Good Friday, Easter 2009. Families and many friends gather at No2 Berth at Docklands to wish all crew and Fair Dinkum a safe & exciting voyage as she is about to leave on her adventures around Australia.
Fair Dinkum is well and truly ready for her adventures! On a foray below deck – that great feeling and familiar ‘yachting’ smell brings memories flooding back of the start of voyages gone before. Yachties know that familiar comfort well, along with the constant movement of the deck under their feet.
Young, and ‘not so young’, board for inspection under the watchful eyes of Gerry, Rob, and Dallas. Cameras are very busy as the Skipper, Navigator, and crew smile, knowing that it is time to leave.
The tensions accompany anticipation of a long voyage are there, and all have the ‘knot in the gut’ that goes with starting an adventure dreamed about for so long.
The weather pattern for the days ahead is great, there are still last minute things to go aboard, and the plan is to sail down to Blairgowrie early Saturday and overnight – sailing out through the heads on the ebb tide Sunday.
The sail down the bay on Saturday will get rid of the ‘knots’ for Skipper and crew and the run to Wilson Promontory and Refuge Cove will get the sea legs sorted.
The first days of a voyage will be taken up sorting chores and ‘personal’ spaces aboard…..all family and friends wish Fair Dinkum and her crew smooth sailing for anticipated adventures.
Don’t forget to check back with this Blog each week for updates to keep you informed about Fair Dinkum’s progress, the yacht’s log & position, the daily routines of Skipper & crew, (mis)adventures, and messages.
BON VOYAGE FROM MELBOURNE ……. WE ARE ON OUR WAY NORTH …
Gerry, Rob & Dallas
Don’t forget to share this Blog’s address with your friends and work mates around Australia, do your part to help promote the fundraising purpose of the Fair Dinkum’s voyage….helping others by raising money for the Stroke Foundation.
Quote of the Week is from Albert Einstein – ‘A human being is a part of the whole universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself as something separate. This delusion is a prison, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. To free ourselves from this we must widen our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures.’
Gerry Ryan of Melbourne has always been a 'doer'. Many years ago he had a goal of building his own boat and setting off onto the high seas. Over a period of many years he built his first boat, aptly named 'Avarest'. Not having any formal training in boat building, let alone sailing didn't hold him back. Gerry applied himself to the challenge and went on to complete several impressive trips along the east coast of Australia with his family and friends. After eventually parting ways with 'Avarest', he purchased 'Fair Dinkum'.
3 comments:
Hi Guys,
Hope you made it to Refuge Cove as we have had some really bad weather in Melbourne this morning. 60 - 100 kph winds and heading your way
heard about your adventure this morning on macca, i hope you have a great time and discover lots, i will keep you in my prayers for a safe trip.
Hi Rob - good interview on abc this morning, well done. Site looks great. Taking my grandsons to Beaumaris "Dharma Club" this morning. Not at all like my old Sunday School!! Stay safe, healthy and happy. Steve Manallack
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