Sharing a few days of cruising with friends is always a buzz for us, especially when they haven’t experienced a lot of it, as was the case with Trevor. Seeing him wild-eyed and excited about the experience was good fun. It reminded us of our lucky we are to live our sailing dream.
Early morning cuppa
We picked up our friend at Phillip Island and after a slow start towards Port Phillip Bay, we had a nice sail under Big O. Passing Cape Schanck was spectacular as was having a seal swimming alongside Take It Easy for a while, not just basking in the sunshine as they often do. They are so streamlined and fast!
Cape Schanck and Pulpit Rock
Crossing the Rip was swift but calm, on a rising tide. We headed to Sorrento for the night, using one of the courtesy moorings there, although we regretted it when wind against tide kept us hitting the buoy during the night!
Arrival at Sorrento
All calm at dawn on Port Phillip Bay
We left Sorrento at dawn the next day, headed for Sandringham Yacht Club and dolphins joined our bows, much to Trevor’s delight.
Dolphins at our bows
We had an appointment with our sailmaker to organise for a new set of sails and a few bits and pieces. Our mainsail, genoa and staysail are a bit ragged and starting to tear, so it is time to replace them. We were so lucky because it all fell into place: getting a berth at Sandy YC – the only catamaran berth they have was vacant while its owner was away, being able to see Frank Hammond at Horizons Sailmakers to get his advice on design and construction, having him confirm it will all be made while we are overseas! We won’t know ourselves with crispy new sails to go to Tasmania!
What is that cat doing at Sandringham Yacht Club?
Celebratory drinks on deck!
Our friends Greg and Ann who live nearby joined us for celebrations. It was great to catch up after us being away for 4 months! We are now floating around the bay for a week or so, which is quite novel for us. Bengie is enjoying the comfort of the conditions!
Bengie enjoying the sunshine
We will get to Docklands on 4th December, a week earlier than originally planned, having extended our stay there to give us time to catch up with friends, do some Christmas shopping and attend to our medical appointments.
Sv-Anui 
I’ve enjoyed your trip although I didn’t comment on your posts as I would only be marveling at each article
However I do owe Wade and yourself a dinner for his advice and knowledge regarding buiding our
boat
I wil come over when you are in Dockands and organize this at your convenience
Anne and I are looking forward to getting our boat finished soon
Hi guys, Looking forward to catching up with you both.
I’ll bet you that you are busier now that are retired than when you were not. No?
I take it that for next year, Take It Easy is going to shine with the new set of sails. Great! Great pictures too! 🙂
Hi HJ – yes on our return from France we will swap the ragged and faded gear for the brand new sails and boom cover – hopefully we will sail faster and you will see us coming for miles with the bright orange trims!
Good to keep following you two guys ! We reached Sydney yesterday, now flying to Melb & home.
Well done Doug! Quick trip… we will get you a set of high res photos of Baruch next week when we can use the Marina’s data!
Thanks Chris, that will be appreciated. It’s not that easy to obtain good photos of the vessel we are on, is it ? Is Dropbox the way ?
Yes definitely Dropbox as there will be quite a few from different angles!
Great sail you had
Hi Mic – yes, lucky with persistent easterlies! Ended up arriving in Port Phillip Bay two weeks earlier than planned, but it is better this way. We should catch up! – Will email you!
Sure Chris please do and we can catch up and swap tales
You won’t know yourselves with the new sails. I wonder how long it will take for you to break your speed record and by how much.
It will certainly make a difference when trimming them, compared to the old ragged out, floppy ones!