Sail Report - Newcastle Harbour (tilman)
Tilman and I had our first, albeit tiny, sail on Newcastle harbour on Sunday. The day was almost filled with domestic and family stuff, but at around 3 pm we were liberated and the harbour was the nearest patch of water. I'd not launched there before but was pleased to find a perfect little beach near the boat ramp proper and chose to kick off there. With a Land Rover tow vehicle, it was easy. We sailed off a windward shore in 5 knots and after 100 yards had our most difficult manoeuvre of the day to negotiate; a low bridge. I was certain the yard would not fit, so I sailed parallel to the underside of the bridge to see if the mast would go clear. Yes! So I loosed the main halyard and dipped the main, or momentum carried us on through. Passing the main marina for the city was a visual feast, with many large yachts hanging out, few with people attached though. One sleek cat caught my eye, Fantastique , designed by a real sailor for sailing. Sleek...