The
James Craig, originally the
Clan MacLeod (1874), is a 3-masted barque which was restored by the Sydney Heritage Fleet between 1973 and 2001. A friend attended a Maritime Museum conference during the week, and on Friday evening from 4pm 'til 8pm, attendees chugged on the
James Craig under motor out to Watsons Bay and then leisurely sailed back. I got to tag along. Hee hee ...
Most of the crew were volunteers from the Sydney Heritage Fleet, many of whom had been instrumental in her salvage and return to glory. As you may be aware, a huge proportion of volunteers are over retirement age. Which brings to mind the old quote: In your guts, you know they're nuts!
They were still lashing the canvas as we came back in under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and concluded our voyage with a chugg up and around Cockatoo Island, before returning to the permanent berth of the James Craig beside Wharf 7 which is launched as the home of the Sydney Heritage Fleet in a few months.
great photos Julie; a really unique opportunity!
ReplyDeleteThat top photo is a good one. Nice to see that they have spent so much time restoring barque.
ReplyDeleteJust love the first and last photo Julie, lucky you to get such a fantastic opportunity to sail the high seas!! I haven't heard that expression before 'in your gut's...! but I'll certainly remember it for future use.
ReplyDelete"in your guts you know they're nuts" I think anyone of any age is nuts climbing that high walking on ropes, it makes my stomach squirm just looking at your photo.
ReplyDeleteAt any age, I'd love to be up there on the rigging feeling the wind in my face and no doubt, having a marvellous view. Lucky you to get a ride!
ReplyDeleteMust be hard being aloft in a storm, a real chance to sail Sydney.
ReplyDeleteThat first picture is my favorite, Julie!
ReplyDelete"in your guts, you know there nuts". What an amusing phrase. Great photos Julie. PS. It's not only my guts that tells me there nuts.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see these retirees having so much fun!
ReplyDeleteJulie, «Louis» is delighted that you have once again contributed to Sunday Bridges and he looks forward to your further participation. This is a fine post!
ReplyDeleteFun captures. They are having great time.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing opportunity for you. It must have been a super trip.
ReplyDeleteTHat is a wonderful opportunity. Great captures
ReplyDeleteThat doesn't look like an easy task!
ReplyDeleteNuts, indeed.
Wonderful shots, I love the first one. The sky looks beautiful too. Happy Sunday!
ReplyDeleteKauniit kuvat. Ylin on mieluinen. Ihmettelen, jos ne miehet eivät yhtään pelkää olla noin korkealla.
ReplyDeleteTranslating from the Finnish:
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos. The highest is pleasing. I wonder if the men do not have any fears about a high level.
Orvokki: the men were like young boys in their enthusiasm to climb the rigging.
Marvellous shots, Julie. A different view of the bridge too.
ReplyDeleteLucky, lucky you.
ReplyDeleteno height phobia? Don't look down.
ReplyDeleteVery good and nice photos.
ReplyDeleteSmile on my face for the first one :)
Regards and best wishes
Ouch! I'm having an OHS moment... Are they wearing harnesses? (Just been in an OHS training session)...
ReplyDeleteMostly they wore harnesses ... there was one ornery codger who chose his own moments. But mostly yes ...
ReplyDeleteGreat, lively captures Julie. What an exciting adventure you shared! I bet those devotees were just busting all over with delight in participating too. Thanks for dropping by my blog again. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThey most certainly were, Valerie. There were nearly as many volunteers aboard, as there were paying customers.
ReplyDelete