MYCQ Cruise to the QLD Maritime Museum Southbank

by Ray & Sue Perry

The MYCQ winter cruise up the Brisbane River to anchor off Gardens Point and visit the Qld Maritime Museum took place on the weekend of the 14^th,15^th & 16^th of July. Originally planned for the long weekend in June, the ‘forecast’ of rain and strong winds had forced the rescheduling.

Keen for a leisurely start to the weekend,Shanda left Manly harbour around 10.30am on Friday morning, followed byPurrfik half an hour later. A following breeze of 15 knots allowed us to sail across the bay and up the river to within sight of the Gateway bridge. As the run out tide was building, the iron sail gave a helping hand to our anchoring point at the end of the pole moorings adjacent the city gardens. We anchored in 6 metres of water with a sticky mud bottom for good holding.

‘Sunset’ (hidden behind threatening rain clouds) drinks aboard Purrfik became a cosy dinner. Luckily Bruce and Lyn made it back to Shanda before rain set in.

Next morning, the patchy rain cleared at midday as Kestrel anchored up with Commodore Richard, Briony, Debbie and Connor aboard. All three parties tied (locked) their tenders to the city gardens jetty and we made our way over the Goodwill walking bridge to the Maritime Museum. We were joined there by club members who had driven in- Peter & Alyson fromSteppin Along and Bruce & Annette from Cats Whiskas.

Our volunteer museum guide Felix, escorted us passed Jessica Watson’s “Pink Lady” to the decommissioned Australian warship HMAS Diamantina. Felix’s knowledge and laid-back style made for an interesting afternoon. Those willing to climb down to the dry dock floor were impressed with the views of the hull from below. After an extensive tour throughout the ship and some gunnery practise we adjourned to the mess hall for a delicious afternoon tea prepared by Lyn.

Further exploration with our guide saw us inspecting original workings of the dry dock and the ‘shed’ – a workshop and display area containing numerous hand built and lovingly restored timber boats. Three hours soon disappeared with still more to see, but with doors closing it meant we would have to return to see all the exhibits.

The landlubbers headed off home and the boaties congregated on board “Kestrel” for a potluck dinner, wine and merriment.

Kestrel, Shanda & Purrfik made their way back to home berths on Sunday, the wind unfortunately to light and too on the nose to be much help.

We had a very enjoyable weekend with a big thank you to Bruce and Lyn Weiland for organizing this adventure.