While pictures of Peter and Tim's rescue from Asolare are still being shown on prime-time TV here in Australia, last night crew from the World ARC Fleet enjoyed a farewell party on board Tillymint, Bill Mapstone's Oyster 82.
With a full turnout including the commodore and other dignitaries of Yorkeys Knob Boat Club the talk was mostly of auto-pilots, generators, sail-makers and marine engineering. Despite our routine yachtie-grumbles about boat maintenance, without exception everyone agreed that the facilities in Cairns and the enormous enthusiasm and expertise that seems to typify Aussies here, has to make Cairns THE place for boat maintenance!
Before the party started, and in Tillymint's
spacious cockpit Guy Chester gave a second informative session to all
those
|
 |
that missed the first, on cruising from Cairns to Thursday Island
and on to Darwin. This remote northeast corner of Australia promises to be both spectacular and challenging; with both strong wind and tidal streams it is with some trepidation that yachts will depart Cairns over the next few days.
Thanks to Bill and his crew for their fantastic job hospitality, and particularly Guy Chester for giving up another evening to pass on his extensive knowledge of this area
|