I got a Groupon (not sponsored, I'm just a tightarse) and booked the family to go for a twilight sail for our wedding anniversary. (Please note, you need to book well in advance as it was very hard to get a time for the 5 of us, and Monday night was the only one that would work in the whole 3 month period of the coupon with Sailaway).
For those of you not in Sydney, it's been dismal rain all week. My husband was sure the trip would be cancelled but the sun came out at the 11th hour, and we set off. The wind was very strong (about 25 knots) so we only did a tiny stint under sail.
We headed out from Lavender Bay at 4.30, and were lucky enough to see the resident seal on the Opera House steps. My youngest delightedly squealed when he waved a flipper at us....
I've said it many times, but if you live in Sydney, you really must make the effort to see the harbour on a boat - ferry, water taxi, whatever you can afford. However the peacefulness under sail is superb.
Feasting on a sushi dinner, we bobbed in the water in a quite cove as the sun came out for a brief interlude.
We then cruised around the harbour as the sun set. The kids had a turn at steering, as did my husband. I was content to take photos and drink beer. I'm quite useless on boats, and more than happy to be so.
We all slept well with the motion of the boat rocking us to sleep in our beds.
How can you not love this beautiful city?
Linking this old post because the seal makes me go #AwwMondays
So beautiful! I have not done a sailing trip in a long time. There are several marinas close to where I live. I have to check if trips go out from there. #TPThursday
ReplyDeleteI love, love sailing - especially if someone else is doing the sailing! Beautiful photos - and it looks like a wonderful time. Good to know for when I travel to Sydney!
ReplyDeleteMy husband loves sailing, but I don't. We almost capsized a couple of times, so I don't trust him (or sailing!) anymore. #TheWeeklyPostcard
ReplyDeleteSo pretty I love seeing cities from the water. And when you were able to use a Groupon that's a bonus. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot of the seal with its flippers up over its body (waving position?). Whenever I go to Sydney, I always try to get on the water (usually by ferry). 25 knots is pretty fresh for a recreational sail but can be a lot of fun if you like to heel over :) .
ReplyDeleteSuch a dramatic sky! I love sailing, this looks like a great way to see the harbor. Thanks for linking in this week at #wkendtravelinspiration!
ReplyDeleteIn these times, I never pay anything full price. Use all the resources I can get like GroupOn, Travelzoo, etc for activities and travel.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
Same - my husband hates it but we're 5 so everything,even just going out for burgers costs $100. It's nuts. I'm off to the theatre tonight with tix I got from Travelzoo - half price!
DeleteLove the seal ~ Gorgeous photography ~ especially the sky shots, thanks,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a peaceful week ~ ^_^
Beautiful pictures..
ReplyDeletePlease visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com
Beautiful shots and my favourite has to be the seal ones aww heheh!
ReplyDeleteHave a sealtastic week :-)
What a spectacular way to spend your wedding anniversary! Very memorable.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I'd like to go sailing at least once in my life.
ReplyDeleteWhen we were in Sydney last Christmas, our friend took us on his boat for a ride around the harbor. It was a really lovely way to experience Sydney, especially for our kids.
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea. Congratulation to your Wedding day.
ReplyDeleteHow gorgeous! Congrats on your anniversary!
ReplyDeleteYes I agree. Sydney Harbour is spectacular and even more so from the water. I love jumping on the ferry when I visit just to get out on the harbour. It is so full of life and vibrancy. Happy Anniversary #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteI've used Groupon a couple of times this year already :-) - for our underwater walk in Bali (saved 50%) and our helicopter ride on the Gold Coast (don't think we saved anything when we checked their website but oh well). Love that seal!
ReplyDeleteI've been on Sydney Harbour in a ferry and on a big boat for a day cruise but never on a sailing boat or over night. How fabulous! It really is beautiful. #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteI learned to sail on Sydney Harbour. It's just so beautiful and peaceful under sail, as you say. The harbour is one of the things I really miss about Sydney :) #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeletebeautiful sunset indeed! I miss Sydney..went there at 2007! Man, that's almost 10 years ago..
ReplyDeleteSo glad there was a break in this horrid weather for you guys to go on this sailing trip.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos!
SSG xxx
PS - I am getting a bit down in the dumps about all this rain, another straight week they reckon!
Great views!!
ReplyDeleteLook at that water. Best harbour in the world. And that seal! Squeeeee
ReplyDelete#TeamLovinLife
Love that the seal waved a flipper at you all! This does look and sound stunning. If i ever make my way 'down unde', i would love see the habour by water. #lovinlifelinky
ReplyDeleteAmazing pics
ReplyDeleteGorgeous images! The resident seal sure has a hard life!
ReplyDeleteYour support for 'My Corner of the World' is much appreciated! Thanks for your link this week.
Nothing like being out on the water. We love it so and seeing San Francisco at sunset is a wonderful thing too. A huge Awww. Boating is a hug hobby of ours.
ReplyDeleteA fabulous way to celebrate your anniversary.
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Have a fabulous Awww Monday and week. ♥