Sailors usually focus on the expensive options of sailing internationally such as buying a suitable boat or chartering, and overlook the fact that with their sailing expertise they would be welcomed as crew by fellow sailors with boats in ports around the world, including Australia with its amazing sailing venues..
Long time NSC member John Rakos has been sailing & racing in Australia for a number of years as volunteer crew, during our Ottawa winters. This started during the first annual trip to visit their daughter who moved to the Sydney area, when John went to the nearby Wollongong Yacht Club out of curiosity and quickly found himself “drafted” to sail and race as he was experienced. The owners of the boats are now strong friends.
John, now a member of the Wollongong Yacht Club, will share his experiences cruising & racing on the Pacific Ocean including the dangers that can be encountered and the challenges of big waves & strong winds for sailing & picking up a mooring. Racing challenges include coping with a container ship designated as a racing mark that hauls anchor during the race!
Despite the high price of sailboats in Australia, about double Canadian costs, John has noted numerous abandoned boats that a Canadian might take advantage of for a prolonged trip to Australia. John will also discuss chartering a sailboat in various Australian regions.
John will discuss the costs of getting to Australia, living costs including accommodation, touring Australia, and will make at times hilarious comments on the “Aussie” lifestyle, language & climate. The option of retiring to Australia, which John and Marie have seriously considered, will also be reviewed.
The Galley will be serving their famous Aussie Burgers. The kitchen opens at 5.00 pm, and the presentation will start at 7:30 p.m. Check the Galley menu for other specials.
Members of all local sailing clubs obtain a discount on food purchases by showing a valid club membership card. Attendees are asked to make a donation to support the NSC Legacy fund.
For the complete Winter Speakers Program, see the Speakers Series Calendar.
