Solo Ventures

Cat Oli on board two handed entrant Sylph VI. As the millionaires blow off their tax free incomes ppncing about on 100 feet long sleds towards Hobart there is a far more honest story 400+ nm astern.  A crusty old salt, his cat Oli, and a shipmate are heading south on a 60 year old sloop in the 30+ feet range. Asked by ABC (photo credit above), whether they'd make the 630nm finish by NYE, old salt laughs, "no way".  The journo pushes the cat / novelty line, and old salt describes how he and the cat have sailed ATW including most recently a non-stop below the capes jaunt. Skip was not confident about finishing early, but he was about finishing the race. Reliably the Super Maxis will not all finish before heading off on their next sparkling tax dump. 

Every year ppl are spouting new year's resolutions, things they want to do differently in the new year.  The marketers have exploited this, whether they're trying to flog gym membership or dieting programs, the comnercial media outlets will be clogged with fatty advertising.  Then there are others who ridicule Resolutioners betting they will "fail". Well, my sister has just returned to the ward after having a stent I stalled to clear a 100% artery blockage. She's about 60 and loves cake, but I can bet she will be very motivated to change her cake eating behaviours.  Myself, I won't have Amy new resolutions, just the old ones to kick along the road; fit out my boat and get offshore basically. I read this morning how,new sailors, like NYE Resolutioners, are bait for cranky shits who want to lecture or abuse them in some way. I would urge anyone to read positive tsllong authors, whether on sailing or walking, whatever. Life is tough, close friends die and leave i

Just perusing the for sale columns and discovered s Walker 28 ketch (my dream boat) only five times my budget. But I carried the dream a.bit and looked at sailing her to Tasmania from her mooring at the SE corner of the mainland. Oh, an island halfway! I google the possibility and a forum pops up, a Newbie asked about hitching a ride to/from the island.  What follows is that typical forum response; are stark racing mad? You poor silly fool! Go and take beginner lessons and come back in 10 years ... or more. I imagine old cronies, s bit angry at the world as old age creeps in and they feel too tired to address the boat's beard of weeds, waiting for se "fool" to innocently ask for help. Bang!  It seems more absurd that we as a community treat prospects this way when reading Capt Fatty Goodlander. His positive and  practical advice is funny, encouraging and informative. Dont read sailing forums, read Fatty!

Merry Christmas to anyone who should read this, may you have time to break away for a swim in the early hours. Today I bought a good mooring at Clareville Beach on Pittwater. Deep water, steep ground nearby to offer protection and good security. The location provides access to Pittwater, the Hawkesbury River and  Brisbane Waters for flat water cruising. There is all weather access to the Tasman, with Port Jackson 18nm south, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens s long days sail to the north. NZ is just a week away to the east but that's a little too far offshore for now.