The bon voyage party was memorable, so filled with emotion. Happiness, wistfulness and so much love, as friends and family gathered around to wish them well on their journey south.
Kelly and I drove down (in separate cars, which turned out to be a godsend) on Friday, and spent the night in a gorgeous hotel The Avia which is within walking distance of the Springbok Bar and where Blue was moored. The shops along the board walks called my name and who was I to refuse..well we had fun with our camera's anyhow! There is something quite magical about watching the sun set through the masts of boats...
Reflections are everywhere, of sun, cloud and sky, glass buildings.. the quietness of it all was mesmerizing
As the noise in the bar increased, a few of sought refuge on Blue, where we shared a special bottle of Blue's Red, a unique blend bottled by Nev and Maggie for their trip.
We also shared a few of these:
Kelly and I were invited to sail the next leg of the trip with them the following day, so we made a quick trip down to Newport Beach, dropped off my car and then came hurtling back in Kelly's, just in time to have breakfast with the crowd, take a few more pics, and cast off.
She looked so serene sitting there in the morning light
A few diehards stayed to see us sail
and slowly we watched Long Beach disappear in the distance
The sail down to Newport Beach was calm and sunny, it gave us some quiet time together and my sister who is the process of writing an article for a sailing mag, read to me from her journal, it is so beautifully written I really have no doubt it will make the pages of some glassy magazine!! I do see a book coming out of this whole adventure too.
and then it was time for lunch-wine 
Newport Beach is luxury itself, with spectacular houses along the edge of the waterway, and beautiful boats moored in front of each. However we did spot a few really old boats (and owners) who looked as though they hadnt seen land in years..or fresh water...quaint though, and it all adds to the flavour of sea life. 
Maggie and Nev then dropped anchor, and lowered the dinghy, and then we puttered into the harbour for dinner at Woody's, fabulous food and a real racaus crowd.
I must say I felt quite a wrench when I looked back at Blue sitting quitely in the evening sun. I waved good bye and silently wished her well. 
It was dark by the time we said our goodbyes and watched them chug back to Blue and the start of their adventure, a trip of a lifetime.
Bon Voyage to two really special people, may you savour every minute of every day!!
You can link to their blog here: Lucky Fish, and watch their progress on their map
