Tuesday, 7 March 2017

“I can't control the wind but I can adjust the sail.” ― Ricky Skaggs





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.














All in all, a magnificent evening and well worth the money.
















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


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28 comments:

  1. Ruth9 March 2017 at 21:53

    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

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  2. Jill10 March 2017 at 08:33

    I 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!

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  3. Travel Notes and Beyond10 March 2017 at 16:55

    My husband loves sailing, but I don't. We almost capsized a couple of times, so I don't trust him (or sailing!) anymore. #TheWeeklyPostcard

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  4. Anisa10 March 2017 at 19:49

    So 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.

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  5. Rhonda Albom11 March 2017 at 02:40

    Great 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 :) .

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  6. Jim12 March 2017 at 03:06

    Such a dramatic sky! I love sailing, this looks like a great way to see the harbor. Thanks for linking in this week at #wkendtravelinspiration!

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  7. Photo Cache13 March 2017 at 14:23

    In these times, I never pay anything full price. Use all the resources I can get like GroupOn, Travelzoo, etc for activities and travel.

    Worth a Thousand Words

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    1. Lydia C. Lee13 March 2017 at 15:31

      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!

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  8. carol l mckenna13 March 2017 at 14:32

    Love the seal ~ Gorgeous photography ~ especially the sky shots, thanks,

    Wishing you a peaceful week ~ ^_^

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  9. krishna13 March 2017 at 19:54

    Beautiful pictures..

    Please visit: http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com

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  10. stevebethere14 March 2017 at 02:01

    Beautiful shots and my favourite has to be the seal ones aww heheh!

    Have a sealtastic week :-)

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  11. Susie of Arabia14 March 2017 at 07:25

    What a spectacular way to spend your wedding anniversary! Very memorable.

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  12. elizabeth14 March 2017 at 15:17

    I love this! I'd like to go sailing at least once in my life.

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  13. Buckeroomama14 March 2017 at 16:22

    When 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.

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  14. EricaSta14 March 2017 at 23:39

    Wonderful idea. Congratulation to your Wedding day.

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  15. Tamar SB15 March 2017 at 05:31

    How gorgeous! Congrats on your anniversary!

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  16. Kathy Marris15 March 2017 at 14:39

    Yes 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

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  17. Janet Camilleri15 March 2017 at 17:51

    I'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!

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  18. Min - Write of the Middle15 March 2017 at 18:05

    I'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

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  19. Lyndall @SeizeTheDayProject16 March 2017 at 02:22

    I 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

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  20. Indah Nuria Savitri16 March 2017 at 08:53

    beautiful sunset indeed! I miss Sydney..went there at 2007! Man, that's almost 10 years ago..

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  21. Sydney Shop Girl16 March 2017 at 12:01

    So glad there was a break in this horrid weather for you guys to go on this sailing trip.

    Wonderful photos!

    SSG xxx

    PS - I am getting a bit down in the dumps about all this rain, another straight week they reckon!

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  22. Photo(Geo)grapher17 March 2017 at 09:43

    Great views!!

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  23. Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit17 March 2017 at 13:28

    Look at that water. Best harbour in the world. And that seal! Squeeeee
    #TeamLovinLife

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  24. Unknown19 March 2017 at 05:46

    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

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  25. rupam sarma14 July 2020 at 19:27

    Amazing pics

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  26. betty-NZ15 July 2020 at 17:03

    Gorgeous images! The resident seal sure has a hard life!

    Your support for 'My Corner of the World' is much appreciated! Thanks for your link this week.

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  27. Sandee30 January 2023 at 12:43

    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.

    A fabulous way to celebrate your anniversary.

    Thank you for joining the Awww Mondays Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous Awww Monday and week. ♥

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