Ooh......Aahh!

New Years Eve on Sydney Harbour is pretty hectic. Boats begin choosing their positions 2 days before the big night in what are normally quiet coves such as Athol Bay....not this night! Not for the faint hearted.







Vessels like "Southern Cloud" anchor close to Shark Island to get a good view of the festivities away from the crowds.

...and all on your doorstep!

What a way to greet the new day!







From leaving our mooring and bidding farewell to friends, Penny and Les Grujic aboard "Barrenjoey Light" (a Catalina 47) The Count cruises past Refuge Bay and down Cowan Creek passing Cottage Point along the way.












Returning then to the open sea via Lion Island and Barrenjoey.

If it's not broke....

The Count ventured north from her home port of Sydney to BROKEN BAY for a couple of days. This is a spot that I spent time with my father many.....many years ago but little has changed....one of the most magnificent spots to moor for the night.





Sailing is fun but check this way to get to a secluded beach.





The Count settles in for the night.







Americas Bay at dusk

Alchemy III shows she has the formulae

The Count was keen to cheer on sistership, Alchemy III.


Their race well in hand with the crew beefed up with the presence of VICSAIL staff Micah, Jack,Robert and Charles.


Good Luck guys!!

The real race.....beyond the maxis'

Whilst the super maxis get the big press the real action is just behind them.






Boats like Loki, RODD & GUNN and Living Doll.








Spare a thought for the crews..... remember they know that a strong southerly change is head of them.

Here they come! - The race to "The Heads"

The Count was well positioned on the turning bouy located just off South Head allowing us to stay out of the mess of spectator craft....at least for a while.


What a sight to see the maxis appear







Wild Oats XI and my namesakes LOYAL easily lead the fleet with Wild Thing pushing hard in third place.

Preparing for "The Hobart"

The Counts first Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race...WOW!



Alan (Ships Master) prepares us for what we'll be up against in the relaxed atmosphere of Quarantine Bay.....crew and guests are very excited.













A very crowded Sydney Harbour













Marine Rescue on hand to help if needed....no picnic for them today.














The James Craig gets a head start on the fleet

Merry Christmas from Make it Count

We'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.




Christmas for The Count was spent in our favourite anchorage of Chowder Bay.








A perfect Aussie christmas lunch of prawns, leg ham and the occasional bubbles.


A good time was had by all.

Be a guest of the Count for Hobart start

The Count is available for Boxing Day to see the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

We'll be leaving Casino Wharf at 10:15am and be returning at 3:45pm.

This exciting sailing experience will allow plenty of time for up to 16 guests of The Count to observe pre-race maneuvers and position for an excellent view for the race to "The Heads". On bidding farewell to the fleet The Count will take a leisurely cruise back down the harbour to Casino Wharf.

Contact us on sail@makeitcount.net.au or 0419 207 600

Big Boat Challenge 2010

2010's Big Boat Challenge didn't disappoint.
















"Wild Oats XI" easily lead the fleet from the gun...what a boat!













The Count was up close and personal with the crew of "Limit"







....and my namesake's boat "Loyal" showed that she'll be there challenging for line honours.

A day at the Gardens

Another beautiful day with The Count spending some time at Clifton Gardens (Chowder Bay). Note the big blue hull of "Mustang". Owner, Bob Beth is a sailing traveller chasing the summer so look out for him on the Harbour and Pittwater over December and January.



How good does the water look?!

That's not a boat.....

Wow! I thought The Count was something special but check out these shots of "Athena" a 3 masted schooner owned by Netscape founder Jim Clark.
























She's about 90m long and has an 11metre beam...Wow!













These shots were taken when enjoying an afternoon on the water with 2WSFM Executive Producer Clint Drieberg.