Festival of Sails 2013

A somewhat quiet event this year in that we only hosted the young people from the country for one night instead of the traditional two. The usual visits to Chris’s Ships Chandler store, a visit to a Sail Maker’s Loft and to Ronstan (since moved away) could not take place this year as there was no lay day.

Barb and I got our two young men around three on Thursday and they were gone by 7.00am Friday morning!

However, prior to coming to Brighton they (6 of them) had enjoyed attending the Premier’s Australia Day lunch.

Besides Barb and I hosting two young men, Lynn Maskel (RCBB) hosted a young lady and man and Norm Thomas (RC Brighton) hosted two young men. Our two were Andrew and Murray. Murray lives near Kerang and his parents have a 25,000-animal pig farm! Andrew wants to stay on the farm and expand production to 50,000!!! That is after going to an Agricultural College and spending some time in an agricultural orientated business. He clearly knows where he is going in his life.

Andrew is thinking of a career in Marine Biology. I suggested his gap year might take in crewing on the Sea Shepherd. I didn’t inspire him!

On Thursday night we were welcomed and hosted by RC Brighton; a very good way to chat to the other young people and Norm and his ‘assistant’ Michael. Both were part of the crew of the 47 foot cruising yacht. The young people are a joy to be with – so full of enthusiasm and confidence at that age.

Our two young men were picked up at 7.00am by Michael who was not optimistic about good sailing conditions.

Norm later reported that they delayed their start for one and a half hours when conditions were more suitable for a safe sail to Geelong. None of the crew was seasick, having taken appropriate tablets prior to setting sail. Other racing yachts did retire due to sea sick crews!

Our ‘crew’ arrived in Geelong and enjoyed a warm welcome, warm food hosted by the Geelong Yacht Club.

It becomes obvious that these young people will be championing Rotary and possibly become good members of Rotary later in life.

A shortened yet very successful ‘Festival of Sails’ for the young country crew and our three Rotary Clubs. Many thanks to Barrie for facilitating this event for RCBN – may we continue to be involved.