“For years I promised myself I’d learn to sail, but never had the time or made the time. Life was not fun….work,work,work and more work. So what to do about it. I just quit and retired at 54 – ‘bewdiful’ Now I was retired, learing to sail was promise I could finally keep. So what made me choose Allsail among the many individuals and organizations at Darling Harbour’s Boat Show? Individuals only had one boat. Not having a boat of my own, how could I keep sailing after doing the Competent Crew course everybody offers? Bit of a problem. With the organizations, they all had big boats only……… and it was expensive, then I found Allsail………………….
 
So what have I done in the four and a half years since my first sailing lesson?
 
I’ve covered over 7,500 nautical miles, seen whales breaching up and down the coast, scores if not hundreds of dolphins surfing the bow wave, turtles, flying fish, sharks, sunfish and more. And a win on my very first ocean race in the 2004 Sydney Mooloolabah – how good is that?

I have been suntanned and sailing in nothing but shorts and freezing cold and soaked to the skin in huge seas and 50 knot winds in the middle of the night. I’ve seen stunning sunrises and sunsets, followed the full moon and the stars out to sea – the beauty of the universe beyond description. All the major offshore races. Sydney-Mooloolabah (twice), Brisbane-Gladstone, Sydney-Southport, Sydney-Lord Howe Island and the BIG one Sydney-Hobart. I’ve also done Hogsbreath and Hamilton Island Race Weeks in the Whitsundays.
 
Have I had a blast? Oh yes. Stepped out of my comfort zone? you bet. Got hurt? yep, like any sport, you can get hurt. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Would I do it all over again? you betcha I would. If I can do it anyone can, you’ve just got to want to ……”
 
Kevin Lloyd Thomas, after just four years as an Allsail student and club member.

“I understand why the Sydney to Hobart is known as one of the blue water classics of ocean racing. That stretch of water had everything to test a sailor’s nerve. Despite having suffered from hypothermia and a shock after being knocked on the head during one of the tougher stretches of Bass Strait, my spirits stated to lift when we rounded Tasman Island, then Cape Raoul and finally made it up the Derwent River, crossing the line on the 30th December at 5 am, just as the sun was rising over the horizon. 

Sailing is definitely one sport that is not limited to one’s physical abilities because a huge part of it is mental. That is the beauty of the sport and why anybody of any age, gender or physique could take it on. There is such a wide spectrum of things to do and learn, your brain never stops thinking. It is just a question of how much you are prepared to take on”. 

Alicia Choo, after completing the Sydney Hobart on Sea Quest 2005.   

“The whales we saw breaching and the beautiful dolphins swimming alongside us, it was wonderful but paled into insignificance for me alongside the experience of this awesome boat keeled over at night, racing through the waves, with the wind in your face and your heart racing as never before. The feeling of not caring about the danger if something unforeseen should happen, because nothing could compare with the ultimate excitement and joy of this experience.
 
I could write a book about our trip. It was the hardest task I have ever set myself, but was the most satisfying experience. (I learned a lot about myself). It was an honor to participate and share such close bonds and companionship with all our crew. Living in such close quarters and pulling together as a team was a unique experience. The crew gave everything they had, then some, and I want to thank everyone so much for all you did for me, thus enabling me to fulfil my dream. The memories will last a lifetime”.
 
Barbara Gudgeon' after completing the voyage from Hamilton Island to Pittwater on Sea Quest.

 
 
“Whilst the weather was less than favourable and we had some trying experiences at times, I thoroughly enjoyed the race and the comradeship of the crew. It was a great experience to be part of a group who were virtual strangers . . …… only to arrive in Southport a tight knit group, where anyone would have thought we’d been friends for years.    ……………..I think everybody learnt something off each other. It was great being part of a team who were so eager to help each other and share the load. The good humour of everyone kept spirits high and the great memories will stay with me forever. Congratulations to Allsail …….”
 
David Hollot, after crewing in the Southport Race.