ORCV Melbourne to Stanley (M2S)

Seems like they've done more than enough...

Around the time of the last Melbourne to King Island race, in It's not quite enough, we said that getting the Happiest Crew on the Water prize may not have been enough for them and indeed, the Audacious plan may well extend to The Love Boat title, too.

In short, it did and it worked, as well!!!

The proposal. Thankfully for all, it was readily accepted...

In a classic Professor Julius Sumner-Miller moment - Why is this so? - I will tell you, as they are interesting stats.

The Colt known as Audacious is the new Love Boat and they can claim two engagements, one wedding already, one birth, one pregnancy and "some nervous older married men and women". Greg Clinnick also tells me that he, "... has it on good authority that another pregnancy is imminent, but is being delayed, due the Sydney 38 Australian Championship, which is being held in Geelong next January." Very considerate of those particular participants really...

Ken Christensen (the tactician) and Kate Clarke (the trimmer), collectively known as K2 aboard The New Love Boat and around their base at RBYC, tied the knot (a mooring line was literally produced on the day by the Vicar), on Saturday October 2nd.

Greg also tells us that "the wedding was great". We have these images courtesy of K2 and the shooter, a certain Mike Stephens. We got to know him because of the image below, where he was our original FDU Poster Boy (from the 2009 MWS - see HERE) and "he is just starting out as a young photographer. As a direct result of The Love Boat, they now have an extra mouth to feed (see stats above). More images also available on the Audacious38 home page", added Greg.

The whole weekend was an absolute hoot with the wedding, the reception and the recovery session on Sunday all held on the waters edge in and around Mount Martha. The weather Gods were smiling, with both days absolutely perfect and with most of the crowd being yachties, there was no problem in figuring out how to party!

Melbourne turned it on with the weather (see pics) and so too the Minister, producing said mooring line, singing tunes and a detailled description about the various types of Greek love, which apparently "almost got a bit raunchy", Greg said. At the very leaset she had them laughing all the way and stuck to her brief of a fun ceremony. The very same Vicar also wanted to know where she too could get a battle flag for her church, as she thought it would be good to have there every Sunday.

K2's dogs (I resisted the gag) spent the wedding at the altar and added a timely bark to show their approval of the vows. Also part of the plan to keep it fun and not too formal was the lack of neck ties for the gents.

The band did their bit by getting and keeping the dance floor packed for the reception for the close-knit respective families. Over a quarter of the e guests came in from interstate and overseas, which added to the whole reunion. "It was obvious to everyone, that K2 is a beautiful union of two great yachties and two great people", said Greg. The flags of Australia, England and Denmark were flying as a mark of respect for all the visitors to these shores and Ken made a traditional Danish toast requiring everyone to skÖl some Akvavit. The latter no doubt part of the reason that the trips home to the local accommodation at the end of the night in ferrying bus were "the funniest part". The people who have used SYC's bus in the past may well know a bit about that scenario, as well...

"Congratulations to Ken’s Mum, Birgit and Kate’s Mum and Dad, Margaret and Richard for hosting a great wedding", was Greg's final comment.

All but a week later, Kate was back on the water making a clean sweep of the first round of the Women In Sailing Challenge (WISC - which the won last year, too). The girlie division of the Audacious crew scored line honours and first in PHD, IRC and AMS on Sunday 10/10/10, to lead all three divisions. "Marriage hasn’t slowed her down", was the comment passed to me.

Now the rules are simple. You cannot hold multiple titles, simultaneously, so Audacious' reign as Happiest Crew on the Water is officially over. The old Love Boat, Nutcracker could certainly and justifiably, lay claim to the HCOTW Mantle. Me, I think I'd back Gienah as the dark horse here, based on their efforts going to Geelong and with Nate onboard, you will always get a laugh and Jordan's colourful headbands - well, they and the smile ensure you know they are having a good time. Wicked and even Calm go a solid mention, Challenge would have to happy with all their performances and we won't even talk about Escapade - yet. I'll confer with the Brass and advise.

Oh yes. Bribes definitely will be accepted!!!!!!!! Graciously even...

I know Audacious are heading South at Xmas, M2HW I'd bet, but they have a OD regatta to do over the Cup weekend, so they will not be able add to the 30 starters (as of 13/10/10), already in place for the 2010 M2S. They will have to do their own qualifying passage, later on. If you want to go to Stanley, then Escapade has one or two spots available. See the forum at the bottom right hand side of the ORCV home page...

By John Curnow

(the idiot website guy - just ask XLR8 - in joke - sorry...)