October long weekend saw a group of nine boats depart Port Jackson at various times according to weather and work for a Cruise to Port Hacking in Sydney’s south. Our destination, more specifically was South West Arm, a delightful area deep in the Royal National Park.

Three CYCA boats of Doug and Chris Sturrock on Windflyt, David and Jill Henry on Sweet Chariot and Denis Doyle and Lynne Smith on Ariki Tai participated. Yachts rendezvoused at Jibbon Beach a delightful anchorage, well-protected with good holding.

Ably guided by Sweet Chariot using a survey or mud map that David had made in a small boat the week prior, we all made our way past Gunnamatta and Yowie bays with some impressive housing on the shore. A winding serpentine course with the occasional sharp adjustment took us into South West Arm to anchor and raft-up for shared dinners onboard different boats.

Sunday night saw us all move to Gunnamatta Bay for dinner at the Royal Motor Yacht Club Port Hacking. Ariki Tai provided entertainment for all when she started drifting. Denis and Doug rushed to the tender and to catch her, and after three resets of the anchor, first with two deckchairs on the hook, second with a large chunk of discarded heavy mooring line and thid with a piece of coral encrusted rubbish.

On the fourth attempt Denis and Doug were successful and went back to dinner just as the main course came out and the NRL Grand Final started.

A delightful weekend Just Cruising and now looking forward to more of the same with CYCA and RSYS Cruising in Company.

From CYCA Cruising: Denis Doyle, Lynne Smith and Ajax onboard Ariki Tai.