On a wet, windy, and drizzly day that had been earmarked and advertised as the first trip for the newly named Cruising Section of the Moreton Bay Boat Club, five masochistic skippers ventured with their boats over to Bongaree, anchored, and over phone and radio discussed the option of braving rain and going ashore for the BYO BBQ.
Three of the boats belong to club marina residents and they had ventured further up into the Passage on the Saturday with the intention of joining us the next day at Bongaree. Quentin, Lorraine and the girls in their very tidy powered aluminium cat “Emma”, along with Clive on “Lucky Lady”, and Adam and Cheryl on “Reef Gypsy” joined Ed and sundry friends and clients – one sporting a definitely questionable pair of borrowed sunglasses – all aboard “Waiben”, and myself on “Sunshine”.
Commodore Greg and Cheryl on “Grecher” had best of intentions in joining us on their way back from overnighting at Cowan, however after spending the night rolling the milk out of their coffee in that fairly unprotected anchorage there, and then doing the same on the way back, they called us and suggested that they would take the club direct option and catch us later.
After a couple of hours of constant drizzle it was mutually decided that the intended BBQ could wait for another more enticing ashore day and anchors were weighed – thanks Adam – and the five boats headed back for Scarborough.
It was a tad joggly but we arrived back before the wind moved further around from the south. Ed put us all to shame by raising the steadying sail on “Waiben” and she looked a picture leading us out. I went back to the Newport canals whilst the others all went back to the club.
A good day was had by those who attended, but with the interest shown and an improvement in me picking the weather it appears that the section will be a goer.
A number of members and interested parties had also replied to the earlier club email-out about the occasion as either it not being convenient this weekend, or putting their name down, but were put off by the forecast and weather on the day. All either contacted us or were contacted and all seemed keen to be part of the next one.
As we are attempting to cater to all types of boats including power cruisers, sailing yachts, trailerboats, even tinnys, we must be mindful that not everyone just wants to drop the pick in one place and stay there for a few days, so the logistics of everyone have to be considered. Also, not everyone is able to be away for the whole weekend, so we have to allow for all variations.
The whole idea of this is to have boaties of all descriptions and denominations being able to share their experiences and conviviality with other like minded souls. The essence of club boating.
So.............It has been suggested that we look at having a monthly meeting at the club to not only solve the world’s problems, but discuss upcoming cruising day and/or weekend trips. Ideally this can be done following a meal in the club eatery and with the thought of informing those interested and those thinking of joining us as to what it is all about.
So...............I propose that we meet (following the aforesaid meal at around 6.30pm) at 7.30pm on Thursday 14th April on the clubhouse deck where we can chat and plan a weekend trip over Easter.
My thoughts would be that we proceed across the bay on Good Friday and congregate somewhere around the M9 beacon (M9 is a turning mark) off Tangalooma to watch the Gladstone race pass by, then venture down to Lucinda Bay for a couple of days.
This can be discussed and either agreed to or changed at the time. However should there be any change to these arrangements, you will be informed.
I also take this opportunity to request all and any to reply to this email to enable us to get a register of people interested.
The club is currently compiling a comprehensive email list of all its members, and as some members joined the club in the days of carrier pigeons the club needs to be able to contact its members via these more modern methods and needs your help to better their contact details.
Good and regular communication can be the catalyst of a good, active, and harmonious Moreton Bay Boat Club. Help us all to enjoy it more.
Check out the new club website – mbbc.org.au - and follow the links to Cruising
David Mason-Cox
“Sunshine”
