Harwood weekend

Last weekend I took my first ‘little’ drive for quite some time, a lazy 7hrs up the Pacific Highway to Harwood. It was time again for the annual Bridge to Breakers Regatta at the Big River Sailing Club on the Clarence.

It has been quite some time since I’d been north and it was finally nice to see the completion of the dual road system that they’ve been working on for way too long.  Some might find it a little boring but with cruise control and several podcasts to listen to, the drive  up went relatively easy however the return trip was typical Sunday return with traffic bumper to bumper from before the Gosford turnoff.  What should have been a 30 minute trip turned out to be three times that.  Frustrating, but that’s life especially as now everyone can hit the road.

Leaving DeckHardware a early on Friday afternoon, I got into the club camping ground at 2130 and had the pleasant surprise to be offered a beer by Steve and Marita , friends who stayed up  for the welcome.

This year one of our new manufacturers Barton Marine also supported the event by offering goodies for prizes.

Whilst I wasn’t there to sail, instead to support the sailors, the conditions on Saturday meant that around half the fleet didn’t sail. A blustery westerly gusting 25-30knots made it difficult for many, I don’t  think that any who sailed went without a capsize. Everyone ashore however were amazed at the skills of some especially the two of the leading Heron sailors who showed that yes a Heron can plane.  It’s quite a long course on Saturday heading downriver to Yamba with a long beat and hard reach back. For many it was around 2.5hrs on the water, hard work.

Sundays planned two short course races were greeted by far less breeze, in some places none at all for those who didn’t sail the day before and those who’s boat remained in one piece from the day before. 

Unfortunately there were many who packed up and went home Saturday afternoon missing out on the wonderful Saturday evening spread that the locals put on. For me it’s my annual Sticky  Date pudding fix.

I left for the drive home once everyone hit the water on Sunday, but as I’ve mentioned everyone else heading to Sydney had the same idea. I’m sure that the Barton goodies were well received, I know that the Commodore when I presented the bag was very thankful for their support.