After a leisurely start to the day we headed over to Manly on the north shore, Sydney Harbour's northern gatepost. The beach stretches for nearly two kilometres and is lined with pine trees. The sea has more swell here and there were lots of surfers out on the water. We bought coffee and sat looking out to sea drinking coffee and eating mince pies. From here we drove up to Balgowlan Heights to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. The race has been going for 70 years and is an icon of Australia's summer sport. Nearly a hundred boats took part and it was spectacular to see them all setting off on the sound of the gun surrounded by cruise boats, smaller yachts and ferries. As they passed our vantage point Comanche had taken the lead. The race takes around 48 hours and with high seas forecast it was predicted that several boats would retire before the finish line. We headed back to Abbotsford stopping off at Clontarf beach for a walk. In the evening went for a drink at the Abbotsford Rowing Club with Wendy, Sue and Paul and then went to a local Thai restaurant for a delicious meal. Another great day out in Sydney and we felt very privileged to have seen the start of the yacht race from such a good vantage point.
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| Simon and Wendy at Manly Beach |
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| Comanche already with an impressive lead over Wild Oats |
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| The race in full swing |
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