Wildflowers of Cabbage Tree Creek 2005 (extract from the Port Hacking Cruising Guide)
Once assembled at the Deeban spit we broke out the champagne and nibbles and heard some of the historical background to the area we were about to enter. Some of the information was in a handout by the Master and much was contributed by such notable celebrities as; Sir Angus Attenborough, Lord Leyland, Sir David Googley and others. We heard about the origins of the Basin, the grazing lands (described by an old lady from Point Turriell opposite) that originally formed Deeban Spit. An account was given by the grandson of one of the early Shell-gritters, the plans for a Tombolo and the legacy we now share. The group then proceeded towards the fish hatchery down the Deeban channel and under a bridge which may have been one of the sluice gates for the hatchery but now carries the water line to Bundeena. A little bit of pulling was required to negotiate the sand to the drop-off into the deep water of the basin.
The morning tea spot was a little behind schedule, and the Master was challenged over the need to move on. The Master is used to this kind of decent and suitably ignored the advice and everybody enjoyed the break until the stragglers caught up. During tea and refreshments were made and a description was given about the hidden river we were about to explore to the head of navigable water.
So off we set for the final ascent on the wildflowers. We had a wonderful trip with interesting obstacles placed in our way. Most were able to overcome with a little ingenuity; however, the Master again had to move on several Trims who may have given up before reaching our goal.
The picnic spot was a large flat rock about 100 metres beyond where we left the boats. The site was surrounded by the most impressive and profuse wildflower show that you could possibly imagine.
The picnic was had in fine style, with most of the party producing rugs; table clothes silver goblets for their wine and the Kalina's even produced a silver candelabra complete with candle. It's nice to see things done in style, and maybe the Master is listened to occasionally.
After lunch Marianne Gibson gave us a description and the full names of the flowers surrounding us. I hope I can include this segment in the guide to Port Hacking.
History
Cabbage-tree Creek.
Between Simpson's Hotel and the Spit, a gully runs back from the coast for some miles, and in the defile is Cabbage-tree Creek. This stream, as a runnel, heads in the valley about halfway from the Old Coast and Jibbon roads. At its source the creek is a tiny rill, which grows in width and volume on its way to the sea, and finally expands into a large and deep basin nearly a mile in length and half that measurement in breadth. The lagoon is fringed with groves of exquisite cabbage palms and tree ferns, a beautiful sheet of water amidst lovely surroundings. In the stream an abundant supply of fish is left practically unmolested from year's end to year's end, for the lake is invisible from the estuary, and its whereabouts unknown except to a few of the regular visitors. Its finny denizens include red and black bream, whiting, mullet, and sea perch. A sandy dyke closes the mouth of the lake, and this bar can be crossed by boats only on spring tides. There is not sufficient force behind the imprisoned waters to break through the unstable barrier and grave a permanent and tidal channel; so, the creek basin, with all its enveloping sylvan loveliness, remains for the most part an invisible retreat. Before it is approachable, • except on foot, the existing precarious means of egress and outlet through the natural entrance must be widened and deepened by artificial aid. This, and the removal of an inshore section of the Spit, would be a work of considerable magnitude, involving large expenditure, but opening out a charming spot not far from Port Hacking Heads.
Wattamolla - ‘Divine Providence’
By Peter Corbett
Wattamolla Team Photo 2026
‘If you want to know everything about everything’ I proudly asserted with utter conviction, ‘the only two subjects you’ll need are geography and history!’
(It’s a pity I studied science).
For it’s the history that examines the trials and tribulations of human endeavours and its geography that explains the architectural surface on which it happened, where seas, rivers, coast lines largely pre-determine countries borders, territories and states (with all its implications).
So below is a true historical adventure which highlights the sailor's knowledge of coastlines and their incredible seamanship (plus some good fortune) which coincidentally fits in nicely with our excursion down to Wattamolla (Providential Cove)
Providential is an adjective meaning fortunate, lucky, opportune and heaven-sent. The word often means something good happens at the exact right time, as if guided by a higher power.
Tom Thumb II.
Wattamolla has a unique coastal landform where a freshwater creek, a waterfall, a lagoon, a sandy beach and the open ocean meet in a tight, amphitheatre-like valley. This layout makes it a most geographically diverse area of the Royal National Park. These unique attributes provided an unlikely life-saving sanctuary for the crew of Tom Thumb II.
Seamanship and providence
In March 1796, naval surgeon George Bass, midshipman Matthew Flinders and a young boy named William Martin were exploring the south coast of New South Wales in a small, 8-foot open boat named the Tom Thumb II.
- The Gale: On 29 March 1796, while traveling north back toward Port Jackson, the crew was struck by a violent southerly gale under the cliffs of what is now the Royal National Park.
- Blind Navigation: As night fell, Flinders steered using an oar in pitch darkness. They navigated solely by watching the dark outline of the cliffs and listening to the thunderous roar of the surf breaking against the rocks.
- The Breakthrough: Flinders spotted a break in the cliffs and believed he saw breakers indicating a shallow entrance. He turned the tiny boat hard toward the shore.
- Providential Escape: The boat caught a massive swell, "shot across a sandbar," and instantly burst into the perfectly calm, protected lagoon behind the reef.
- Geographic Naming: Out of sheer relief, Flinders named the sanctuary Providential Cove. To honour their young crew mate, the southern headland was named Boy Martin Point and the northern headland Providential Head.
Emerald-green waters
Our journey
L’attitude leads us out of Jibbon, followed by Axiom and Mach-1. Navigator hoists her sails and follow Slingshot and Margaritaville. Tanya takes the helm and steers us south on a picture perfect morning. We wave to The Riv that majestically motors past. Call it divine intervention or just good fortune because the conditions were perfect for our trip & our destination. Little swell on a clear sunny warm winter’s day. The favourable WNW winds blew us down on a comfortable reach. Ironically the winds blew us back home on the same reach! WNW on the way there and ESE-SE on our return. What were the chances?!
The reefs
JB provides us safe passage through Wattamolla’s entrance. Navigating us away from danger, utilising his years of experience, without telemetry simultaneously providing calm guided commentary over VHF! (impressive) We arrive at our destination and anchor!! Seven boats float in sparkling emerald-green waters wrapped around cushions of gold sand, flanked in green by steep, tree-lined cliffs. Awesome!!
Credits & gratitude's
Tanya on the helm
Thank you so much to David Newton and JB for their invaluable tender service.
Thank you to Alistair for summoning up the energy to make it by ‘Land Yacht’ despite enduring travel fatigue from his recent trip.
Sincere thanks to David & Mary Cartmer for their support & kind words.
Special thanks to Tim Dodds for creating an encyclopaedic Wattamolla 2026 photo album. https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD2V2e
Thank you to Hugo for joining us on Slingshot (& on his Birthday!)
Thank you to Dee (Hugo’s partner) for taking the Team Wattamolla beach photos.
Thank you again to all that joined us and I’m most grateful for your good company.
Peter
Fleet anchored
Interested (9): Navigator, L'attitude, Margaritaville, Etre Jeune, Mach-1, Yknot/Riv, Slingshot, marri nuwi, Axiom
Apologies: Chinook, Jazz Bar
The next event is RMYC-PH Opening Day on Saturday 5 September at 11am
You've invited to celebrate the opening of the boating season at RMYC Port Hacking.
Join us on Saturday 5 September at 11am as we officially kick off another boating season.
Boating members who wish to attend the ceremony and take part in the sail past and Commodore’s salute, please contact reception on 9523 9300 or email reception@rmycph.com.au
Wattamolla 2026
Plan for Wattamolla 2026 is subject to weather conditions, but Saturday 22nd of August looks good.
Newcomers should notify on the contact form so arrangements can be made for them to enter safely.
Meet at Jibbon at 10am and make contact with Navigator on VHF73.
If the conditions are good there is room for 10 yachts to anchor for lunch.
After lunch suggest we make our way ashore for a bit of exploring and for a group photo.
Note: 3 reefs on way in, so approach from the SE and give reef 2 plenty of clearance. Reef 3 should be visible but still give good clearance. It is deep along the northern shore. There should be at least 4-5 metres of depth on the way in and at least 3 metre inside to drop anchor on a sandy bottom.
New commers should make contact with L'attitude on VHV73 before entering and you will be escorted in or guided on VHF73.
Chasing Giants: A Perfect Day For Whale Watching
Onboard Navigator
A million thank you’s to all that joined us for the Whale Watching experience!
The sea has a remarkable way of putting life into perspective.
It is from here, not a great distance from our shores on ‘The Shire’ that we find one of nature’s greatest spectacles unfold.
The day begins with gentle sea breezes, bright sunshine and the steady rhythm that oscillates between wind & swell.
John & Jo Zagame on Koh Rache, couldn’t have been more accommodating & helpful, taking care of some ‘new passages’ that wished to enjoy the spectacle. I’m so grateful to you both for that!
I chat with Richard Stock a day before, who informs me that the Southerly Set was weaker than last year. The implications were clear; the whales would be less inclined to hug the shoreline to make their journey north.
They're out there!
My expectations were low but nevertheless my hopes were high.
Mach 1 skippered by Dave Cartmer lead the fleet out of Bate Bay.
We leave Port Hacking gliding across sparkling blue water, leaving the hustle & bustle of onshore life behind us.
And as predicted, the whales were harder to find but with thanks to diligent camera work by David Newton & Co on ‘The Riv’, they managed to come in first with the evidence.
For us the anticipation builds with every nautical mile. Eyes scan the horizon; cameras remain poised and conversations quiet whenever a distant movement catches our attention. Then it happens.
A plume of mist rises from the water. Yes, they are out there! Gasps & smiles ripple across the deck.
Richard & Roz, Bill & Lynden on Etre Jeune find the magic spot and are witnesses to an active pod of whales.
A whale emerges
They share their footage of a day amongst giants, showing dark silhouettes, as the top half of a whale breaks the surface before disappearing beneath the waves. Soon another appears, this time closer, offering a breathtaking display as a fluke lifts high above the water before slipping gracefully into the depths.
Alistair’s team tread a slightly different path on marri nuwi and scored big time with the sighting of two breeching baby whales. Excellent work indeed, with great footage captured courtesy of Steve Saunders.
Perfect shot!
These encounters are impossible to forget. There is something profoundly moving about witnessing creatures of such immense size move with effortless elegance through their natural environment. Every sighting feels personal, as though the ocean is revealing one of its best-kept secrets.
We finally join up with JB on L’attitude who safely navigates us around the reefs at Voodoo. We gather around a beautifully prepared lunch, sharing stories & laughter while safely anchored. Behind us, beautiful Boat Harbour envelops us with arms of golden sand. A small cluster of four wheel-drives cling along its shore line.
Beautiful Fluke
The afternoon sun sprays its rays across Cronulla’s golden skyline and we eventually decide to up anchor, leaving Boat Harbour behind us.
As Navigator turns towards home, there is a sense that no one is quite ready for the day to end.
The annual trip of whale watching once again returns me to the water and takes me somewhere I already belong but had forgotten.
Breeching whale
I realise it’s not just a preference but an inheritance, not all given but, in some part, uncovered from within.
For sailors seeking an unforgettable connection with nature, few experiences compare to spending a day in the company of whales. It is a trip that combines adventure, tranquillity and wonder in equal measure—a rare reminder that some of the world’s greatest treasures are found right here on our very own doorstep!
Thank you again to all for the lovely & precious day on the water!!
Interested (7): Navigator, L'attitude, The Riv, Etre Jeune, Koh Racha, marri nuwi, Mach-1,
The next cruise event will be Sunday 2nd August 2026 Destination: Wattamolla
Hope to see you there!!
Peter Corbett
Burraneer Crossing March 2026
Yarra Bay Luncheon
A big thank you to all those that joined us at Yarra Bay Sailing Club.
Navigator’s trip to Yarra Bay was a most pleasant affair. We depart from Cronulla, setting the sails courtesy of John Duff & Doug Foster. Joining us onboard for the first time is Louise, Doug’s wife. (It turns out Lou is quite the sailor!)
Doug & Louise Foster
The trip was notable for this singular fact; we held the same tack all the way to Yarra Bay aided by the ENE winds.
We anchor and stroll up the beautiful beach of Yarra Bay. As the sun appeared so did the local sun-bathers. The elevated banks of sand curl round to form a near perfect amphitheatre of shelter; flooded with sunshine yet protected from the wind.
Anchored at Yarra Bay
The weather continues to fine up and once again we have ringside seats overlooking these picturesque waters accompanied by a club menu full of delicious choices.
Debs & I relished our scrumptious main courses and enjoyed the congenial company of fellow friends and sailors.
Special thanks to those that came by car and made the extra effort to be there, with special mention to Ken & Libby Teiffel.
Sincere thanks also to Mike Wolf for joining us, along with Michael Meehan, Brent Vaughan and Dave Bateup.
I’m obliged to Tony Towndrow and Glen Burgess who not only brought their crew along but their wives too. It was delightful to finally meet the ‘better halves’.
Thank you to the Y-knot team of David & Karyn Newton, Gary & Tracey Fielder and Gordon Knight. I’m also grateful for their invaluable tender hospitality.
Rainbow over Gunnamatta on return leg
While Navigator headed back home to Port Hacking, David & Gary piloted ‘TheRiv’ north and raced off to catch the action of the Sail GP on Sydney Harbour.
Thank you again to all for coming along to join us at Yarra Bay.
Peter Corbett
Interested: Navigator (4boat), L'attitude (2car), Excentric (2car), The Riv (4boat), Patrol Boat (6car), Mach-1(4boat), Possible Dream (3car), MC Starship(2car)
Apologies: Reve, Brand-X, Jazz Bar, marri nuwi
Audley Trip 2025
All rafted up at Audley
Thank you to all who made the journey to Audley. It’s such a beautiful spot!!
It takes less than an hour of gentle motoring to get there.
Thank you to the 6 boats that arrived at Pool Flat on a hot Saturday morning. An extra special thanks goes to all those that made the extra effort to come by car to join us.
Dave B is playing some cool vibes in the shimmering heat
Meandered along its path we followed JB on L'attitude who kindly guides us past the shallows of Swallow Rock. After that there was little to worry us as we made our way. The tide was so full that the top of one of lateral channel marks was barely visible. Also there was the odd over hanging tree branches which were easily avoided. I wish I remembered that on the way back! (some of those branches have now been slightly trimmed).
Leaving all evidence of residential housing behind us we sail into the leafy vegetation of the Royal National Park. The unspoilt waterway reveals the odd pontoon along the shoreline with the only access being from the steep and elevated precarious placed stone steps and ladders
On arrival Dave Bateup on Chill kindly assisted us with rafting up. That done, Dave reappeared moments later with his pet Dog Ash in one hand and surprisingly a saxophone in the other. Moments later Dave B is playing some cool vibes in the shimmering heat while Alistair & Alison are first to enjoy a refreshing swim.
The paddle board competition was hit in the hot weather with 3 contenders vying for first place and all carrying pillion passenger’s!! (Doug Foster’s 5 year old son Seb joined his Dad and a pet dog apiece joined their owners aboard Andy and Dave’s paddle board).
Well done to Dave who managed to cross the line first by a (dog’s) short half head!
First prize of a Huski Wine goblet goes to Dave B.
Drinks onboard followed by lunch and Dinner at the Sheds (and some more drinks cos it was hot)
The paddle board competition was hit in the hot weather
After dinner the Trivia Competition was held back onboard Achtung baby! Thank you so much Lisa and Andy for hosting all of us.
The winner was marri nuwi with Alison taking home first prize (another gold Huski goblet)
(I’m happy to supply Q&A’s for all those who wish to refresh their memories)
The predicted Southerly came in gently around 6am Sunday but thankfully wasn’t as fierce as forecast.
Safely homeward bound Debs commented on how much she had enjoyed herself and I wholeheartedly agreed with her sentiments.
So thank you to all again. It was a pleasure to be in the finest company of such good humoured revelry and that topped it off for me as the perfect weekend escape.
Peter (Corbett) Navigator
Historic photo of the halcyon days of Audley.
Attended:
Navigator (2), L'attitude (2), Achtung Baby (2), Chill (2), marri nuwi (2), Axiom (1), Mark Klees & Tina Costanzo (car), Vanessa & Rupert (car), Di and Steve Saunders (car), Doug & Seb Foster (car), Bernadette & Philippa (car), Rick and Elizabeth Henwood (Tinnie).
Next cruise event is Yarra Bay 28th February 2026
Winifred Re-visited 2025
by Peter Corbett
My sincere thanks to all that joined us for our trip towards Winifred Falls. We were spoilt with a perfect hot summer day in Spring!
Our tenders begin their journey curling around a carpet of bright green mangroves. Instantly the concealed oasis unveils its secrets, revealing a panoramic abundance of untouched natural beauty.
Green and gold, rugged and rocky, the cliff covered wilderness of eucalyptus meets you on one side and gentle sloping shores invite you to the other
"We wade back through malleable cushions of fine silken sand and the fickle flashes of silver fish"
Enveloped by gleaming rivulets of pristine crystal waters, you float along its graceful and meandering path.
Ambient noise from the weekend boaters has long gone as you’re immersed in an air of soft silence, punctuated only with the occasional chorus of bird calls.
The whole sensory experience becomes inspirational and breathtaking!
The ebbing tidal flow imperceptibly turns as we wade back through malleable cushions of fine silken sand and the fickle flashes of silver fish.
I glance back, quietly content knowing that unexpectantly this has become my new annual pilgrimage.
There’s a magical tranquillity to this place that defies any reasonable explanation.
Come and see for yourself! Peter
Attending: John & Margaret, Tanya, Jo, Vanessa, Gus on L'attitude, Peter & Deb Corbett on Navigator, Alison & Alistair Rowe.
Apology: Peter Rochaix, Bill Dickson, Lisa Jude, Mike Wolf.
Join us for the next Port Hacking Cruise Event!
Saturday 6-7 December 2025
Destination: Audley, overnighter, raft-up, BBQ onshore.
Whale Watching Course
Whale Watching
By Peter Corbett
Reve leads us out of Jibbon as the red ensign proudly dances in her wake.
I followed next in Navigator, with her dew covered decks reflecting the cool bright morning sunshine. Mach1 follows fast, close astern. There was little swell to bother us but the chill of winter breeze.
Bill Dickson heads us towards the small grey silhouettes sitting on Bate Bay’s horizon. We all follow.
These grey oscillating cubes come into profile finally forming recognisable features of three other boats.
We are all here for the same reason!
Whale swims in-between Reve & Navigator
My wife Debs has brought her best friend along and it didn’t take long to hear squeals of delight on seeing their first whale surfacing behind us. With engines barely idling, a second dark shape breaks the surface dispersing as quickly as it appeared only to appear again revealing its length, showing off its muscular horizontal flukes high out of the water, flexing under the smooth pigmented skin. A third and fourth whale appear, all grouped together.
Beautiful display of Flukes
The girls are screaming with joy and delight as the show magically repeats itself again and again!
My depth sounder reads around 47 metres then suddenly reads 5 as the next pod comes through and we sit in vigil, scanning the water’s surface.
Blooms of flat water sporadically appear, flattening the wind ripples. We can hardly contain our excitement in anticipation of the next whale to break the ocean surface.
I’ve long noticed that even the most surliest of sailors mellow at the sight of escorting dolphins but today was another first for me. It was the first time I felt an emotion that I can only describe as a joyous euphoria that’s intensely humbling, as I witnessed the wonders of these generous giants of the sea.
Whale moves closer
We watched in awe as the whales performed a flurry of further activities and gratefully agreed we had had our fill, finally heading into Boat Harbour to anchor for lunch.
Rounding off a day of excitement, we had a final salute from a pod of dolphins guiding us back to the heads of Port Hacking.
Surely this is the lucky country because today Mother Nature’s abundance of natural wonders was on full display!
Peter
Reve, Mach1 and Navigator
Next cruising event is South West Arm to Winifred Falls. Overnighter Saturday 6 & 7th October 2025.
All are welcome!
Wattamolla - ‘The Shift in the Wind’
I woke to the morning’s cacophony of kookaburras, knowing that this day would be filled with purpose and adventure because today was… destination Wattamolla!!
Wattamolla, (Providential Cove), albeit pristine and picturesque has three submerged reefs that should be carefully negotiated when approached by sea.
While we had a vastly experienced group among us to help navigate the reefs and been told to approach Wattamolla from the southeast, I was still curious to see what obstacles lay head.
On opening up my Garmin Boating app and scrolling to Wattamolla, it seemed to provide very little navigational value.
That was until I changed two setting. I switch from Nautical Chart to Sonar Chart and then hit Satellite Imagery.
Suddenly all is revealed!
Our plan is to drop anchor at Wattamolla Bay by lunch, toast our achievement with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc while feasting on our freshly made wraps and verify the proof of our journey with a team photo on the beach.
Under high cloud of grey skies against the incoming tide, I gently throttled forward into the funnelling chill of channel breeze heading towards our rendezvous point Jibbon.
Bill Dickson's photo of conditions near Wattamolla
Seconds later the crackle of VHF radio rattles around the cockpit. A vibration in my pocket, momentarily startles me as my mobile begins to ring. Both forms of communication are meant for me. Both are from Bill Dickson as he relays his findings.
It wasn’t the news I wanted to hear but it became clear that the southerly swell and wind direction would likely compromise safe anchoring and at best leave us anchored wallowing in a mostly unpleasant motion.
Special thanks to Alistair for his reconnoitrer of Wattamolla the day before hand. He was kind and diligent enough to make an initial assessment that gave us a degree of hope that the trip might still be possible.
Unfavourable weather telemetry radioed in that morning from two seasoned campaigners' courtesy of Bill Dickson and Richard Stock on Reve, who had already made their way towards our destination, confirmed our decision to postpone our trip.
A big thank you to all the boats that came along to join us with special mention to Dave Cartmer who had a record of nine POB.
Team photo on Jibbon Beach
Congratulations is also in order to all involved for making the very best of it despite the trip postponement, as Jibbon became the new hot lunch spot for marri nuwi, Mach1, Etre Jeune, Reve and Tobruk.
L'attitude and Navigator rafted up at Gooseberry Bay.
What felt like a compromise slowly became something special — the sun appeared, the breeze eased, and I was afforded such wonderful hospitality onboard L'attitude sharing time with JB’s family.
Thank you again to all for your support and thank you for joining us.
'In victory, you deserve Champagne;'
Stayed tuned for news of the next trip which will be Whale Watching, coming shortly!
Good sailing!
Peter Corbett
L'attitude, Navigator, marri nuwi, Mach1, Etre Jeune, Reve and Tobruk.
Lunch at Boat Harbour
By Peter Corbett
Blessed with good weather, flat seas and in the company of sailing royalty, today was an excellent day to be at Boat Harbour!!
My sincere thanks to Bill and Lynden for their company, their insightful advice and snap shots a their sailing adventures.
The couple that also need no introduction were John and Jo Zagame, who totally spoilt us with their generous and magnificent hospitality onboard their sleek lined and well-appointed catamaran Koh Racha.
To top the day off, I made a new best friend! Her name is ‘Ollie’, a beautiful black Portuguese water dog who completely stole my heart with her affection.
Debs and I are most grateful to you all for taking the time and making the effort to be there. It truely made our day!
Thank you again for such a wonderful time!!
Peter
Want to join in for next month’s Port Hacking Cruise Event?
The destination: Wattamolla, Day trip, anchor for lunch.
All are welcome!
Look forward to seeing you there!
Yachts Interested: Navigator (2), L'attitude (2), Koh Racha (3), Etre Jeune (2), Reve (2).
Yarra Bay
By Peter Corbett
A big thank you to all those that joined us at Yarra Bay on Saturday 22nd February.
With ringside seats overlooking the bay, Yarra Bay Sailing Club provided us with a delicious choice for lunch.
Lobster and seafood platters seemed to be a popular choice.
Special thanks to those that came by car and made the extra effort to be there, including Ken and Libby, Pete Rochiax and his wife Lesley.
It was a pleasure have Paul & Jane Kelly from Cronulla Sailing Club join us too. Mooring their boat at Frenchman’s Bay, keeping Rich & Rosslyn company on Etre Jeune overnight.
Margaritaville anchored overnight at Yarra bay with Navigator keeping her company.
Jude on Achtung Baby were delayed but still managed against the odds, to sail to the club just in time to miss us for lunch. So close yet so far. We’ll make it up to you next year Lisa!
The northeasterly winds picked up and L’attitude headed home after lunch with Margaret on the helm and JB setting up the spinnaker. I imagine it would have been a quick run home!
Special thanks to JB for tendering me in and Paul Kelly for tendering me out.
Back onboard, I busied myself with familiarising the undiscovered parts of my newly acquired boat. The time quickly disappeared as sunset approached and finally to bed onboard for the first time, kept company with the reassuring loom of lights from the Container Terminal.
In the morning, I awoke to the distinct sound of outboard engines nearby. I popped my head up out of the companion way hatch to see crowd of young lads dressed in the colours of South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club busily jostling for position on Yarra beach during their Nippers training. It was a beautiful sight to see the ‘old hands’ passing their knowledge and skills on to a younger generation.
A light breakfast of cheese on a buttered roll washed down with hot tea.
So time to head home to test out this strange looking Simrad tiller auto helm I found in the saloon locker last night! Peter
Text message received from Libby & Ken Teiffel
Hi Peter thank you for organising the luncheon. I felt there should be acknowledgement on the RMYC Site...
" On Saturday, 22nd, February, Ken and I boarded our Land Yacht "Possible Dream" and under blue skies motored to Yarra Bay.
The people who had sailed in all met up at the Yarra Bay Sailing Club.
With wonderful views of the beautiful beach we all enjoyed a couple of drinks and the excellent food from a quite extensive menu.
Having enjoyed the excellent company Ken and I boarded or Land Yacht to head for home.
It was a very enjoyable day and we Thank Peter Corbett for organising it.”
Yachts Interested: Navigator (3), L'attitude (5), Possible Dream (2), Etre Jeune (2), Margaritaville (2), Chinook (4), Tripple T, Attung Baby (2) ... Total people (22)
Can't make it this time: Jazz Bar, Excentric (2)
Audley Postponed for 2024
Timing this year conspired against us for the following reasons.
- Too close to Christmas for many with all the other committments.
- Tides too early in the morning for some skippers.
- Close to the last Twilight race and after race party.
- Clash with Carols by Cruisers.
- Response not sufficient as we need reasonable numbers to be successful.
We are bound by tides.
In hindsight this should have been planned for tides a month earlier where the tides are also latter.
This would also avoid the clash with so many other activities so close the Christmas.
It will be planned for November next year.
Wildflowers-October-2024 – A slice of Heaven by Peter Corbett (Completed)
I’ve often found that life’s ‘little surprises’ tend to be unexpected and mostly unpleasant. 
How refreshing then to be suddenly struck in awe with the beauty of something that you never knew was there and even more surprisingly, it had been at your doorstep all this time.
I’d been assigned the illustrious task of organising this event, albeit with most of the help coming from you know who.
Suitably attired with tenders, lovingly packed picnic hampers stowed with a selective range of various delicious beverages at hand and we were off! Leading people to a place I’d never been before, betraying a suitable manner of calm disposition, I became a frenzied iPhone camera button pushing tourist.
The expansive bay we anchored in, curls into a shoreline bordered with an abundance of bright green mangroves.
Moments later, we are idling up into shallow calm waters of purest crystal. The westerly winds pulsed to a slow respiratory rhythmic wave of a sleeping giant.
Enclosed from all sides by the National Park, instantly you’re away from the world, a palpable calm serenity envelops you.
Mysterious and meandering, the waters shimmer to a warm copper glow.
This hidden oasis is bordered with curiously constructed precipitous perpendicular cliffs, unbroken vertical ledges of stone towering aloft. The opposing river bank is a canopy of olive green and grey eucalypts erupting through the undulating elevations.
Gentle sloped clearings appear to invite you to their sandy shore meeting patches of what appears to be finely manicured lawn. The wading shallows are peppered with shoal smooth stone.
We sit on a giant fallen log eating our scrumptious picnic in the scent of eucalyptus embers.
It’s a revelation! In short, this is one of the best ‘wholesome’ things I’ve done in ages. So guess what…I’m going to it again next year!! I hope you can too!
Join us for this year’s trip!
Wildflowers Picnic Collage and Slideshow
Interested: Tobruk, Excentric, L’attitude-1, Margaritaville, marri nuwi, Imogen, L’attitude-2
Can’t make it this time: Cordelia, Possible Dream, Regatta, Sirocco, Reve, Jazz Bar, Free Spirit, Majella, Amazing Grace, Excelsior, Aeolus, Koh Racha