SAIL OF THE CENTURY
Disclaimer: For those who have a tendency to get envious when they hear about people sailing the Mediterranean in the ultimate of luxury, please do not read on.
This was one of those opportunities that are often told but rarely experienced. One of those opportunities one has to pinch themselves to ensure it’s not a dream. One of those opportunities that will remain possibly one of our best memories ever. We were fortunate enough to be invited by Newcastle friends, Pete and Jude, to accompany them on their stunning yacht, Aurora, whilst in Croatia. We gratefully accepted and rendezvoused on the island of Sipan, a 90 minute island hop north west of Dubrovnik. As we approached the harbour, we joked about the enormous catermeran, boldly posing for all to admire, until the joke turned into a reality when we read “AURORA” proudly printed on the boom cover. A warm greeting by Pete and Jude added to the excitement as we gathered our belongings from the ferry and hopped into the tender boat and headed for the white vision, waiting statuesquely. Once on board, we were awe struck by the size and class this stunner showed off as Jude took us to our ‘quarters’, complete with a scrumptious king sized bed and private ensuite. We soon set sail, north bound and it wasn’t long before we were sat down to a lovely spread for lunch and caught up on each others’ travels… which became a tradition for the week to follow. From that point on, beautiful wine flowed, delicious meals were served and postcard worthy bays were frolicked in. The water is some of the clearest we have ever seen and to swim around in the middle of the ocean is not something we would be caught doing in the Pacific! Whilst Kez and Jude loved themselves sick on the trampoline, Capt. Pete and his trusty deckhand Ads, were like two peas in a pod scrambling around the (motoristed) winches – ruling the Adriatic like musketeers. When the boys’d had enough, the girls would take over and show ’em how it’s done. With more electrical components than Lidell Power Station, the 11 tonne monster can basically sail herself. Think the technical term is called Autopilot. Basically, our dreamy week on Aurora has brought a new meaning to having fun in the sun.
WIN:
Len Payne: you might make a yachtie out of Ads yet.
FAIL:
1. The cranky old bar owner at Lopud beach who almost got into fisty cuffs with Ads when we put a small bag of rubbish in the BIN! Lucky that lethal serviette just missed Ads by a mere 10 metres, or it would’ve been On Like Donkey Kong.
2. A word of advice to the liberal Germans who feel clothing is optional at all times whilst on vacation: When the grape turns into a sultana, it’s time to cover up. And please, when picking up your dog’s frisbee: BEND AT THE KNEES!
theflightclub 