Clayton’s Race to Geraldton
As we all know, when two boats or yachts are heading in the same direction you have a race on your hands. Swapping the boats for buses makes no difference when they’re full of competitive sailors.
Last weekend SoPYC Ocean Racing Committee members Cherry Callcott and Michael Giles herded 40 diehard, dedicated and somewhat deprived Geraldton Race fanatics, historians and seasoned salts in a northbound expedition. In the absence of the annual Fremantle to Geraldton Ocean Classic it was decided a road trip was needed to quench our thirsts and support our regional club, the Geraldton Yacht Club in the inaugural Clayton’s Geraldton Bus Race.
The drive up resulted in a frequency of breaks that got shorter the closer we got to Geraldton. Later examination identified a direct relationship with the dwindling supply of the onboard esky. Victualling appropriately for long journeys would be something ocean racing sailors should be accustomed with. Evidently not.
Multiple lead changes and several protest flags were witnessed over the duration of the 6-hour race. However, all was forgotten upon arrival and witnessing the stunning sunset from the Geraldton Yacht Club’s new balcony.
Attention to detail of the recent refurbishments were well scrutinised by impromptu architect. Unanimous approval followed quickly for the copious amounts of natural light and Hollywood style lighting in the ladies’ amenities. The perfect combination to ensure the mascara and lippy remain beautiful throughout the night. Certain members of the male variety also provided their approval, emphasising emphatically it wasn’t from first hand inspection.
Hunger of the hoard was well sated by latest inclusion of Dalgleish Catering commanding the menu with all new delights for both dinner and desert. Dinner of course was accompanied by speeches from Commodore John Gummery and an excellent ventriloquist act by Chris Higham with Ocean Racing Captain Betty Walsh.
“For these two bus loads of dedicated offshore racers to come to Geraldton, to our club, I think speaks volumes for not only for them, but the Geraldton Yacht Club and it certainly is something that we very ‘very’ much appreciate” commented Commodore John Gummery.
An evening of frivolities and reminiscing ensued with several generations of sailors spanning decades of the event swapping stories and future plans for the 52nd edition of the event next year.
The inevitable herding of cats for the following morning’s briefing was made easier by a scrumptious breakfast served by a score of volunteers who rose early to beat the masses. Last minute crew changes and the threat of crew being left behind hampered a clean start with a General Recall for the obligatory photo in front of the club.
Everyone loaded, we were off for the trek back south. As all Geraldton Ocean Classic sailors will tell you the return is historically harder than the north leg. This year it was for different reasons. All in all, it was a successful event with everyone returned and eager for next year.
ABOVE: Geraldton Yacht Club
