The Alfred's News | Page 11

Cruising News Cruising is now up and running for 2016 so we would like to wish everyone a happy and successful year. Read below Leon’s article about the cruise to Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, sounds like a lot of fun was had even though the weather conditions did their best to dampen everyone’s enthusiasm. Our First Friday social dinner event will reflect on the times in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Sydney Harbour for Australia Day. Last year’s Progressive Dinner was so well appreciated by all those that attended we have decided to do it again. Organisers are Jim and Clem Cormack and the venue is either Castle Lagoon or Yeoman’s Bay depending on the number of participants. There is a sign on sheet to register your intention to attend. See recent newsletters or call Jim or Clem for more information. Later in Feb Jim and Andrene Bullough will invite us to join them in Towlers or Morning Bay for a get together following the First Friday dinner. Easter will be the time for our next extended offshore cruise so get the dates in your diary and ensure that you have your Short Coastal audit completed. Once again all the best and we look forward to seeing you on the water or at one of our First Friday social gatherings Cruise committee. Coming Events and Estuary Cruises First Friday 5 Feb - Summer Cruise Review. Sat/Sun 6/7 Feb - Yeomans Bay or Castle Lagoon Sun 14 Feb - Trash & Treasure Fri 19 Feb - Lunch & Bubbles Sat/Sun 20/21 Feb - Estuary Cruise - Towlers Bay First Friday 4 March.- to be advised Sat/Sun 5/6 March - Club Sail Expo Friday 11 March - Speakers’ Corner - the renovation and operation of the James Craig Planned Longer Coastal Cruises late October to early November 2016 - Yamba, Clarence River and Grafton - Jacaranda Festival. Leon’s Post Christmas cruise report May to October 2017 - Coral Coast Queensland Sunset taken by Jim Cormack RPAYC Christmas Cruise On Monday 28 December 22 RPAYC boats left Pittwater to sail to Newcastle on the Club post Christmas Cruise. It was a great sail up the coast in variable 20knt SE wind but a very confused sea and a swell of 2.5 mts making for an uncomfortable passage . On entering Newcastle, and avoiding the tanker coming out, a quiet drink was had by all. We enjoyed a relaxing 4 days in Newcastle with a wine tour and New Years Eve at the NCYC . On New Year’s Day 13 boats left for Lake Macquarie in pristine conditions. The other boats made their way back to Pittwater . In the Lake, although we experienced all the rain and poor weather, we still enjoyed a game of cricket and held the famous RPAYC cookoff . There was only one day we didn’t manage to get off the boats. Its interesting when 20 people turn up to a restaurant in full wet weather gear! The sail back to Pittwater, on Sunday 10 January, was delightful as we motored out of the Swansea Channel then enjoyed the nor-easter building to a very pleasant 25 knts. Despite a few days of less favourable weather this cruise was a huge success and enjoyed by all the 45+ members who participated. Thanks to all. Photo & Report: Leon Wilson