2009 Australian Classic BBQ Lord Howe Island - one yachtie's tale

by Glen Picasso on 23 Nov 2009 “Do absolutely nothing for two weeks and no heavy work for three months. That means no pulling on winches, climbing masts or any sailing stuff like that!”

These were the surgeon’s instructions on my discharge from hospital after having an infected appendix removed. The seventh annual Australian Classic Boat BBQ on Ned’s beach at Lord Howe Island was fast approaching and this appendix thing could become a major inconvenience.

Cut to a scene where I’m telling our crew of my restrictions.

“It’s three weeks away, you’ll be right Cyril, we’ll do all the work and you come along for the sail!”

That was what I was waiting for, I reckon I can milk this one for a while!! Probably not what the Doctor had in mind but it sounded like a pretty good deal to me. Perhaps I could even manage to stay up for a couple of hours one night and do a watch. I didn’t consult the doc but I imagine my restrictions would include things like cooking and washing up. This seems to be working out quite well!

The Australian Classic Boat BBQ was the brainchild of Nigel Stokes a number of years ago. Anyone with an interest in classic boats would find their own way (insert sail) to Lord Howe Island for a BBQ at a designated time with funds raised going to the LHI School. This year’s poster sprukes “after three days on the one tack you’ll be ready for that sausage!” Seventeen boats left for the event from various locations but with headwinds, uncomfortable seas and adverse currents only seven arrived, taking from three and a half and up to six days.

This year we were sailing on “Starship”, a Pearson 395 from the USA currently on a world circumnavigation crewed only by two blind sailors, go to blindsailing.com for their amazing story so far. This year we were going with a crew of five, Scott Duncan the skipper, Tony Purkiss (also blind) Michael MacDonald, Tim Vooles and Me.

We departed Newcastle at 1130 Friday into a 20knt Easterly with the wind swinging a little to the North and staying from that direction and varying in strength for the trip out. Fairly uneventful trip with us settling in to an uncomfortable motion for the next few days, usually with one reef and a staysail. We could have changed up or down a few times but in true cruising fashion sail changes were dictated by meal times and crew enthusiasm. The usual problems occurred such as anchor coming loose, lee shrouds to be tightened, stereo speakers unreliable, but we managed to overcome these issues between meals and happy hour.

We arrived at the island at first light Tuesday and promptly woke Clive Wilson to get clearance to enter the lagoon. From the mooring we were ferried to the jetty then to our accommodation at Somerset lodge. Our next priority was to obtain pushbikes from Wilsons bike hire, as this is the main transport for visitors on the island, and then to Ned’s beach to snorkel with the Kingfish.

That night crews from the arriving yachts assembled, along with a contingent of locals to enjoy what has to be one of the best-catered events you could attend. Bar B Q’d kingfish, local steak and sausages, beautiful salads, potato bake and deserts all prepared by the islanders. During brief formalities Nigel Stokes advised us that since its modest inception, the event has raised over $20,000 for the school. Entertainment usually arrives in the form of a local with a guitar and appropriate timing and ensuing a sing-along occurs to Jimmy Buffett songs. Over the years we have established friendships on the island and after the bar b q is over we usually seem to find our way back to Deb and Paul’s place to continue the merriment, and this year was no exception.

The following day has an anticipated slow start and a late breakfast at the kiosk at the Museum. We then pedal out to the Meteorological office at the airport for a weather forecast for our return trip and then two of us decide to walk to the Goathouse cave on mount Lidgbird. This was my suggestion and Tim who was accompanying me was very enthusiastic, however I had not given him all the information. The walk is a grade 8, which is fairly difficult with steep assents using fixed ropes. I figured it would take about two to three hours and I looked at Tim and he seemed reasonably prepared. Badly hung-over, thongs, no water and ill informed. Perfect!

The climb was fairly arduous considering the factors mentioned but we eventually made it and the views were spectacular. South to Balls Pyramid, North over the island and directly below was Wolf Rock with which the HMS Nottingham became acquainted a few years ago.

Thursday was spent at a leisurely pace and we departed the Lagoon at 1800 heading for home. Perfect sailing weather for the return trip, which took 2 ½ days, and a little excitement, was provided by hooking and landing a 15kg tuna when abeam of Seal Rocks.

Needless to say we are already planning which boat we will hijack for next years trip.