The Chapmans

4th to 8th August, 2021
John and I were expecting our second visitors for the season. We hadn’t seen Ang and Chappie for a number of years so we were really keen for them to visit and to have them experience a little bit of our new lifestyle with us ,even though it was just a weekend. As soon as they left, my sister Maree would be coming on board.

The sail from Harold Island to Breakwater Marina in Townsville was a bit rough on top of a rolly sleepless night. That first day we did the usual wash boat, clothes and the following more food, more drinks,

more something or other for the boat and long dog walks. We went back to Molly Malones for the Trivia and came last – wooden spoon prize was a jug of beer which we swapped for wine. I mean who knows what walk-in music some wrestler has or who’s song samples someone else’s music? The people at the next table were glad we were there as they usually come last.

In all honesty John and I can’t say there wasn’t a little trepidation about what the Chapmans would be wearing on arrival as they are known for their elaborate costumes. We were therefore thankful to see them arrive looking a little like Lovey and Thurston Howell the III from Gilligan’s Island – always on theme. We assisted them unload their car and onboard with the largest esky to date brought onto the boat.

It was a beautiful day, as Fridays always are, and we had a lovely quick sail across to Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island with a nice eight knot wind. We were there in just over two hours in time for lunch.

Chappy had picked up some fresh prawns which were very yummy. It was great to just sit around and catch up on life. John was impressed with Chappy’s second mate skills, (I’m the first mate) and he asked lot of questions the whole weekend (still annoying).

The couple from Zophia, who we had met the week before, invited us to “sundowners.” Over on the beach there were about 20 people in the shelter shed. We had some Blanquette de Limoux, chatted to a few yachties and watched the sun go down.

The next day we decided to go on a bit of an island tour. Tallis needed a run on the beach before we left so we had an early morning trip to the closest beach. Not sure if Ang enjoyed the trip as much as the rest of us, although she seemed a bit relieved when we got back to the boat.

On the island we stopped for pre-lunch drinks at the Marlin Bar, took the bus to Picnic Point for lunch then post lunch refreshments at Arcadia. A full day with lots of fun.

The next day, after a hearty breakfast we returned to Breakwater Marina via the west side of the island. It was a lovely weekend – good company, lots of fun, great conversation and good food and drinks.

Waiting on southern arm of the marina, next to Breakwater Casino was my sister Maree waving wildly at us. What was she doing there!! Oh, that’s right she’s coming with us on the passage south to Airlie Beach!!

We tied up to the marina and said good-bye to Chappy and Ang. Little do they know that the Captain and Crew have nominated the Chapmans for a few categories in the annual Captain and Crew Awards.

Next: Townsville and Magnetic Island with Maree