Easter raft up!...
EASTER RAFT-UP REPORT
The Annual Easter Raft-Up was lead by 'Good Time' and the Warringtons in their usual organised manner wasted no time to secure the numero uno mooring at LAPA. Defying a lacklustre weather report they were incrdibly blessed with an excellent weekend which suited this favourite spot near the heads of Botany Bay.
Our fearless Commodore Gilbo was bed ridden with dicky-knee syndrome and dispite many attempts to defy doctors orders and throw the leg over the gunnel, he was grounded by a higher authority. No leg throwing for Johnno! The local Aboriginals took great offence to the absence of Johnno at Lapa and the dancing as a result was not even close to what has become a yearly corroboree for the Wherethe-arwe Tribe. An uprising was averted by some real smooth talking from Anne. I am sure Commodore Gilbo would realise the extent that Annes exhausting articulate interaction with the locals went to, which had left her ready for a few drinks. The tribe now looks forward to next years event dispite their injuies and swinging through to the wee hours with Johnnos pevic thrusts. Anne also looks forward to further articulate interaction with Johnno when he surfaces from his medical lay-up. We all look forward to that interaction!
'Attitude' arrived on Sunday morning thanks to the huge efforts from his crew to prepare the vessel for the passage. There has been some critisism of the vessel and its skipper but it performed perfectly apart from a stereo malfunction. The Davos arrived early and were followed by the 'Idler' who incredibly were not prepared for an overnight stay! With what could only be described as rumbles of Mutiny, the younger crew were threatening to jump ship! The crew was bribed with chocolate and other treats and we are sure that the Horwoods have learned their lesson in being prepared at club raft ups to stay the night. Day trips are discouraged and DOCS have been informed of the younger crews mistreatment!
'Attitude' and 'GoodTime' awoke to poorer weather on Easter Monday and after a walk along the beach to recover all the bits that had fallen overboard during the night and a huge hearty breakfast, the black clouds loomed on the horizon.
The skippers decided to retreat in haste and set a course for the Wonnie across the Bay. With the storm threatening to engulf us all the way 'Good Time' was witnessed to be planing on several occasions across the Bay and set a new club record for a displacement hull. (Gilbo has been knocked off his perch now for his efforts in the Hawkesbury in 'Winnie Too' where locals made comparisons to a Jet Ski)
Valiant efforts to avoid the storm were well and truly over as the boats reached Tom Uglys Bridge and the skys opened. Visibility was poor and the endless canvas on 'Attitude' took its toll on the occupants. The group high-tailed it to the Wonnie and rafted up under the High Level Bridge - a great little rain blocker! The group played Skip Bo and feasted and drank until the tide was suitable to slip under the ridiculous Wonnie Low Level Dam, er Bridge.
All in all a great time was had by all. The lack of attendance of members was noted in the minutes as disappointing and the exploits of our beloved Commodore Gilbo and his First Lady Denise was sorely missed over Easter. We hope next year has been set aside by all and Gilbo fit and well will crack the whip to stir members in to action prior.
We all wish you a 'Get Well Soon' Johnno!