Sexagenarians take racing and cruising! seriously

by Jody Ellem on 18 Apr 2008 An eclectic bunch of guys south of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a living and breathing example of how yachting isn’t a sport you have to be of any certain age to participate in and enjoy.

The crew from L'attitude has been sailing together for over 30 years, and the average age is close to 70, putting them in an age category described as the Sexagenarian.

From their home club of RMYC Port Hacking, they'll make their way north this weekend to participate in the inaugural Sail Port Stephens regatta from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 April.

Skipper and owner, John Barter believes sailing has seen them through the highs and lows of life so far, and the diverse nature of the crew means there is always plenty to discuss on board.

'Like most crews, ours is one with many different backgrounds and experience, so together we compliment each others’ skills and generally have a tremendous time together, whether it be racing or cruising 'he said.
Of the six, four describe themselves as retired, one semi retired, and another still has a job.

Working the 'retired' watch is John, an electronics engineer and company director, another John who’s a civil engineer and also a professor at Wollongong University, Ken, a school teacher, and Angus - a pilot, who L’attitude’s owner affectionately describes as a colourful local identity...

Ken, a timber importing expert, says at 70-‘ish, he’s semi retired, and number 6 in the crew, Bruce, with the numerical quantification as minus 70, is described as the youngster in the group, and the job holder, as he still runs his own company.

Mr Barter indicated that the crew was certainly looking forward to sail up to Port Stephens over the weekend and then racing from Monday 21 April in the Commodores Cup and then the Port Stephens trophy later in the week.

'A number of us have cruised north over the years – and are delighted to be coming to race at this regatta in its first year – there’s some great sailing to be had on the Bay, whether we want to push the boat hard, or just kick back and enjoy the scenery ' he said

L’attitude is a deck saloon cruising yacht which the crew likes to race when she’s a having a break from cruising duties.

A Dehler 41DS design launched in 2003, she is one of only two yachts of her kind in the country, and has twice cruised north beyond the Whitsunday Islands and once to Hobart.

The name comes from a saying 'Adventure is not a dream it's AN ATTITUDE'.

This profound phrase appealed at the time of launch, and has grown in its application over the last 5 years of sailing adventures. The name of John’s previous boat was 'Possible Dream'.

For more information about Sail Port Stephens – go to www.sailportstephens.com.au