Another beautiful evening on Sydney Harbour sharing with other lucky boaties
.....enough said.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
2012 Etchell World Championships
You don't often get the chance to experience a World Championship. The 2012 Etchell World's were held off Sydney Heads and the Aussies didn't disappoint with the top 9 placings taken by Australian crews with Tom King's "Iron Lotus" clinching the title.
![]() |
| Tom King leading John Bertram |
| Race 2 start......what a sight! |
![]() |
| Approaching the mid race turn........ |
| this is where practice counts! STAAARBOARD!!!!!! |
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Offshore - Sydney Harbour
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentines Day 2012 - Queen Mary 2
Two annual events.....Valentines Day...and a visit from the Queen.
....and what a sunrise!
Believe it or not, the shots of the QM2 were just before the sunrise over Sydney Harbour. Note the kayakers on the left side of centre.......work?......there's more to life.....just ask those guys!
Even an overcast day can't dampen the moment....
Note the sign over the QM2 signage for that special proposal...
....Jess said YESS!....and what a sunrise!
Believe it or not, the shots of the QM2 were just before the sunrise over Sydney Harbour. Note the kayakers on the left side of centre.......work?......there's more to life.....just ask those guys!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
2012 Australia Day
Overcast skies greeted us for our 2012 Australia Day......but there's always a silver lining.

The Ferrython was somewhat subdued this year due to a rain squal but plenty of excitement was regained with the arrival of the Armed Forces Special Ops in Farm Cove.
Happily the weather improved for
a sunny....
and hot, cruise back down the Harbour.
The Ferrython was somewhat subdued this year due to a rain squal but plenty of excitement was regained with the arrival of the Armed Forces Special Ops in Farm Cove.
Happily the weather improved for
a sunny....
and hot, cruise back down the Harbour.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Australia Day 2012 on Sydney Harbour!
Australia Day is just around the corner and what better way to enjoy it than aboard Sydney's pocket super yacht The Count.

Date: 26 January 2012
Cruise time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Cost: $195. per person
(includes light lunch and beverages (soft drinks and bottled water).
Pick up at Casino Wharf Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont.
Guests are welcome to BYO alcohol.
Contact us by phone on +61 419 207 600 or via email on sail@makeitcount.net.au to secure your place.

Date: 26 January 2012
Cruise time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Cost: $195. per person
(includes light lunch and beverages (soft drinks and bottled water).
Pick up at Casino Wharf Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont.
Guests are welcome to BYO alcohol.
Contact us by phone on +61 419 207 600 or via email on sail@makeitcount.net.au to secure your place.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BOOM!!.....HAPPY NEW YEAR!
From what really was an unbelievable location we enjoyed certainly the best fireworks I've ever seen!
I guess it comes down to your circumstance and the company that you are sharing at the time but although we were hosting guests we had a wow of a night. Our new Alaskan friends were wonderful and more like family than guests.





Sydney Harbour really knows how to put on a show and the New Year's Eve fireworks didn't disappoint.
When asked was it worth travelling half way around the world to see the new year in our Alaskan guests quickly replied "YOU BET!"
From what really was an unbelievable location we enjoyed certainly the best fireworks I've ever seen!
I guess it comes down to your circumstance and the company that you are sharing at the time but although we were hosting guests we had a wow of a night. Our new Alaskan friends were wonderful and more like family than guests.





Sydney Harbour really knows how to put on a show and the New Year's Eve fireworks didn't disappoint.
When asked was it worth travelling half way around the world to see the new year in our Alaskan guests quickly replied "YOU BET!"
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The Count farewells 2011 on Sydney Harbour
The Count and guests enjoyed what could only be described as THE most spectacular New Years Eve EVER!
Our guests decided to get a jump on 2012 and celebrate a full day earlier than their friends and neighbours back home in Anchorage, Alaska.
The Count cruised down the Harbour past Blues Point and McMahon's Point where it was standing room only.

From there we continued our way east under the Bridge and past the Opera House and Farm Cove where you could have effectively "walked on water" by jumping from boat to boat.



We made our way to the commercial boat anchorage just off Bradley's Head where, as the photos show, we had the perfect view to the city.... WOW!
We watched the light of 2011 diminish over the city with last sunset of the year and readied ourselves for the "appetiser" fireworks at 9pm. Our guests were suitably impressed when we explained that "you ain't seen nothin' yet!"
Guests then settled into Wagyu Beef, Ocean Trout and an assortment of salads......what else would you expect aboard The Count? Sydney's pocket super yacht!
Our guests decided to get a jump on 2012 and celebrate a full day earlier than their friends and neighbours back home in Anchorage, Alaska.
The Count cruised down the Harbour past Blues Point and McMahon's Point where it was standing room only.

From there we continued our way east under the Bridge and past the Opera House and Farm Cove where you could have effectively "walked on water" by jumping from boat to boat.


We made our way to the commercial boat anchorage just off Bradley's Head where, as the photos show, we had the perfect view to the city.... WOW!
We watched the light of 2011 diminish over the city with last sunset of the year and readied ourselves for the "appetiser" fireworks at 9pm. Our guests were suitably impressed when we explained that "you ain't seen nothin' yet!"
Guests then settled into Wagyu Beef, Ocean Trout and an assortment of salads......what else would you expect aboard The Count? Sydney's pocket super yacht!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Anthony Bell congratulates Anthony Bell of Investec Loyal
WHAT A RACE!
I'd like to take this opportunity as Anthony Bell aboard The Count to congratulate Anthony Bell aboard Investec Loyal and his crew for their outstanding efforts in taking line honours in this year's Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony at this year's Hamilton Island Race Week as The Count was berthed near Investec Loyal and her tender Ghost.

The Count was in position at the South Head turning bouy to wish Anthony and his crew good luck as they began their chase down of Wild Oats XI.

3 minutes separated them after a bit over 2 days of racing. Great stuff!
After a tense night whilst awaiting an International Jury's decision on a possible rule breach the crew of Loyal were able to bask in the glory of winning one of the world's great ocean races.
Well done Anthony Bell
I'd like to take this opportunity as Anthony Bell aboard The Count to congratulate Anthony Bell aboard Investec Loyal and his crew for their outstanding efforts in taking line honours in this year's Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony at this year's Hamilton Island Race Week as The Count was berthed near Investec Loyal and her tender Ghost.

The Count was in position at the South Head turning bouy to wish Anthony and his crew good luck as they began their chase down of Wild Oats XI.

3 minutes separated them after a bit over 2 days of racing. Great stuff!
After a tense night whilst awaiting an International Jury's decision on a possible rule breach the crew of Loyal were able to bask in the glory of winning one of the world's great ocean races.
Well done Anthony Bell
Monday, December 26, 2011
2011 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Start - Offshore
As Investec Loyal races by The Count at the South Head turning bouy the remainder of the fleet follows.





Guest of The Count, Abby Gazzard (of Boatique marine apholstery) was cheering her partner Billy Sykes aboard Loki as they sailed within a boat length from our bow.
The remainder of the fleet will be spending a few more days than these speedsters.
The Count bids good luck and farewell to the fleet for another year.





Guest of The Count, Abby Gazzard (of Boatique marine apholstery) was cheering her partner Billy Sykes aboard Loki as they sailed within a boat length from our bow.
The remainder of the fleet will be spending a few more days than these speedsters.
The Count bids good luck and farewell to the fleet for another year.
2011 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Start
The 2011 Rolex Sydney to Hobart was met with stiff northerly winds, overcast skies and a 3 metre swell offshore.
The Count ventured out to see the fleet out of the Harbour taking up our vantage point on the South Head turning bouy.





On the way out super maxi's Wild Thing (pictured), Wild Oats XI and Lahana prepared their safety gear for the start.
Every yacht must hoist their storm sails as they parade past the start boat. It makes for a colourful start.
As we saw last year Wild Oats XI lead my name sake's Investec Loyal out of the heads.
As Investec Loyal reached the South Head turning bouy it was clear that they mean't business.
The Count ventured out to see the fleet out of the Harbour taking up our vantage point on the South Head turning bouy.





On the way out super maxi's Wild Thing (pictured), Wild Oats XI and Lahana prepared their safety gear for the start.
Every yacht must hoist their storm sails as they parade past the start boat. It makes for a colourful start.
As we saw last year Wild Oats XI lead my name sake's Investec Loyal out of the heads.
As Investec Loyal reached the South Head turning bouy it was clear that they mean't business.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
SYDNEY TO HOBART YACHT RACE 2011
Places are still available aboard The Count for the start of this year's SYDNEY to HOBART YACHT RACE.
BOXING DAY 26 December 2011
Book now to experience Australia’s premier ocean race start.
Enjoy the excitement of pre-race maneuvers before heading out to the South Head turning bouy to mix it with the maxi’s as they turn and head for Hobart.
Cost: $195. per person includes light lunch
Pick-up Wharf: CASINO WHARF, Pirrama Rd Pyrmont.
Cruise Times: 11:00am - 3:00pm
To secure your place please contact us on 0419 207 600 or via our website.
You can now follow The Count on:
FACEBOOK Page: makeitcountsailingexperiences
and on
YOUTUBE Channel: MakeitCountsailing
BOXING DAY 26 December 2011
Book now to experience Australia’s premier ocean race start.
Enjoy the excitement of pre-race maneuvers before heading out to the South Head turning bouy to mix it with the maxi’s as they turn and head for Hobart.
Cost: $195. per person includes light lunch
Pick-up Wharf: CASINO WHARF, Pirrama Rd Pyrmont.
Cruise Times: 11:00am - 3:00pm
To secure your place please contact us on 0419 207 600 or via our website.
You can now follow The Count on:
FACEBOOK Page: makeitcountsailingexperiences
and on
YOUTUBE Channel: MakeitCountsailing
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Make it Count - Latest Offers & Experiences
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sea Pups to SEA DOGS! - We're home!
Friday, 23 September 2011
Just short of 2 months and 2,000 nautical miles The Count returns home. Our early start yesterday along with strong following winds ensure that we arrive well before the threatening Southerly.
Did I say well before? Overnight The Count was clocked at 13knots whilst "surfing" the swell. Needless to say that averaging 10knots when we had accounted for 7knts meant we arrived at 0900hrs well before the 1600hr Southerly.




We bade farewell to an escort of dolphins along with a salute from 2 whales just North of the Heads. Our last radio check with Marine Rescue is made, the final position plotting is completed below...
Champagne is cracked to celebrate the end of an adventure.
A sense of sadness fell over The Count as we entered Sydney Harbour with our amazing adventure coming to a close but along with that a tremendous sense of achievement
We left Sydney Harbour mere Sea Pups but returned 2,000 miles later as true SEA DOGS!
A big thank you from The Count, Greer & I to everyone that made this trip a memorable occasion:
Crew: James Leonard & Alan Stannard plus special guest appearance from Nikki Bell. Bill Neil and Una (return voyage).
Support: Steve Kemp, ensuring The Count was ready and rigged for success.
Audi Sailing Sport: Nairn Johnson
Just short of 2 months and 2,000 nautical miles The Count returns home. Our early start yesterday along with strong following winds ensure that we arrive well before the threatening Southerly.
Did I say well before? Overnight The Count was clocked at 13knots whilst "surfing" the swell. Needless to say that averaging 10knots when we had accounted for 7knts meant we arrived at 0900hrs well before the 1600hr Southerly.




We bade farewell to an escort of dolphins along with a salute from 2 whales just North of the Heads. Our last radio check with Marine Rescue is made, the final position plotting is completed below... Champagne is cracked to celebrate the end of an adventure.
A sense of sadness fell over The Count as we entered Sydney Harbour with our amazing adventure coming to a close but along with that a tremendous sense of achievement
We left Sydney Harbour mere Sea Pups but returned 2,000 miles later as true SEA DOGS!
A big thank you from The Count, Greer & I to everyone that made this trip a memorable occasion:
Crew: James Leonard & Alan Stannard plus special guest appearance from Nikki Bell. Bill Neil and Una (return voyage).
Support: Steve Kemp, ensuring The Count was ready and rigged for success.
Audi Sailing Sport: Nairn Johnson
Coffs Harbour - Port Jackson
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Similar to our leg to Coffs, a strong Southerly is predicted for Friday afternoon so we decided to have a shot at getting back home to Sydney before it hits....so we're up and away from Coffs at 0500hrs. A day made all the more exciting with a strong wind warning for the following Northerlies for the coming evening.




The highlight was beautiful sunrise and more whales off my favourite place in the world - Trial Bay & Smoky Cape.
The water was extremely clear and calm allowing plenty of time to enjoy time with the whales off Laggers Point.
Check out some videos on our Facebook Page.
Similar to our leg to Coffs, a strong Southerly is predicted for Friday afternoon so we decided to have a shot at getting back home to Sydney before it hits....so we're up and away from Coffs at 0500hrs. A day made all the more exciting with a strong wind warning for the following Northerlies for the coming evening.




The highlight was beautiful sunrise and more whales off my favourite place in the world - Trial Bay & Smoky Cape.The water was extremely clear and calm allowing plenty of time to enjoy time with the whales off Laggers Point.
Check out some videos on our Facebook Page.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)




