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Whitsunday SC News 18/08/08 - 2008/08/18 09:44
RUNNING THE RHUMBLINES.
This vintage class skiff bailer boy of the late 40’s has been fortunate to bond a lifetime fellowship with the people who have a passion about the healthy sport of sailing and yacht racing.
Sure a lot has changed since my early days of sailing with and against the legends of the sport including World and National skiff champions, Brisbane to Gladstone Race winners down to the average good bloke.
There are many fond memories perhaps the fondest of them all was discovering the depth of determination show by paraplegic open boat skipper Len Johnstone when he and three crew mates including my uncle Fred Charlton won the 1949 Australian 12ft championship with the 20 year old Pine plank skiff Dove.
Thankfully the sport has progressively moved on with Australians winning the Americas Cup, Gold Medals at the Olympic Games and recording World record breaking speed in the Volvo Globe racing classic.
But more importantly it’s the passion and fellowship at the club level which promotes the growth of the sport in the various communities.
Fortunately the Whitsunday Sailing Club is among Queensland’s most energetic clubs who actively promote the important fun factor along with a unique blend of tropical hospitality.
Evidence of this healthy environment was revealed during the past week when the Whitsunday Sailing Club’s energetic team of volunteers and the Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week committee worked tirelessly to promote a signature aquatic event in Australia’s most picturesque and friendly sailing location.
The friendly feel was expressed on the spacious entertainment deck at Able Point Marina when girls and guys became engaged in the usual post race debrief with either cool glass of Mt Gay or a frosted Hahn Super Dry.
It was a special celebration confirming that the 19 year old Airlie Beach Race Week launched by the ‘Boss Hog’ as a cruising classic has claimed international status with champion Ocean racing sailors from across the Tasman and southern states of Australia flying their ‘Battleflags’ on Pioneer Bay.
Naturally these dedicated sailors would like to have a similar winter sailing environment on their shores however they have come to understand that the community of Airlie Beach is prepared to share the sun and the fun with all sailors at any day of the year.
Local delivery skipper John Graham who now calls Airlie Beach home embraced the opportunity to catch up with many of his Sydney Hobart race mates.
“For a brief moment it felt I was standing on Constitution Dock and had turned back the clock 30 years”.
“But the warmth and old father time made me realise that like all of my Hobart race mates that sailing around the Whitsundays beats hell out of crossing Bass Strait”. He Said.
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