Spring Craning-In: A Day of High Suspense and Bacon Butties
Date: Saturday, 18th April
Location: Wardleys Yacht Club Creek
There is always a special kind of energy in the air on Craning-In day. After weeks of winter maintenance, the anticipation of getting the fleet back on the water culminated on Saturday, 18th April, and we are delighted to report it was a resounding success!
Preparation Meets Precision
Leading up to the big day, the instructions were clear, setting the stage for a safe and efficient operation. Members were asked to prepare 6-metre lines fore and aft, slacken handrails, secure all loose objects, and come equipped with hard hats, hi-vis vests, and cash in hand for the 07:30 crane arrival.
We are thrilled to report that the day went incredibly smoothly, largely thanks to every single yacht owner complying perfectly with these safety and preparation guidelines.
A Fantastic Turnout and Thrilling Lifts
The camaraderie on the day was exceptional. We had a brilliant turnout, which wonderfully included a few familiar faces we unfortunately haven’t seen down at the club as often lately. It was great to catch up on the yard as we all worked together.
When lifting commenced at 08:00, the spectacle was as thrilling as ever. There is always a moment of heart-in-mouth excitement seeing our beloved boats dangling seemingly by a thread before being gently and expertly lowered into the waters of the creek. The crane driver was an absolute professional and did a wonderful job navigating the heavy lifts. Most importantly, all boats were launched safely, and not a single member or vessel was harmed during the operation.
A Slight Hitch for the Heavy Machinery
While our boats made it through the morning unscathed, the same couldn’t quite be said for the mobile crane! After completing its duties, the crane suffered a gearbox problem as it attempted to drive away from the club. It ultimately had to return to our yard, where it has temporarily taken up residence while waiting for a replacement part to be shipped over from Germany. At least it picked a scenic spot to break down!
Refreshments and a Spacious Yard
With the fleet finally back in the water where they belong, the club grounds suddenly look remarkably spacious and ready for the summer season.
Of course, hoisting boats is hungry work. A massive shout-out and thank you goes to Barry and the Ladies, who did a grand job keeping the fatigue at bay and spirits high by serving up endless hot drinks and superb bacon sandwiches to the hardworking crews.
Thank you to everyone who pitched in, followed the safety measures, and helped make this an incredibly successful launch day. Wishing everyone fair winds for the season ahead!