Aussies no yacht, no main-mast Flying Dutchman Europeans

On May 28, 2008

“Allen Rydge & Charles Scarr in Croatia for the Flying Dutchman European Race”    FD Worlds ‘06
As at all times the best laid plans approach unstuck. Allen Rydge & Charles Scarr are in Croatia for the Flying Dutchman European Races in town called Rebac.

Charles Scarr reports:

‘After 35 hrs of travel we arrived at little airport (smaller than lets say Hobart airport - no offence!) two hours drive from the venue. At customs we had issuse with our sails as they were boxed up, but with small bit of paper work (any paper work seems to work) we were Iet go.

‘Arriving at the venue we looked about for the society, mmmm no one to be seen. We asked about “where’s the boating society?” at the local tourist centre. They pointed to the car park accross the road as this was to be the temporay sailing boat park, which mind you is in fine spot.

‘ok so we establish hotel, made call to find out what time our container would come. Well it seems there was public holiday & that all business were closed for the Saturday & then the sailing boat was still stuck in customs, so no yacht for five days!

‘So our sail maker Brandon Hollis, Allen & I’ve been touring about all the local spots. Such fine place to have an event….. not much breeze.

‘Our sailing boat is meant to come tomorrow (Wednesday) by Schenkar (Frankie from Schenkar Sydney the the only guy we trust to get the work done right); our main-mast we sent by courier.

‘So as an alternative of five days of flat out sail testing with Brandon, we’ve been flat out doing fitness sessions & tourist stuff, but we’re truly looking forward to getting the yacht tomorrow & hitting the water to “go do 100″ (for those that have at no time been coach by me that means going out & doing hundred tacks & gybes till you get it right.)

‘The race starts in four days so will keep you up to date with all that’s happening here at Flying Dutchman Euros!”
by Charles Scarr