WestOzWind

Friday 6th started out for me rather anxious. I mean we hadn't done this before, what was it going to be like exactly? No one really knew....



I kept checking Seabreeze all day. Earlier in the week the trough had dissapeared from the synoptic chart so I knew we had a chance. By 3pm I was excited, the arrows were green and in a SW direction (my favorite) - it was on for sure. I left work in a hurry and got home asap. Some of us had responsibilities. I had to bring a BBQ, Henry had cyalume, and John (affectionately known as Young John, Father figure or Puff Daddy ;o) was supplying home brew.

Woodies didn't SEEM that windy and I didn't think it all bad to be there without a sail. We had 12 crew turnout in total, beer and a BBQ. I had a quick look out and saw John planning with ease on his 5.7m and Moira talking "well powered" on a 5.9m. I just decided it wasn't dark enough for a night sail yet so held out before setting up my gear. Rigging as the sun goes down is an odd sensation, almost backwards. Once on the water though it was a different world.

Sailing along at dusk was nice. A shimmer off the water and the occaisional whitecap illuminating front of you. Gybing is learnt all over again and probably improved. It's all done by feel and the rocks come up pretty quickly. The best part was by far sailing back toward the groin and five sailors coming off the beach with cyalume sticks tied to their kit. Mike gets the christmas tree award for the most colourfull display while John takes out the consistency award for seven red (only) sticks on his kit. As the evening wore on all and sundry started coming in for the feed Henry had cooked up on the barbie. Thanks at this point must go to him for breaking our karma and bringing on the breeze. We haven't had a good sail for a while and Henry managed to decomission himself prior to an experience he had wanted for quite some time thus setting the rest of us up for a great sesh.

The night sailing was an amazing experience, so much so that we've already agreed it's on again next full moon. We've got a few ideas for our next outing to mark the groin and the point itself with cyalume or even swiming out some illuminated gybing markers. Also if we can jag it we might try and book the full moon for a saturday night. "ap" has some great photo's from the night as well as myself and Will and Moira. We'll endeavour to get them up asap so come back and check the photo gallery soon. There may even be a link here too so you don't have to go looking for them (nudge, nudge). Words can't properly describe how much fun this was, I'm sure even the fishermen are still thinking how great it looked. If you like the idea let us know and come out next full moon. Just bring your own steak and sausages.

Home time........10:45pm.