The Qualifier: The First Sail Together.

It is March 2023 and I know that the entries are soon to open for the Melbourne to Osaka double handed yacht race.  We are sailing past Flinders Island sailing Fika back to Brisbane from Hobart. I am dreamily looking out to sea pondering the sanity of my excitement to enter a race which I know is gruelling and profoundly life changing all in one. I pluck up the courage to mention my thoughts to my partner Gerry. Backwards and forwards we chat about the possibilities: which boat, who to Co Skipper. It is daughter Sophie who we unanimously know is the perfect Co Skipper. It is Fika (no racing machine) who we know can comfortably and safely sail us to Osaka. Straight away I message Sophie. 

 It feels like months before I hear from Sophie. She is far more sensible than her mother. I am impulsive and rush into things. Sophie is far more considered and takes the time to absorb every possibility. With every phone call following the proposal, I hold my breath waiting for Soph to provide her answer.  She is pondering! Three weeks later, I ask whether she has considered. Without hesitation, Sophie replies YES! Sophie states that how could she say no to such an incredible opportunity.

 With my heart pounding in my chest, I enter the race. This is the second time I have entered the Melbourne to Osaka, a race which has captured my heart. There are no illusions. This is no sunset cruise.

 It is March 2024. In the past 12 months, both Sophie and I have sailed thousands of miles however in opposite directions, on different yachts and not together! The Melbourne to Osaka is looming.

 Like a domino effect, we have also entered the Ponant Sydney to Noumea race to be held in May 2024. A race for a race! With each race, there is a qualifying passage. For Fika, Sophie and I we are required to complete a passage of no less than 150nm and no less than 24 hours. No easy feat, when we are both living, working and cruising in different states.

 A window of opportunity presents itself.  Sophie has flown home for another commitment.  Despite a very ordinary forecast of 20-25 knot south easterly winds and rain, it is now or never.

 There is no more sobering experience than hearing the wind whistling in the rigging whilst still in the marina knowing that we are soon to cast off and head out to sea. We are both quiet and methodically prepare Fika for departure. I know that I am feeling a little apprehensive. 

 Once clear of our berth, there is instant relief. Sophie swings into action stowing fenders and mooring lines. Despite having sailed over 12,000 nautical miles together, this is the first time we have sailed with just the two of us. 

 We raise the double reefed mainsail, unfurl the staysail and bear away to the north. There is no easy exit out of Moreton Bay, with either the main shipping channel or the North East channel as our only options. With an ebbing tide, we sail briskly towards the North East Channel and reach its most northern point in the dark. 

 Once clear of the channel we set a course due East. Our watch system of three hours on and three off commences. I volunteer to do the first watch to let us settle in and clear the shipping lane. It is a tumultuous night with seas and wind confused and moody. Just when we think we are underpowered, a squall hits and reaffirms that our laziness to shake out a reef is the right decision. We have marked a waypoint on the chart plotter 45nm out to sea.  Without further ado, the wind suddenly shifts to the east and our heading changes dramatically. The waypoint set to the east, is no longer relevant. We are still on a close reach but now heading towards Noosa. The lights of distant ships glow across the horizon.  It is hard to decipher which lights are the ships and which are the trawlers.

 Despite being sleep deprived. We are both in good spirits.  Sophie did not sleep well on her first off watch. Fika has her own unique sounds which are unfamiliar for Sophie. We are both sharing the aft cabin. Different sounds and movements. Sophie is engrossed in a book and eager to be on watch so that she can find out ‘who did it’ or who runs away with whom. This sailing as mother and daughter feels harmonious.

 Fika sails into a beautiful dawn. We are sailing gently. Underpowered. This qualifier is more about becoming familiar with each other and with Fika. A gentle introduction to what is to come. There is no need to rush. I laugh as Sophie comes to a halt whilst being tethered; constrained by her ‘leash’ and not able to reach across the cockpit to trim the sails. There are mutterings about the size difference between Nakama and Fika. Moans about the physical exertion required to trim.

 As we sail back towards Manly, we share our thoughts. This qualifier feels quite symbolic: the beginning of our mother and daughter sailing adventure. Two peas in a pod! This adventure is becoming a reality. We talk of wind generators, racy sails, sailing routes, our fears (ghost nets caught around the keel, pirates, shipwreck, gear failure), strengths and weaknesses. It is humbling and empowering all at once. We are both excited for the next twelve months. I am elated that we share in a love of the ocean and sailing.

 Fika is secure in her berth once again. We achieved our goal, sailing 160nm in 25 hours.

 The countdown is now on for the Sydney to Noumea race. We are one of four yachts sailing this race double handed. So different to sailing fully crewed where hoisting, trimming, sails, rest and watches are shared amongst many. I am proud that we are doing this double handed. Proud that my daughter is following in her mother’s ocean wake.

 The pressure is on to prepare Fika. With a giant crane, Fika’s mast is soon to be removed and the standing rigging replaced. There is a long ‘to do’ list to get Fika into Category 1 safety and insurance to chase. I know that we will get there. One step at a time.