Magnetic Island Race Week 2010
Friday 3rd September 2010Dreamagic is moored in a prime spot underneath the deck of the restuarant at Nelly Bay. We are here for the Magnetic Island Race Week, 5 days of racing, drinking, partying.
The crew on board are Rona, Hannah the German backpacker and I. Joining us today will be Andy, a regular WAGS sailor, and Mani and Carolyn, two friends of Ronas who are flying up from Brisbane and Sydney respectively. So, 4 girls, 2 guys, no experience at sailing but hey! How hard cane it be?
We are parked with the "Posh" boats. Around us are illions of dollars of sleek racing machines crewed by fit young things in matching Musto crew shirts. There are hundreds of officials, spectators, people associated with boats, and pretty much anyone else who can sense a good party. The band, which is located on the deck directly above us torturing some 70's songs are entertaining the onlookers, who are hanging the rail staring down into the boats.. The atmosphere is electric. This has all the hallmarks of fun!
Saturday 4th September
Race 1. Because of a last second cancellation by crew we are a bit light so I have changed Dreamagics entry to Cruising Non Spinnaker. Of the fleet of 67 boats, there are 9 in our division. The handicaps show that we, along with a Beneteau 50 are rated the fastest yachts in our group.
We head out at about 10 am for an 11.00 am start. It's my intention to get a bit of tacking pracicein before the start so that the girls can at least know how the winches work. however the day proves to be windless. Our start was not the best becasue a 23 footer with 4 young guys in fancy dress refused to actually turn towards the start line but we got over within about a minute. We slopped around the course in less than 8 knots, finishing about 4 pm. At least we finished, many did not. We were placed 5th.
The after party was big to say the least. A much better band did Blues Brothers imperssantions, wine flowed, we dined on Morrocan Chicken on the boat and had Sundowners with some very experienced sailors aboard their 50 ft Bavaria. Whilst I would like to think they invited us because of the Bavaria/ brotherhood connection, I suspect that it was my crew they were interested in. While the girkls were entertained, I noticed no one offered to show me the golden rivet.