Escaped Aussies

Hamilton Island Fundraising Thank-you

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 16:46:00 +0000

The Escaped Aussies principles are Fun - Learn - Win - Give Back... in that order. Hamilton Island was tooooo much Fun - we'll blog some pictures and stories about that soon enough. We wanted to started with a HUGE thank-you to everyone that made our fundraising for Yalari a big success.

First a huge thanks to John Cowpe, National Sales Manager of Vicsail. John embraced our fundraising effort and gave us access to all the Beneteau crews at the fantastic nightly Beneteau prizes giving/drinks sessions at Hamilton. Thanks as well to Ray Marine and Wild Oats Wines for donating prizes.

We awarded three prizes at the Sunday race at Hammo - 2 for the Best Peforming Boats and a special prize to the Skipper of Holy Cow who embodies the mix of sailing and charity.

And the winner was: Pyrennes, Skipper Leanne Manley.. but a huge thanks to all the boats that donated, which by the Escaped Aussies record includes:

Tresento

Holy Cow

Kat

Makaila

Nessie Too

Europa

Real Yachting

Pyrnnes

Yes Dear

Morning Mist

Carla M

Ropabull

Tuan

Apres Vous

and of course - the Escaped Aussies on Kioni

Thanks to Helen Hopcroft for the photo and those seeking relief from the taxman - feel free to mail us at escapedaussies@gmail.com.

Press - Arrogant? Laconic? Great Read on EA...

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 22:51:00 +0000

http://www.sail-world.com/news_std.cfm?Nid=37098&SRCID=7&RequestTimeOut=180

Half way - Just a Quick One

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:16:00 +0000

The boys are doing exactly as expected - with respect to racing our places are

17th
14th
13th
16th

So not too flash in the racing, but then what do you expect. We have had moments of brilliance that saw the EAs at the head of the fleet but by and large we have just settled into sailing well and are dealing with handicaps, etc as usual.

The experience, so far, has been much more first place. Epic one might say. Today was Whitehaven Beach day which saw the Escaped Aussies and friends sailing back to Hamilton Island under an Escaped Aussies kite after spending a beautiful blue sky day on the beach. We've had to say good bye to Jamie Couten (Nude Nut) drawn back to Sydney on Business but other than that the comraderie, etc is, well, epic.

More news when the fun and sailing is a little less all consuming.

T-2 Lazy Planning Days in Sydney

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 23:43:00 +0000

London has arrived, San Francisco and Atlanta are here. Toronto is allegedly in Brisbane. The Sydney Siders are trying to wrap up work and it's everyone heading North. A year in the planning and it's almost upon us.

Today will see some practice on Sydney Harbor with a very very exciting spinnaker being released... stay tuned for pictures and details.

While we haven't set foot on Kioni yet, Darren & Kieran (brain trust) and Brett were eyeing another 47.7 yesterday.. my, oh my that's a big boat. Plenty of main and lots of reason to pay attention.

Tonite is the kick-off party / fund raising event at the CYC and then racing updates from Hamilton Island.

The Map

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 22:45:00 +0000

Does this not speak for itself... cool man...

Kickin' It Old School EA

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:04:00 +0000

This is the equivalent of the Big Bang of Escaped Aussies sailing, the "real" birth: the infamous Lady Godiva outing of 1998.

Under JK’s (James Kennedy's) leadership, the boat contested the 1998 Hayman Island Bigboat series, a regatta that used to be a pre-curser to Hamilton for seriously large and competitive yachts, which was raced at the five star Hayman Island resort in the north of the Whitsunday Islands.

Lady Godiva is a Swan 65, and in the eighties was one of the most competitive racing Swans in the world. She was on an extended Pacific cruise in the ownership of a very colourful ex Wall St lawyer and his (third) wife.

JK assembled a crew befitting the history of the boat. In the crew’s upper echelon, were two ex-Americas Cup yachtsman and the legendary Barney Walker who had just returned from the Whitbread Round the World Race (now known as the Volvo RTW). Barney drove the starts muttering words to the effect of “she’s a little slower to respond than a Whitbread 60”. At the other end of the crew spectrum (and the other end of the boat) the crew included Kieran Duck at Mid Bow, and Jamie Hastie at Bow.

Pre-regatta preparations included the removal of a large oil painting and a mountain of kid skin upholstered cushions from the saloon, a full size domestic washing machine and a cappuccino machine. However, the owner who smoked Cohiba cigars by the box, insisted that his cigar humidor remained on board.

Escaped Aussies take second

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 12:40:00 +0000

As part of the lead up to the Hamilton Island regatta, the few Australian based crew have been honing their skills in the Audi Winter Series on Sydney Harbour.

In the last race of the series, Stu, Rob and Kieran took out “Blue Moon”, Kieran’s Beneteau 40.7. The sky was threatening and the challenge of having only three crew on a 40ft boat in a building breeze was looking ominous. We were kitted out ready for the weather to turn – black beanies and wet weather jackets were the fashion statement of the day.

Everything was going smoothly until eight minutes from the start when there was a scramble to get the headsail sheets re-run, keep the boat steady in the building breeze and get back to the start line in time. We were a bit late for the start but the building and swinging breeze resulted in a single tack to the first mark. Along the way we had to avoid HMAS Parramatta and HMAS Melbourne who were parked in the harbour because most of the dock at Garden Island Naval Base was taken up by the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk and its posse.

The breeze was constant around 12 knots and we started to overhaul the boats ahead, getting up into fifth position by the third mark (in a fleet of fourteen). We managed to climb to fourth by the halfway point with Rob trimming the headsail and Stu on the main.

After the fifth mark we were able to just pass in front of HMAS Melbourne without having to tack and got into second place. As we passed the next mark the breeze dropped off. Being a heavier charter boat, Blue Moon does not perform well in the light stuff. Over the next twenty minutes we were overtaken to put us back into third, and could see the rest of the fleet closing in. Some quick foredeck work saw us maintain our pace and hold onto third spot as we rounded the second last mark.

The breeze then filled back in (along with some cold, driving rain), and with a couple of well executed tacks we were back up into second spot. Coming to the last mark we were just ahead and picking our way through a fleet on port tack. As we ducked the last boat we almost didn't make the mark but we were able to use the momentum of the boat to get us around before freeing up for the run to the finish. We held off some fast finishing boats to hold our position on the last leg to finish the final race in second place.

After the cold and wet finish to the race we are really looking forward to the warmth of Hamilton – although the beers and wedges at the club went down well.

Next major outing for the Escaped Aussies – the shake down sail on the Wednesday before the regatta.

SailStrong meets Team New Zealand

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 18:48:00 +0000

The Escaped Aussies have only gotten one celebrity endorsement in it's entire history. And it appears to have been a great choice. You know Terry Hutchinson - Tactician on Team New Zealand? Well here he is during the Farr 40 Worlds on Sydney Harbor wearing a SailStrong cap. Damn, we're good...

"Press"ing Through As Team Readys For Regatta

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:09:00 +0000

The allure of the Syndicate from San Francisco (We picked a remote but sailing relevant location). At least Rob Mundle is waiting to see how we sail.

http://www.sail-world.com/index.cfm?SEID=2&Nid=34823&SRCID=0&ntid=0&tickeruid=0&tickerCID=0

Add this URL into your favorite RSS tool:http://feeds.feedburner.com/escapedaussies

Two Months to Hamilton - Blog Heats Up

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 17:19:00 +0000

Only two months until Hamilton Island Race Week starts... travel plans are finalized, final logistics are being sorted out, muscles and livers are being exercised...

Kieran posted the link to the Boats in the Regatta.

Our division is the Premier IRC Division... sounds impressive doesn't it... I have posted the division list below Kieran's comments. With Sopranos ending 2 weeks ago I must say I do like being part of a "Syndicate".

"There are six other 47.7 in the same division already. A couple of them are new boats while others are seasoned campaigners. It will provide for good fleet racing in a highly competitive division. Our division has some notable entries:

Brindabella - a seasoned campaigner,

Lady Godiva - a few Escaped Aussies were on board in '98,

Play Station - the first of the new Beneteau First 50 in Australia,

Carrera - a great looking, brand new Marten 49,

Balance - last year's winner of the division,

Margaret Rintoul V - latest of a long line of boats to carry this name. I remember during the '97 race when becalmed at night on the long race they dropped the anchor and went below to watch re-runs of 'Roy & HG'"

Full Division:

PREMIER IRC
Alex-Team McAdie	Jones/Hart 14	Jock & Hamish McAdie	Melbourne
Andrew Short Marine Brindabella	Jutson 80	Andrew Short	Sydney
Balance	Sydney 47	Paul Clitheroe	Sydney
Carla M	Beneteau 47.7	Mark Michalowsky	Sydney
Carrera	Marten 49	John Meadowcroft & Marten Yachts	Auckland
Dehler Maid	Dehler 44	Stephen Ellis & Maurice Drent	Sydney
Eagle Rock	Beneteau First 47.7	Ross Wilson	Melbourne
Esprit	Beneteau 47.7	Garry Anderson	Melbourne
Exile	DK 46	Nicholas George	Adelaide
Expresso Forte	McConaghy 56	Laurence Freedman	Sydney
Kioni	Beneteau First 47.7	Escaped Aussies Syndicate	San Francisco
Kookaburra	12 mtr	Michael Smith	Melbourne
Lady Godiva	Swan 60	David Currie	Melbourne
Margaret Rintoul V	Frers 61	Mobuckson Syndicate	Sydney
Playstation 3	Beneteau First 50	Dean Harrigan & Greg Hargraves	Sydney
Pretty Fly II	Beneteau 47.7	Colin & Gladys Wood	Sydney
Sea Eagle 1	Beneteau 47.7	John Garner	Geelong

Pretension gets un-Pretensed

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Mon, 14 May 2007 19:15:00 +0000

Had a brief email exchange with Jamie Hastie over the weekend. I was puzzled at first, but when I understood, I must say I was filled with a great sense of peace.

The email exchange was rather simple. Jamie informed me he had bought a boat. Now as one of the Founding Fathers of Escaped Aussies (Antigua 2000) I of course assumed a sailboat. But no. It's a stinky. A powerboat. A beer guzzling, gas drinking, bikini clad nuisance to any principled sailor in the world.

So I puzzled and puzzled. How could this be? After all - Jamie defines accomplished sailor. He's raced for decades on Sydney Harbor, been to Hobart many times, he even figures prominently in the book The Fatal Storm about his experiences go to Hobart in 1998. This guy is a sailor.

So I puzzled a little more, and in a Dr. Suess like moment, it hit me. This man is relaxing. He enjoys this. It's easy to get around, it's easy to guzzle beer, it's easy to cart around bikini-clad items. Jamie has proven himself in sailing - many times over. He'll sail again, no worries. But maybe there's more. And maybe it's down a notch or two.

My moment of zen for the day. Ahhhh..... Happy Motoring Jamie.

March to Hamilton Island Continues

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Fri, 11 May 2007 16:59:00 +0000

In an ongoing effort to share what it takes to rally 12 guys from literally around the world to participate in an 8 day sailing extravaganza we share another installment of "The March" or "The Swim" to Hamilton Island.

For many boats in regattas, cost is not an issue. The Skipper foots the bill. At least for the boat, sometimes more. It's good to be the skipper, it's still good to be rich - I think - and a lot of Skippers are just that. The downside is that it's pretty clear who's in charge. Now on our boats, we don't have an owner. I can tell Daz or Kieran or JK or whomever is masquerading as the man in charge to f-off anytime I like and they can't throw me off the boat. Downside is that this can get expensive, the privilege of telling the pseudo skipper to f-off that is. Current cost estimates for Hamilton Island Race week are running $36,000 Aussies dollars. Which is pretty damn close to $36,000 US these days.

So managing that cost is important - downscale your accommodations is one approach. Done it. Next is to recruit a few more folks - but that's not simple. These are people you are going to spend days and days in close proximity with. So basically, no jerks.

The second challenge we face these days is our charity arm. We believe - emphatically - that it's essential to "Give Back" to the localities where we race. Remember the rich Skipper thing? Sailing is ultimately a rich man's sport, though I am often fascinated by the disparity between rich and poor on a boat. Tends to be rich at the back end, suffice it to say. So the Escaped Aussies are trying to find an appropriate charity to donate to and a good method to raise money that does not require a tremendous amount of work. Most of that needs to be in place before Race Week.

The Story, the March, the Swim - continues.

Website Launched!

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 02:00:00 +0000

With a few months of delay, the new Escaped Aussies website has been launched. Much thanks to all the EAs that contributed to the effort! Check is out at at the usual spot and for those of you wondering what it used to look like see here. Hmmm... much better.

I will get a final final accounting of everyone that contributed and post a lovely thank-you to all. If anyone is wondering what too so long, well, if you want to pay someone $12/hour in Silicon Valley to do a website it takes a while. Good news is that the EA coffers still have cash and we can use that for training etc.

If you find any bad links (few photos are missing, I know) let Brett know. Maybe he can do something about it, probably not. And if there's content missing - write it!

Hope you're happy about the new world of Blogging for Escaped Aussies... much cooler...

Hamilton Island 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 11:04:00 +0000

The Escaped Aussies are returning home in 2007.

Hamilton Isalnd Regatta 18th - 25th August 2007 (with some lead up events the week before) will be the scene of a massive reunion.

The racing will be full-on with two matched boats. Forget the Waterford trophies on offer from the regatta - we'll be competing for the Bundy Cup.

Already more than a dozen people have expressed interest, with most of them sending deposits to secure their spots (we are limited to a maximum of 16).

Stay tuned for updates as the numbers grow and the details emerge about the extra curricular activities (including the charity event).

Kieran

Windsor Cup, UK - September 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Mon, 04 Sep 2006 03:18:00 +0000

Some select shots from a great day out in typical Cowes conditions with EA veterans from the last Cowes tour....

Rainy and gusty conditions up to 39 Knots , a close encounter with a mamoth tanker that actually swung a massive course change to avoid a collision with us, a torn kite that floated around the hull of the boat, and a 5th overall out of 17 boats !!!

-Darren

It has begun...

noreply@blogger.com (Escaped Aussies) — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 03:40:00 +0000

... well actually, the Escaped Aussies (www.escapedaussies.com) have been around for quite a while. Six wonderful years to be exact. Our bi-annual International Sailing Regatta romps began innocently (lie) enough at Antiqua Race Week in 2000. Nine souls sailed a Sunsail bathtub and discovered that "EA" was a great way to stay in touch and see the world while sailing competitively.

Why Escaped Aussies? Many on the team had 4 wonderful years together in Sydney as expats and citizens and found this amazing way to race competitively, stay in touch, and see the world after we had "Escaped".

Escaped? Ha. None of us that lived there and left doesn't miss it every day. Fortunately many EAs still live in Sydney and our ranks have swollen to those that have not live Down Under.

We've now sailed in 11 International Regattas - unfortunately many before the advent of blogging. But hey the pictures on the website and the regatta reviews tell the story of how we've seen the world through the eyes of a partying hard / competing hard Sailor.

We've also started giving back through our SailStrong charity. Originally based on Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong campaign. Now we give back to charities wherever we sail.

Stay tuned as the saga unfolds.