2020 Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race: a first for a new sailor By Christine Hunter Rum was the drink of choice for me and my new friends as we crossed the finish line of the 2020 Brisbane to Keppel Yacht Race. It was 6.15 am, sunrise, Sunday the 2nd of August and I didn’t drink rum – until then!
I was toasting the completion of my first ocean yacht race with the crew of Fruit Salid 3, the beautiful Beneteau First 40. My exhaustion-infused elation had me celebrating and reliving many ‘firsts’ with these five men, all unknown to me just 48 hours prior. The skipper and his crew were celebrating many firsts too, all of which would make great stories of salty tales as is expected after such an exhilarating challenge.
New to sailing at the age of 50, an ocean yacht race was a dream for me, which then became a goal. I was in a hurry to participate in such events and gain experience to learn and contribute productively to the next event, and the next! I was thrilled to be a part of this team, congratulating, exaggerating, laughing, and learning after our two days and two nights at sea together. But even more The finish.
Women Who Sail Australia 4
