Lord Howe Classic Barbecue - just a sail away

by Nancy Knudsen on 12 Oct 2008 'If your interest is classic yachts, or you simply fancy yourself a classic yachtie, you'll be making your own way to Ned's Beach, Lord Howe Island for a sausage or two for our annual Classic Australian Barbecue. November 11th 4.30pm is the time, and all proceeds go to the Lord Howe Island Central School' - they are the words of the organiser of the 'rally that isn't a rally', Nigel Stoke.

The 2008 Classic Australian Barbecue is in its sixth year, patronised by a growing number of cruising sailors – some in classic boats, some just enjoying the feeling of non-competitive cruising – who meet for the annual barbecue on Ned's Beach. It all started when the skippers of four boats decided that the annual Lord Howe race was getting a little competitive and the more classic boats were being asked to sail the race without stopping at Lord Howe, owing to lack of room in the deeper outer lagoon.

'Not stopping at Lord Howe took away much of the spirit of the event, and we didn't need to race anyway,' says Nigel Stoke, so they agreed make a new 'non-event' event, and visit the island two weeks later.

Nigel is right of course. A visit to Lord Howe Island is a delight, even if you have to fly there; but for the sailor, a two to three day sail has you anchored in a pristine lagoon, beside an island so precious it has been listed as a World Heritage Site. Finding it is a navigational accomplishment, as a mere speck in the Pacific Ocean, 700kms north-east of Sydney and 500kms due east of Port Macquarie.

In many ways, Lord Howe is a unique island, its high mountains creating its own weather systems, and covered in dense temperate rainforest. The village of Lord Howe is almost without cars, with bicycles as the main mode of transport for visitors. Apart from the several beaches, there are walks through the thick vegetation, mountains to climb and even a mutton bird hatchery.

As for Ned's Beach, the site for the barbecue, wading in the shallows you'll find your legs tickled and nibbled by the local fish. Swim a little further out, and you'll find yourself snorkelling among wonderful coral, turtles and hundreds of brightly coloured fish.

This really is a cruise in the best sense of the word. Boat are given an ending date rather than a starting date. 'This is also a sensible idea,' says Nigel, 'as the boats tend to come together in the latter part of the sail – which is when conditions often are at their worst – rather than at the beginning.'

The event is run along the most informal of lines, there is no sponsoring club, no rules, just the date for the barbecue. However, it is generally accepted that boats going to Lord Howe will be have good offshore capability.

It must be a good formula. A couple of weeks ago, no less than 40 people representing 25 boats gathered at the Orient Hotel for a 'quiet little drink' and to discuss their plans.

Proceeds from the Barbecue will go to the local school. Lord Howe Island Central School has a total of around 40 students and three teachers. Surely the most isolated school in New South Wales, the school has two classes - K-2 and a Yr 3-6 with secondary students studying at school with work supplied by Camden Haven Distance Education Centre in Port Macquarie.

Contact me, Nancy Knudsen, Sail-World Cruising by using our comment form if you have questions about the rally