In a major departure from the norm, only one ship left the port for the cruise Strawbridge pointers to Penneshaw on Wednesday 11 August. But far from being a cruise alone, it was a tremendously social issue as nine points and a stacked android "Chardonnay" for a day of entertainment in a storm swept Eastern Creek.

With winds over 30 knots and show no sign of abating, the smaller vessels of the fleet used discretion (and possibly related) to stay moorings. Ants and Jane proved wonderful hosts aboard their Van der Stadt 40, with coffee comes at regular intervals (Commodore mustache is becoming a repository of coffee cream) and the conversation flowing.

Henk returned to earth with a thud, his recent tropical cruise in the South Pacific just a memory as mercury stubbornly stayed in single digits. Joining him in the cab, Churchill and Booth Glen Gaylene Peruvian sailors seemed lost, their woolen hats with earflaps vain attempt to ward off the cold.

Mary Jane & easily seduced by the confines protected under the Dodger solid and only came to step in identifying seabirds. Gannets, albatrosses? Great skua, all seemed calm as the Chardonnay from the Head of kangaroo under the direction of Roger.

Roger is "Chardonnay" wind powered self steering gear and, although a droid, has personality and is now a pointer in its own right. An ingenious series of pulleys, ropes and guide vane rudder stabilizer and has a steady course.

Tim Williams looked like the Michelin man with layers and layers of woollens and lent him a different profile but comfortable.

The recent boat show in Darling Harbour Sydney has left star in the eyes of David Churchill and all the expensive boats had an effect on him. With their masks in place, Dave looked like the chapter in our $ 100 bill (please be generous).

Cleverly disguised as a $ 100 bill, which hopes to get the boat of your dreams. With the strength of Mawson, and he and Commodore sat stuck (frozen) behind the wheel, if Roger hesitation.

With "Chardonnay" insured at Christmas Cove and Roger of service, we went to the pub for lunch Penneshaw (love that nibbles dish) and see "Phoenix 7" race through the passage of Wirrina.

Once back on board the serious business of beating back the river began. The front iron candle did all the work around the head of the kangaroo to a point adjacent to the warehouse where the ant’s Sunset captain deployed the arm, double reefed the main and side flooded and dodging ice flows toward the river.

Cold! Even the captain called ugg boots! Dave sank lower in his balaclava, Henk was too frozen, and even the smoke and Mary put another jacket to join the other three.

Michelin Man became Superman, once back on the ferry mooring in addition to all ships on the ground in three steps choppy. Well done, Tim!

Later, in the conservatory with views Strawbridge Point, the birds were correctly identified; the list of Whitworth was drooling all dreams show boat and was revived on DVD. Fittingly, Roger was awarded the infallible porthole for sea service.