Bayside volunteer, local business owner and artist, Robyn Gaudion, started painting ten years ago whilst living at Donnybrook. It was here she developed a passion for landscapes and seascapes with oils, her preferred medium.

Now a resident of Wynnum, Robyn was instrumental in organising the inaugural Bayside PCYC Fundraising Art Show in May 2011. The show was a great success and planning is now underway for another show this year.

For those who might be interested, some of Robyn’s painting are on display at Robyn Gaudion Hair at Manly on Cambridge Parade.

Well, I’ve come back more experienced, and confident, than when I left, but not via Sydney.

Plan ” A ‘ had been to leave with the two 12 Metre Boats, K5 Australia and K14 Steak ‘N Kidney, yesterday morning at 4 am, to round the top of Moreton Island and head south direct to Sydney. They had been hoping to arrive for the New Year celebrations on the Harbour.

We actually left at 10 pm the night before (Tuesday night) and motored out towards Moreton Island. At 4 am when myself and another took over the helm and lookout, and the Skipper then hoped to be able to take it easy for a while, we were still approaching the western side of Moreton and then had the long, long trip up to the North Cardinal Mark. Turning there the wind was full on but the waves were manageable, but building. At this point the wind was from the South, we had only the headsail up, and the Skipper must have gotten me confused with someone else as I was given the helm. Our plan was then to go 5 miles out to sea and head south. The further we headed out the larger the waves became, steering the boat not a problem as we were just on a perfect reach; however the waves must have been 6 metres high and as soon as we were over one there was only time to turn slightly left or right to meet the next one. At almost 20 metres long, Australia was the perfect length for what we were doing, but not what she was built for, despite feeling very good underfoot. It was obvious that we were not going to be able to turn south in those seas and nature is boundless in it’s energies. Taking advantage of a short break the Skipper took the helm, turned us around and sailed us back, very skilfully, back from whence we’d come.

Even once on the protected (western side) of Moreton Island it was not an easy business to make any headway to the South. Much tacking was involved, however we made it and once able to make it back across the Bay, on a reach, I was again given the helm and sailed her right down the Brisbane River, luckily almost free of any other traffic, and all the way down to the Gateway Bridge. Back at 4 pm and 18 hours without any result was a bit heartbreaking.

Through all of this I managed to stay free of sea-sickness, but got a badly sunburned face (never allow your hat to below deck when you are above deck) and recognised that I was already suffering from sleep deprivation. I know I made the right choice for all when I bowed out.

The two boats and remaining crew were to have another go this morning, and things appear to be a lot better out there. Sunburnt face aside, I had a terrific, confidence building experience and being at the helm of an Americas Cup challenger is not something that everyone gets to do.

Wanted to let you all know that I’m back on dry land, and only a little worse for wear.

Photographs were taken and I’ll hope that they weren’t to miffed with me to send me one. I’ll give them till later today will then SMS them and see how they got on; hopefully much better.

Kindest regards

Ian

Photographs by Bob Jackson