Jan-Feb 2012 Issue - the Aberdeen Boat Club

P.6 Horizons 2012/01-02 | Powerboat update
Words and photos by Mark Hardy
The Discovery Bay Yacht Club hosted the sixth instalment
of their Soko Rally and overnighter on 12-13 November.
Attracting an assortment of 24 boats, the event was
supported by the Aberdeen Boat Club who provided a finish boat
(thanks to Yann Sandt for the use of Puerto Christo Nova), BBQ
grills and the capable assistance of ABC House Manager Steven
Ng, Marine Supervisor Wong Tim Fuk and boat driver Ah Kan.
Kicking off the event, 14 sailing boats set off from DBYC
in a pursuit race hampered by fading winds. Some opted from
the start to cruise to Soko under power whilst most of the rest
resorted to the donkey further down the course, conscious of
the 16:00 cut-off and plans for an eventful evening ashore.
All boats were at anchor in the western bay off South Soko
by 16:30 at which point shore parties were dispatched to collect
firewood. Sundowners commenced at 18:00 followed by prizegiving
ashore at 19:00. After presenting the infamous Toilet
Seat award, attention turned to more keenly fought silverware.
Aegean headed the fleet at the revised 15:00 cut off but
admitted a six minute engine spurt, as a result of which Harlequin
took third, Xakanaxa second and Legs 11 proudly accepted the
Soko Cup.
DBYC organized a light show to accompany the DIY BBQ
dinner, and a bonfire added to the enjoyment of hearty song
provided courtesy of sailing members of the Hong Kong Welsh
Choir. It was a long and jolly event for a number of revellers.
The beautiful clear skies and calm conditions of Saturday
continued throughout the night and into Sunday morning
when shore parties cleaned up evidence of the previous
night’s BBQ and bonfire. Event convener Richard Winter
led a walking tour to explore this interesting island with
its ornamental lake, Tin Hau Temple, beaches and diverse
vegetation and wildlife.
ABC member boats at Soko that weekend included sailing
cat HanaFe and motorboats Beluga and Te Waka. Conditions
could not have been better (save for the lack of wind for the
sail boats) making for a peaceful run to and from Soko and a
comfortable night at anchor.
The weather that weekend brought out the best of the Soko
Islands whose beauty left many of us truly grateful for what we
hadn’t realised are such beautiful and fascinating islands – and
mini cruising grounds – rich in exotic flora and fauna and well
worth protecting for future generations to enjoy.