No-Frills (but with many Thrills!) the Intrepid Sailors

On our way south down the East Coast of New Zealand, we got stuck in Gisborne for a few days due to bad weather. The weather forecast did not look promising for the next 10 days. I was shocked when Pete said: “Let's turn back. It’s not Stewart Island or bust!” because I responded: “Most of the time it is - bust!” It was the right decision. The summer was not that great, and even if we made it to Stewart Island, we probably would not have been able to get back in time for the New York flight.

China Moon is in a boatyard for its regular maintenance. The life of noise, dust and hard work was swapped with a life of opulence, luxury, sumptuousness, and also the awards. Was this really happening to us? We were there for another nice surprise.

Blue Water Medal

A stone's throw from Times Square, the world-renowned Model Room of the New York Yacht Club is truly magnificent. Under its richly carved wooden balconies, and overlooked by a colourful Tiffany ceiling, 150 breathtakingly beautiful yacht models are on display. Furthermore, 1300 half-model replicas adorn the walls. Pete spent quite some time admiring the famous yachts from all angles, studying their America’s Cup records. Not to mention the club’s extensive old library and its shiny silverware. We were in awe; it felt like we stepped into a wonderland, and we did.

Pete received his prestigious Blue Water Medal to a standing ovation from 150 people. I was shocked when the Commodore graciously called me to the podium to join him. Goosebumps tickled me as overjoyed with pride and happiness, I was holding the huge and heavy medal, listening to Neptune’s speech.

Medal for Seamanship - RCC

While I was basking in Pete’s “fame & glory”, we were both overjoyed when our joint sailing efforts and a profound partnership received recognition. My true elation came during a different CCA event on Thursday, when the Royal Cruising Club Medal for Seamanship was awarded to us both for our Tasman Sea crossing. Because the RCC awards ceremony was in London on that day, we could not attend. They did everything possible to deliver it to us in New York in time to be presented to us by the CCA Commodore. What a joy to share this important medal with Neptune.

Tamara Klink took the stage to receive the Young Voyager Award and set the room on fire with her immeasurable passion, energy, and joy for sea adventures. Full of laughter, she outlined many of her challenges, inspiring courage. Like Ellen MacArthur, Malala, and Greta, she is an outstanding young woman pushing the boundaries of possibility for the environment and humanity. Check her out, share her media profiles, sign her up for motivational/inspirational talks - she is outstandingly unforgettable. https://www.tamaraklink.com/ We immensely enjoyed talking to her and Laura, her twin sister.

Although he initially dreaded the thought of socialising, Pete was happy to talk to so many sailors. He thoroughly enjoyed it all. As for me, swapping the oilskins, boots and the boatyard for high heels, fishnet tights & tutu frills was just heavenly, not to mention the mingling with so many people in the most impressive venue at such a personally special public occasion.

As always, there is so much more to tell about our whirlwind time in New York. The most appreciated was our stay with Laura in Brooklyn and a private soiree, which Andrew hosted in his “Manhattan Loft”. We were thrilled that Irene, Marc and Steve (who all travelled from afar) could join us.

Until our next update.

Elated regards

Linda & Pete / Thalassa & Neptune

For fun, and on a friend's insistence over time, I succumbed. He renamed me “Thalassa”