out the narrowing
distance to the second mark as
the skipper bore down on it.
At “zero”, it was all action - loosening
ropes and resetting the sails for our
course back to
the harbour.
The boom, or
“widow maker”
as the skipper
called it, had
been moved
across the vessel
e l
and ropes were
being loosened, ,
tugged, and tied d
away again.
Keeping an eye e
out for one of
the yachts just
ahead of us, we
all cheered in
good fun as
we passed it.
At this point
the skipper
invited
me to take
the wheel with g guidance
uida
ui
i d da a nc
n c e
nce
on which harbour
were
o ur l lights
i ht
ig
h s we
w e w
er re
steering towards. Soon enough the
city lights were bright and he took
over, taking us back into Ross Creek
as the crew pulled down the sails.
As we walked up to the yacht club deck,
I noticed we were back before 8pm.
Invited to stay for another drink,
we chatted about the evening sail
along with the merits of owning
a yacht, before heading home.
A few tips for an enjoyable evening:
Your bag will be stowed downstairs,
and once underway, it’s not easy to
get down, in and out of the vessel
due to it heeling, and the crew
moving around setting up rigging.
Keep your jacket and phone
on you. Go to the loo at the club
before heading out and wear thongs
that can be left on the quay.
Most importantly, shout the skipper
a drink when you get back in!
The Townsville Yacht Club is in
Plume Street, South Townsville and
is a popular dining and function
spot for non yachties as well.
JUNE 2017 | 81