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Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Australia
27 December 2004 - 12 January 2005 |
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27 Dec, Mon
It was almost a four drive from Sydney Airport to the Madison Motor Inn. Our home for the next 2 weeks sits on top of the hill overlooking a very picturesque city of Newcastle . We joined the Laser and 420 sailors for a good dinner at a local club. Currently, there are 34 SIN sailors and officials at Lake Macquarie , the biggest contingent on a single overseas trip. Another seven 470 members are in Melbourne .
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28 Dec, Tue
The morning was spent sorting out the boats and equipment. The optimist sailors hit the cold water after lunch. Lake Macquarie , a vast blue water expanse, four and a half times the size of Sydney Harbour , has plenty of sailing areas to offer. It was unusually cold for this time of summer with day temperature hovering around 22 degrees. The wind was also not normal. It blew around 15 knots with 20 knots gusts.
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29 Dec, Wed
It was no difference today. The sailors had very good strong wind sailing. They were cold and hungry when they came in for homemade lunch of honey ham cheese strawberry jam sandwiches. After lunch, Xiaodong had the freezing children playing games to keep them warm. The team is sailing off the Spears Point Sailing Club, a small single building. So far we are the only one here. |
30 Dec, Thu
It was very chilly in the morning but progressively got warmer. It was another good day of heavy air training. The children are being pushed hard by their coach, Xiaodong. The young sailors were showing signs of fatigue. However, they were very quick in unrigging their boats when I told them that I am bringing them to a huge mall that closes at 9pm on Thursday. Over here, the shops usual closing time is 5pm. Guess who spent the most money shopping.
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31 Dec, Fri
Ripple effects of the devastating tsunami were felt here at Newcastle . There were wild fluctuations in tides; with tides that rose up to 40 cm above the norm were recorded.
In the morning, we did some maintenance and minor repair work on the boats. The team was then given a break for the rest of the day. They went over to the other sailing clubs to support our Laser and 420 sailors who are in the midst of racing. In the late evening, we had McDonald dinner at the lake. The whole town turned up to watch the New Year Eve's firework display. |
1 Jan, Sat
The team did PT for over an hour; our way of welcoming the New Year. Then we had a late breakfast followed by a drive along the coast. When I suggested that we should go swimming, most of the children were against the idea. However, all of them had a great time at the beach in the late afternoon.
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2 Jan, Sun
Finally, some Australian optimist sailors from the Perth showed up. It was good to meet old friends. The Aussie kids joined the team in training. The wind has dropped and it looks like light wind weather for the next few days.
3 Jan, Mon
The coach and the sailors are trying to adjust to the lighter wind condition after a windy week. It was a cool day but the weather is expected to get hotter in the next few days.
4 Jan, Tue
A typical day for the team is PT at 7.30 am; breakfast at 8.15 am; reach the club by 9.30 am; full day training with an hour for lunch; dinner at 7.00 pm; team debrief at 8.30 pm; back to their room by 10.00 pm; and lights out at 11.00 pm.
5 Jan, Wed
Light wind in the morning and a good breeze in the afternoon. More Aussie sailors started to show up. It is beginning to feel like a championship. In the evening, we came together for a BBQ at the lake. It was wonderful to see the AUS and SIN sailors playing cricket together and getting to know each other better.
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6 Jan, Thu
The race venue is coming alive with more sailors arriving by the hour. There were approximately 30 sailors at the last count. It is beginning to look and feel like a championship. The SIN Team is raring to race and the anxiety level is slowly building up.
7 Jan, Fri
While waiting for measurement, the team played treasure hunt; seeking treasure based on clues and catching live flying insects. After lunch, two practice races were run to let the sailors and race officials get familiar with the running of the races. Both races were held in good wind.
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8 Jan, Sat
After a simple opening ceremony, the first race got underway in 15 knots of breeze with 19 knots gusts. It was quite a handful for the younger sailors to handle. Paul won this race with the rest of the SIN sailors just behind him. Race 2 was won by Jovina in almost similar condition. Again the rest of the SIN sailors were just behind her.
9 Jan, Sun
It has been a long day for the sailors. 5 races were run in very shifty wind averaging 12 knots. Xiaodong and I are very happy that after 7 races with 1 discard, the team is occupying the top 8 positions in this order: Timothy, Paul, Aaron, Jovina, Scott, Sean, Crystal, Griselda. Our friends from Perth , Mark and Belinda are in the lead amongst the local sailors. Some sailors from New Zealand and New Catalonia are also doing well.
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10 Jan, Mon
3 light wind races were run in the afternoon. Once again, most of the SIN sailors were in front. The twin brothers are currently in the lead with Timothy slightly ahead of Paul after ten races.
11 Jan, Tue
The day started with the AP being raised on shore. The last two races got underway just before lunch time in light air condition. There was very keen competition out on the water. Sailors were either trying to push their position a notch higher or just consolidating their position. In the end, Timothy won the championship followed by Paul, Aaron, Sean, Jovina, Scott, Griselda and Crystal. Our good friend, Mark was the first Australian.
Overall, we had a fantastic time here at Lake Macquarie . Good wind, good competition and most of all good company. We hope to be back at next year's Australian Optimist Championship in Brisbane . |
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