AUSTRALIA DAY WEEKEND: By Gerry Tilker - Photos - click here

Wow what a great weekend.  Launching our boat at Rudy Maas Marina we met two new members “Peter and Miranda” who followed us down to Marine Stadium.  We arrived at Marine Stadium at about 12.30 pm to find quite a few Whittley’s already there at the northern end. The hot weather saw quite a few members jump in the water from their boats to cool off. Later in the afternoon it was time to socialize so off to the beach and it was not long before everyone was chatting and having a great time over a few drinks of various sorts and nibbles.
There were 15 Whittley’s at Marine Stadium on Saturday night.  All boats flew the Aussie Flag whether large or miniature. A number of members drove to the Marine Stadium and joined in for some drinks and nibbles. 

The water was very calm so everyone had a good night sleep, well almost everyone as one Whittley lost its anchor and when the crew woke up about 5 am they found themselves beached.  A little rain fell through the night which cooled things down for sleeping. Later that morning while myself and Betty were having breakfast we thought our eyes were playing tricks on us as a Whittley slowly passed us with no one on board  (the owners were having breakfast at the Seaway Café), ENIGMA had also lost its anchor. I quickly jumped in our dingy and managed to stop it from bumping into a large catamaran, Betty called out to Graham from Fox Sea Lady to see if he could give me a hand and as luck happened another boat owner saw what was going on and with his dingy helped us secure the boat to Fox Sea Lady until Lance and Marie returned.

10.00 am 11 boats left for lunch at Hope Island Marina, the weather now very hot and steamy. After securing our berths it was so nice to walk into the Tavern and cool off  in the air-conditioning. Unfortunately the pub was preparing for a big band to play that night so we all enjoyed lunch out on the balcony.  The breeze out there was good and the food more enjoyable.  In all there were about 28 members for lunch.  It was a great to see a couple of new members join in for their first time.  Great stories were told and grand ideas for workshops in the future were developed.

We left Hope Island, had a good run until we reached near Carters Bank, where we encountered extremely heavy rain, visibility down to almost zero as we headed toward Budds Beach.  Others left a little later than we did as they had to have their nanny naps and luckily missed the downpour .

Six Whittleys made it to Budds Beach and the BBQ was not looking too good, with plenty of rain still around.  However, the rain disappeared and we all enjoyed a great time at the BBQ. Graham Booth thought he was Prince Charming lounging on the front of his Zodiac whilst his poor wife, Sue, struggled to row him ashore.  Following a bit of rain through the night, Monday saw good weather.  Unfortunately the local café was closed but the commodore and his wife, Rhonda, headed towards the esplanade at Surfers Paradise and found a great breakfast option.  One that is most definitely recommended as a future breakfast place.  Most of us headed home having enjoyed another great time away. A total of 15 boats were at the outing.

Thanks must go to Lance & Marie May, the outing organizers, Wayne & Rhonda Jennings for a good Aussie Day Weekend.  Congratulations to Chris & Kay, REEL TIME who celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary at the weekend.