Although we both have no sailing experience our travel agent from PeterPan's insisted that this was an unmissable experience and we can't thank her enough for convincing us to include it in our package. We again opted for the more chilled out version with max 13 people plus 2 crew. We were greeted by our skipper Chris (a 22 year old Aussie) and deck- hand Rachel (a fashion designer from London) at Airlie Beach Marina. They introduced to the 63ft Raggamuffin II, once a contender in the Admiral's Cup (or so the brochure claims) - our home for the next 3 days. We sailed for 4 hours on the 1st day to Whithaven Beach where a beach party was being held as part of the festivities of an annual Regatta. We soon discovered that this was no ordinary beach party. A bit like Ascot with a tinge of Vortex. Approximately 3000 people of all nationalities were scattered across the beach. Pumping tunes, scantily clad women (and men) and more than just goon been consumed. Thankfully, by the time we arrived the party seemed to have reached it's ebb. There was simply no point in trying to play catch up, it just wouldn't have been possible, and anyway, we had strict instructions to meet the skipper back at the beach by 4pm. The 2 hours we had were spent on the beach were spent gazing at the revellers and wondering what might have been had we arrived a few hours earlier. As we meandered through the chaos who should we bump into? Stef and Darren if course! We're starting to make a habit of meeting each other in the strangest places. We've now solidified our plans in Bali and will probably try and extend our stay so that we can spend some more time with them before they take their flight home Ireland.
The Raggamuffin was easily one of a 200 boats anchored in the bay that afternoon but, after the day cruises returned only a hand full remained for the overnight stay. We anchored a little closer to the shore for night and were treated to a Thai Green curry by Rachel who had been battling the choppy waters down below in the kitchen. We spent the night 'slapping more goon', eating supper on the deck and getting to know our crew and fellow travellers a little better. Rafael and Luciana from Brazil; Stefan and Julia from Germany; Coalyn, Lynda and Claire (effervescent Irish postgrad students) and Claire, a teacher from England. We all exchanged stories about our origins and plans for the future and Raffa and I spent much of the night winding our skipper up about the fact that Aussies knew nothing about how to 'braai' properly. Chris was was an easy target (but took it like a man) but, the jury is still out on whether Brazilians or Saffas have the edge. Having sampled steak 'south American style' in London I have to submit that it may be an even contest but, Raffa and I agree that part of the winning formula is the 'gees' (spirit) that comes with the process and not the quick fix that gas barbies deliver. Chris, you'll have sail past Cape Town in your way to the Caribbean one day for us to explain.
After a very uncomfortable sleep on the top bunk I was up at 5.30 the next morning to taken in the sunrise and take Chris up on his offer to use the stern as a lavatory. We sailed to Luncheon Bay to do some afternoon snorkeling. UK Claire was so excited we could here here screeches through the water as we were surrounded by hundreds of brightly coloured fish. An amazing day ended with another sail to Blue Pearl Bay, which until recently, had been voted one of the top ten snorkeling destinations in the world!
Kimmy has won a few fans in the Irish girls. They are of the opinion (after 3 days of knowing us) that we have the perfect relationship. They even want to grow up to be like Kim when they are 30+ - heaven help us! they will have to find Peter clones somewhere in Ireland. It's flattering to hear and testament to how much Kimmy and I are enjoying this adventure - no work stress makes a big difference.
More snorkeling on day 3 lived up to it's billing and before we knew it, it was time to make sail for the journey home back to Airlie. Half way home Chris thanked Kimmy and I for making this trip one of the memorable ones, he said it was like sailing with his mates which is ironic because I had just been thinking how much I enjoyed his company, it felt like Kim and I had known him for years. We said our farewells on deck but, agreed to move the party to a local pub in Airlie called Beaches. Rum, goon and beer flowed and the amazing 3 days were topped off with Kimmy and I losing our voices screaming for the Boks as they gave the Aussies a rugby lesson ( albeit against an uninterested looking Aussie line-up who obviously had on eye on the decider in a fortnight). Made friends with a 60+ year old Ausssie supporter who was convinced we were going to get another hiding - SORRY FOR YOU!
To our crew and fellow travelers - Your boundless enthusiasm and relaxed outlook on life has made this part of our Oz experience so worthwhile. Good luck for the rest of your travels. To the Irish lasses, we'll see you in Cairns to make up for such a short time together.
Chris and Rachel, see you in CT when your dreams move past Australia and you start traveling some more.
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