Coffee at Coochie

Our intrepid Sailing Master decided that Sunday Vagabond Sailing was not enough for the merry crew at Tingira Boat Club so on Wednesday 26th August he decreed an extra sailing day.

Turning up at the club at noon, the tide was perfect.

Three boats went out initially ... Guy and Alene, Peter Lawson and Brian Sutton and our adventurous Treasurer decided to go it solo.

It was a wonderful day for a sail with light to moderate winds but a bit lumpy out in the bay. Guy and Alene surprised a dugong which surfaced directly in front of their bow. Luckily, Guy managed to dodge to one side and it swam alongside the boat. It was quite a large one ... nearly the same length as the boat itself.

We sailed out into the bay to check on Mick J's boat Sapphire which had gone a-wandering during the night. He had temporarily anchored her off a sandbar halfway to Coochie and all seemed to be well.

Having got that far, we decided to sail the rest of the way and found ourselves standing on the sandy beach near the jetty. Then we espied another Vagabond making its way towards Coochie. It was Colin and Michael, who had turned up a few minutes after we departed and decided to follow us across.

Standing on the beach, we decided this should become a regular event. Not necessarily on a Wednesday, just any day when the tide was suitable. And whilst I christened it Coffee at Coochie, Colin thinks Champers at Coochie or just plain XXXX at Coochie is a better name. What do you think?

PS While I think about it, here's a couple of pix of new additions to the Tingira Fleet. The hobi-cat donated by Gerry Fullerton for Club use and an outrigger which is currently being left at the Club so that members can take advantage of learning to paddle it. C'mon guys, give it a try!!

Big Day at the Boat Club

Sunday 9th August was an absolute screamer down at the Club. People came out of the woodwork, both members and potential members.
It was a glorious, sunny day. Hard to believe it's still winter. But that's Queensland ... beautiful one day, perfect the next. And that's our island!
We had all six Vagabonds out, with an instructor in each boat. Guy, Colin, Young Guy (aka Guy The Plasterer) and Bob all gave of their time to improve our sailing techniques.
The kayaks were put to good use by the many children and adults who were waiting a chance to sail on the Vagabonds.


And Paddy took out Gerry's cat for the first time. We really have to give a huge vote of thanks to Gerry Fullerton for donating the use of his hobi-cat. Now based at the Club, it's perfect for those of us who are not quite as nimble and find the Vagabonds a trifle difficult to move around in. Come down and try it!
Not to be outdone, Don sailed round from his beach with his own hobi-cat and the two catamarans took a great many people out sailing.


The day finished around lunch-time with our usual BBQ. We sat around in the shade, enjoying a lovely meal. Music wafted out of the open bar and we drank a toast to Ole and Irene, sailing up north in Nepenthe.
It's a hard life but members of the Tingira Boat Club are up to the challenge. Come and join us next sailing Sunday!!