The idea of RFBYC Saint Ayles Skiffs (SAS), Dotsie and Ripple being challenged by an ocean row was seeded by Couta sailor Mark (Fred) Butler during the January SAS meeting.
I
t came to fruition on a beautiful autumn morning on Saturday, 7 May 2022. A glorious sunrise greeted the intrepid rowers as they gathered at the main wharf to travel to Woodman Point on the mothership Jim Wilshire’s Independence, carrying Ripple, and Peter Wauchope’s Fastback. Dotsie was ably towed by the Club RHIB. The trip went well with Dotsie skipping along through a slight sea with the grace of a dolphin at speeds never thought possible (main picture opposite) while Ripple looked like she was about to undergo a “berth” by the mother ship as she cruised over the pristine waters of the Swan River and Cockburn Sound (inset opposite right).
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above: Dotsie & Ripple leaving Port Coogee seawall; below: over-80’s men hard at work
L
ots of good cheer and excitement flowed from all, with discussions on the wind direction and currents, debate on the best wind app, cries for coffee and how Ripple would be delivered to the waiting sea. Around 8:00am with no coffee but refreshed with Gerry’s delicious herbal tea, Ripple prepared to enter the sea while all looked on a little anxiously. A perfect entry ensued.
T
he RHIB towed the skiffs while transferring the eager crews to the beach off Jervoise Bay Yacht Club and so the ocean row began (inset opposite centre). It was 08:30.
