Passengers:
Paul Green, Bruce McLachlan, Robert Young, David Gander, David Goldsmith, Mick Wilcomes
The "Badai", the Black Sumatran, the ugly West, North-west, or North tropical squall that can envelop this area for days turning passive a surf break into a slopped out mess was upon us and we were not going anywhere. The anchor dug firm and held us throughout the night as the wind screamed through the rigging and the rain drenched the jungle. Luck was on our side and the next morning the slop combined with the small groundswell and turned the waves into 4-5' fun things. Big enough to get pitched on and every now and then for the old blokes to bust out some of their childhood manoeuvres.
We had a few good sessions throughout the trip. A 4 day flat spell devastated the hopes and dreams of all the surfers in this part of the ocean. The boys were all seasoned travellers that took it all with a grain of salt and made the most of their holiday.
The Barrenjoey Fishing Charter was instigated and Dave Goldsmith took the honours with a great fight catching a 10Kg Wahoo on a 6Kg line. As well as the usual foray of Spanish mackeral, Jobfish, Bluefin Trevally and Coronation trouts. The boys would disappear for 3 hours in the Toranna and return loaded up with fish and stories of the ones that got away.
Mick Wilcomes, of Indies Trader Crossing fame joined us on the trip entertaining us with tall tales of his adventures on the seven seas. He also speared a 7Kg Coral Trout and pushed Greeny and Youngy all the way in the backhand attack.
Bruce, the Shiek found surf legs he thought he had lost which is what happens to most people out here. And Goose just revelled in the chance to be away from his cosy pub in London.
After a couple of rocky trips into the wind, the weather finally cleared and we headed into a school of mahi-mahi as the sun went down and the 6kg line finally snapped.
The last day needs mentioning as the trip ended in perfect 2-3 ft lefts. Magical Indo glass-off and the spearing of a 22kg Giant Trevally that dragged the hunter down into the depths before the dinghy rescued him!