Sam playing basketball

Thanks for the photos, Jo.

Sydney to Hobart race

Nicola's husband, John, was one of the sailors in this year's race. It was fantastic to watch some of the behind the scenes and even get to see inside the boat.  Not exactly comfort!!  The loo, shared by 20 people, is something that would make a pygmy claustrophobic and the narrow bunks are angled at 40 degrees to the wall, so you're pinned in like a tinned sardine. Amazing that some of the competitors spend a whole year on the boat. They'll never take space for granted again.  Still, an amazing experience, I'm sure to be on the open ocean, pitted in combat against other yachts in their class.

At the harbour, before the race

Nicola and John

Watching the start at Watson's Bay

Some dolphins swam past.  Well spotted, Nicola!

John's boat (Go Team Garmin!)

Matt playing ball

I love the way Jo has done this.  She's becoming the consummate professional.

Matthew playing hockey

Thanks for the photos, Jo.

Port Stephens Outrigger Race

I had a wonderful weekend watching Dani  take part in a 26 km Outrigger Canoe race in Port Stephens.  She was part of a 6 women crew.  Great to see finally see Dani in action doing what she loves.  She was in the front of the canoe, so got some nice photos of her ramping into the air and splashing through the waves.  It was nice to meet her paddling buddies too - a great, friendly group of people.

Some highlights of the weekend:

• Getting to the headland literally just in time to capture Dani going past.
• A fun "Mexican" evening with all the paddlers on Saturday night.
• A beautiful, invigorating swim on Sunday in the ocean.

Dani fresh and feisty before the race

Dani and her intrepid team

Getting ready for the start of the race

Get set.  Go!

SOCCI mixed team

And the highlight; Dani in action ...

Dani getting some great splashes up front

Dani getting some impressive air

home stretch

One of the team mascots

Scenes near the headland where I took most of the photos