2011 to 2014

Despite the dire weather forecast, our sailing day for April turned out to be fine with some good sessions of sailing between the periods of light winds. A highlight of the day was the launch of Rob Ripley’s new boat.

There was a serious launching ceremony with the appropriate biddings to the spirits of the sea in placation for the name change. Then there was the tradition wetting of the bow with the required bubbly liquid and the good health of the ship and all who sail in her was drunk by the gathered throng. Rob and Pat had been accompanied by the entire family crew with many hands being lent to see the boat safely in the water. The picture shows her sailing well after the launch.

Peter Batchelor brought his boat and David Stott arrived later with his pulling boat just in time for a row after lunch. Geoff Carroll had several visitors which he took for a sail in his shimmy, Bluebelle. The entertainment of the afternoon was Geoff’s daughter, Katie, and son-in-law, Mike, rowing Bluebelle around the point to the launching ramp. The course was somewhat meandering but they eventually made it safely.

Lunch was a pleasant affair with all gathered on the balcony overlooking the lake and able to catch up on events of the previous two months.

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