44th SYCC Anniversary Cruise Oct 3-5
The theme for this year’s 44th SYCC Anniversary event is “Island Cruising”
On Saturday morning 3rd October meet at Towlers Bay on Saturday morning 3rd October, we will set off at around 1300 hours. Initially motoring around Scotland Island, we will then hoist our sails to head around Lion Island and then on to Refuge Bay or America Bay (choice of destination depending on the number of boats and wind direction).
There we will raft up, subject to conditions. Sundowners will be in the new socially distant format, but you can impress your fellow club members by wearing your best Hawaiian / Island outfits.
The usual navigation questionnaire for the John Brown Trophy may be given out.
On Sunday morning we will sail / motor around Dangar Island before anchoring at Gunyah Beach (Google Map) for lunch. Possibly walk on the beach. Returning later to overnight on the club moorings at Refuge or America Bay (It is a long weekend during school holidays and public moorings could be in high demand).
On Monday, return to Pittwater or stay out to enjoy Cowan Creek for a few more days.
This year we will not be holding the large onshore picnic due to the current virus restrictions.
Hope to see you on the water.
Sabi Star
44th SYCC Anniversary Cruise Trip Report
The 44th SYCC Anniversary Cruise was held over the 3rd-5th October 2020 long weekend.
The weather on the Friday leading into the weekend was absolutely beautiful, sunny with light to moderate winds. A few SYCC yachts started to gather at Towlers Bay on Friday afternoon, in anticipation of the event. The event plan involved a cruise around Scotland, Lion and Dangar Islands, with overnight stays at Refuge / Americas bays. The usual onshore picnic was not scheduled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Unfortunately the weather forecasts were predicting windy conditions over the weekend, including Strong Winds Warnings for Sydney Coastal Waters on Saturday, and again for Sydney Inshore Waters on Sunday. The weather however was predicted to be sunny.
After arriving at Towlers Bay on Saturday morning the trip leader, Sabi Star, took the decision not to sail around to the Hawksbury and to remain within Pittwater.
At that stage, Scallywag, Nauti Gal, Valhalla, Perroquet, Silver Cloud, Sweet Love, Rendezvous and Sabi Star had arrived. Nauti Gal was dressed beautifully with an extensive display of flags and burgees. The winds at that stage were light to moderate and a number of yachts took off for a sail.
Initially this proved to be pleasant but by early afternoon the forecast strong north-east winds had arrived resulting in very blustery sailing conditions.
By late afternoon, Viva La Vita, Blue Tattoo and Kemara had also arrived. By evening conditions in Towlers Bay were sunny with light winds. Eight yachts rafted up and moored for the night. Sundowners on the beach was a very social occasion. A highlight was the hilarious game of Finska provided by Nauti Gal. The match between the men and the ladies teams was competitively played, resulting in a narrow win for the men. A future return match?
On Sunday a number of boats headed home due to various commitments, with five yachts remaining. The day was spent relaxing, socialising and some kayaking.
Sundowners again on the beach was very popular. The entries and answers to the John Brown Navigation Quiz were discussed and debated with much laughter. A very peaceful night followed, and we awoke to a perfect, still, sunny morning. Gradually the yachts headed home before the expected southerly in the evening.
A great start to the sailing season, even if the original plans did not eventuate. So good to see so many members out, enjoying the sunny weather and great SYCC camaraderie and friendship.
