Greetings from Sydney
A quick up date from the good ship Disco.
The crew arrived in Sydney about 5 days ago and it has been a non stop week. As the crew arrived we heard that the Uk was being battered by Snow storms and freezing weather. Sadly this is not the case in Sydney, I wont bore you with the details but Shorts and Flip flops seem to be the norm! So here's been whats happening!
After the Crew arrivved and were settled in to Randwick Barracks, we went to find Disco. 15 minutes later in the mini bus we find Disco, She is berthed right in front of the CYCA in the middle of Sydney at Rushcutters Bay. Saturday afternoon was spent reminding all what the boat was about, but not until we had put the tent up to try and keep some of the heat away from our steel yacht. Saturday night some of the team departed to the Rocks and the bars around the Opera House. On sunday we continued to fluff Disco's feathers with many items checked and checked again, tell tales reapplied, engines checked and mysterous leaks chased! The previous week a team from JSASTC had come out to service all the safety kit for all 3 boats so all the lifejackets had to be restowed and the checked the the Personal Locator becons we allocated to the right crew member.
On monday was the big media day, local TV stations arrived, micro phones, interviewing crew's and skipper's of the 3 boats. Camera's clicked and recording's made. The Army departed first and then the Navy with a TV crew on board. Disco was soon escorted out and soon all 3 yachts were sailing around by the opera house and the harbour bridge! Monday we had a great days sailing, with much blowing away of cobwebs, with MOB drills complete, and reefing practised as we soon out side the heads in a NE breeze. All 3 boats had to complete a HF check with the local Authority, which took a little longer than expected. Next up was spinnaker work, we decided inside the harbour as the sea state was flatter but we soon discovered that things had to be done at speed! After a lively drop we called it a day and a Quick beer at the CYCA with some of the other crews and return to the hospitality of the Randwick Barracks kindly supplied by the Australian Armed forces.
Tuesday became super busy before we knew it. 5 sat the Australian Navy driving test (35 questions, multiple choice, open book), then went to do the big shop and the big cook as all the meals are prepared so we can concentrate on racing! Whilst this was happening, more media calls where handled and the boat was been polished for a reception kindly hosted by Nick Gill. It was good to see Nick and his Austrailian Suppliers and great to see all the crews mingle together.
Wednesday was another sail, starting in little wind and soon building in Bright sunshine with many enjoying the warmth on thier backs and the wondeful scernery of Sydney Harbour. Much more succesful spinnaker drills this time and we were back in just after 4, eventually we managed to cross all the jobs off on the long list and called it a day.
Some went back to Barracks and some stayed out and about.
Today being Christmas Eve, has also been busy, prerace briefing, about the weather and a few reminders of safety as well last minute food shopping. Mike Slade being the owner of ICAP Leopard, the 100ft Maxi came down the pontoon today to specifically wish the 3 boats good luck which was very touching. Now the crews are having some time to themselves so that they get their secret santa presents.
We are hopeing to have a few visitors on Christmas Day as well as meeting up with the other teams to hopefully chuck a few shrimps on the barbie!
The media support here has been totally amazing, we are a story in our own right, attracting much press and attention in the Club, who have been brilliant. The start will be covered live on line, follows a few links which might entertain you. The boats can be followed on www.rolexsyndeyhobart.com
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/notsobarmy-army-race-to-hobart-20091222-lbti.html
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/a-british-forces-invasion/story-e6frg7mf-1225811543361
