Sunday 3rd September
Shadowfax day
I am beside myself with excitement. Bruno is coming to get us at the marina at 9.30am and I fret that he is going to forget or be late and won’t be on time! But he does turn up and we are ontime for Shadowfax’s departure. Over 30 people will be boarding Shadowfax and Rubyat for a little turn around St George’s bay. We know most of them as we have either met them at the hash or around marina, although for some reason the boaties are gathered on Rubyat, the smallest boat. The professionals are in with their camera, video and drones. I am going to be in the movie! Perfect day for it, blue skies and blue sea. Ian has been volunteered to drive the fast dinghies. Nine of them will be out and I do hope that the choreography has been well rehearsed.
Beautiful day to be out and about and we set sail. The story of how Shadowfax and Rubayat have been saved and reconditioned to host day-tripper is interesting. Roger the skipper is actually the son of the designer and builder of both of them. Peter Spronk was a well known catamaran builder in the 60’s and the 70’s. Most of his boats were built in the Caribbean, and all of them are just so elegant and fast. I had a very nice chat with his lady wife who was part of the trip. Fascinating stories, wished I’d seen the Caribbean in those days! The rest of the guests are just as interesting and a lot of blah blah blah is to be had.
After a quick swim in Grand Anse Beach, it is soon time to turn back to Port Louis. Ian and those who were driving the dinghies met us back there. And we were taken off again back to Grand Anse for lunch. Great piece of boat handling by Skipper Roger who hovered in very shallow water whilst lunch was being picked up. The afternoon just goes too quick and we have to return, but Roger makes may day bay letting me steer Shadowfax most of the way back! Shame the sail weren’t up!
What a fabulous day! Huge thanks to PJ, Cathy, Roger and everyone else for a great day out on the water.