Thursday 7th August
We wake up early in a very cold boat – we’re going to have to dig out the musto thermals. Alex and Kevin leave for the airport at 7.30am. We quickly pile on some layers and make hot drinks before heading ashore for breakfast. Phil is feeling a bit sore but is in good fettle despite his disturbed and uncomfortable night! Ian and Annie take off the headsail for collection by the sail-maker and re-thread the reefing lines. It’s race day here in Coffs Harbour – one of the main events of the year, so everything is closing at lunchtime and everyone is going to the races! This is not really good for us as it means our repairs will not be complete until at least tomorrow lunchtime – we had hoped to leave 1st thing. We go to a balcony restaurant in the harbour for breakfast where there are great views out to sea and of the surrounding bays and countryside. The next few hours are spent pottering around the boat and enjoying watching the world go by while sitting up top. We discuss whether or not we should go to the races but decide against and head into town mid-afternoon instead. Soon the race goers start to trickle in to the bars – everyone is dressed to the nines (so it’s a good job we didn’t go) in best bib and tucker, dresses and hats. It’s a great day of people watching and another good dose of true Aussie culture! We eat enormous big steaks in the Coast Hotel, then head home for a reasonably early night.