We have been trying to organize a sailing outing with one of Rob's work mates Chris and his wife, Janine. Finally, we were able to confirm that it would work for all of our schedules to join Chris' friend Andy who was sailing in the Friday Night Rum Race. Previously, I have referred to watching the Rum races on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday evenings...but I did not know that they were called Rum races because Mt. Gay Rum sponsors the races. And if you win...you get a bottle of rum! I thought the guys were just racing & drinking rum...
I left our house at 3:00pm...making the 3:15 Ferry that took me 12 minutes to cross the water to Auckland' Waitemata Harbour. I met Janine right outside the Ferry Building, and she drove us to West Haven, the Harbour, where we were to meet the guys, and board the boat. Our skipper was Andy, the owner of the boat...a 40' Elliott called 'Sure Thing'. We were also joined by another Chris from Rob's work, and his partner, Jeanette, as well as Matt, one of Andy & Chris & Janine's friends.
Just to get the picture of the setting...we were lost in a sea of sailboats & power boats...getting ready for the race. The guys and Janine just went to work, setting the sails & the lines, while Jeanette & I sat and watched the activity. The race was to start at 4:30, so at 4:20 we pulled out of the slip and went out to join the other boats for the start. There was a light breeze as we started the race...and then as we were about to turn the second mark...the wind just died. We were all kind of bunched up around the mark, and then we caught another breeze...and again the wind died...in my mind this was perfect, as I am truly a fair weather sailor. But for the guys...they would have preferred a steady wind.We would get ahead and then we would be back in the pack...and it continued on throughout the entire race. When the boats were all bunched up, there was banter between the sailors...very friendly. It is very possible that we placed...but we did not go to the race room after the race to check, because it was so nice after, we stayed on the boat & had some nibbles and wines. The light on the harbour was gorgeous...amber hues mixed with pale blue skies and perfect white & grey clouds. It was the most calm, and civilized boating adventure I can remember...no stress...just amazing. There was a great mix of warmth and friendliness in the air.
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