BoatHaven, South Stradbroke Island
With picture perfect weather, sign-on happened at 2pm with complimentary Sangria and nibbles provided by the Cruise Committee. There was also face painting, games and activities for the children.
The theme for the evening’s activities was “Mermaids & Pirates” and most dressed up for the occasion. Our host club BOAT put on a wonderful dinner as usual and there was plenty of dancing along to the tunes being played by ”The Vinyls”.
SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
This is where we went and what we did in 2013.
“Dux”, South Stradbroke Island
In the morning those that were feeling energetic took a short walk to the ‘surf side’ of the Island for sand tobogganing. On their return at lunch a FREE sausage sizzle was provided for all.
The afternoon had plenty of activities on offer such as playing Scrabble or Boccé, craft or banner painting and participating in team games (including water balloon volleyball). Dinner was BYO and plenty took advantage of the BBQs on shore. The evening finished with a Trivia night.
SUNDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
Canaipa Point, Russell Island
The spinnakers were flying high for the Annual Family Sailing Challenge course from South Stradbroke Island to Russell Island in the morning. More games, crafts and volleyball were available for everyone on shore after lunch and the kids were kept well entertained with silly dancing by ‘String Hunter’.
RQYS' on-site caretaker put together a great meal and ‘String Hunter’ continued to entertain us late into the evening. There was singing, dancing and a campfire to gather around (or toast marshmallows over for supper).
MONDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
Jacobs Well
A hearty breakfast was served up at Canaipa before the fleet left for Jacobs Well. There were a few people who left early to take advantage of the Boat and PWC Licensing Course that was on offer at VMR Jacobs Well. At Calypso Bay Marina, a boat maintenance and safety demonstration by CWorthy Marine was educational for all those on shore.
Harrigan’s Irish Pub was the location for dinner and lots of people dressed in green and all things Irish with the rest of the evening involving ’two little ducks’ with a few games of Bingo.
TUESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER
VMR Southport
The morning began with everyone dressing up their vessels with flags, balloons, and even aliens, to take part in the Sail Past the Commodore’s boat. It’s a spectacular sight to see all the boats proceed in single file for the 3–4km course.
Not long after arriving at the affectionately-named ‘Bum’s Bay’ anchorage just south of the Gold Coast Seaway, those brave enough to handle going fast, in circles and getting very wet took part in the Jet Boat Rides. Dinner at VMR Southport was the ever-popular spit roast; and afterwards, the Talent Quest.
WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER
Southport Yacht Club
The fleet was berthed in the Marina by mid-morning and while some chose to go shopping in Surfer’s Paradise, others had a leisurely lunch on the deck of the Yacht Club.
With the theme for the evening being ‘Bollywood’, a dance class in this genré was held in the early afternoon; while the younger kids did sand modelling on the little beach adjacent to the Clubhouse. A buffet-style two course Indian meal was on offer for dinner and lots of Bollywood dance moves learnt in the afternoon’s class were performed on the dance floor.
THURSDAY 26 SEPTEMBER
Gold Coast Boat Club & Couran Point Resort, South Stradbroke Island
A hot and cold buffet breakfast was available at SYC before departing for the Gold Coast Boat Club’s island home. Dinghys travelled in convoy to Couran Point Resort where some serious lazing by the pool was done while enjoying a big burger lunch.
After such a big lunch, a simple, but very tasty soup dinner was appreciated. The last of the Treasure Chest draws were done, and a double-feature movie night was held under the stars.
FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
“The Haven”, South Stradbroke Island
With an overcast morning, the last day was a laid back affair with some games on the beach, and a performance by the kids of ”Yellow Submarine” — something they’d been practicing in secret all week.
Everyone brought ashore some food to share for the ‘lucky leftover lunch’ and that marked the official end of the Cruise. Farewells were made and some weighed anchor and left on their journey home; while a few stayed for a very ‘Cruisy’ afternoon and a quiet night, already thinking about how long before it was until the next year’s Cruise.
SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER
