Just taking the opportunity to reflect on what we Aussie Seagull owners have achieved since I was first mad enough to put an 'ad' on ebay 12 months ago....yes, it's our first anniversary!
Since late April 2011 we have:
- grown email list membership to 91 enthusiasts around the country
[39 in New South Wales; 17 in Queensland; 16 in Victoria; 7 in South Australia; 7 in Tasmania; 1 each in Western Australia and Northern Territory, so far none in the Australian Capital Territory - perhaps Seagulls are not 'correct' enough for our political capital..??]
We have been to or attended as the Oz Seagull group:
- Jacaranda Festival Wooden Boat Regatta, Grafton
- RMYC Wooden Boat Festival, Newport
- Held our first National Gathering at Myall Lakes in January
Held 'local meets' in:
- Melbourne - Rye in March
- Sydney - Bobbin Head in April
- Brisbane - Scarborough in April
...all of which were reported on this forum.
...and we are in the planning stages for a 'first meet' in Hobart, Tasmania.
We also have in the pipeline:
- Mid-Qld meet in June at Maryborough
- October overnight trip down the Hawkesbury in NSW
Major events proposed:
- National Gathering 2013 - in conjunction with the Hobart Wooden Boat Festival in Feb.
- "Summit to Sea" Murray River Marathon in October 2013. Will be 4-6 weeks divided into 4 stages so people can do one, more or all sections. Will require 2 motors in mint rebuilt reliable condition and serious commitment. International visitors will be attending from NZ and USA.
So to those (specifically) Kiwi critics whose ribald banter lead me to place that first 'ad' on ebay after I returned from doing the Waikato race last year - thank you. Your good-natured teasing - common to much Trans-Tasman friendship - has seen more Seagull activity in Australia in the past 12 months than has happened in the UK, the home of Seagulls.
I am reliably informed that the 2012 Hayling Island Marathon proposed for July so far has only 4 starters, and none of them in the 'much-demanded' 40 Series class.
When you consider that some attendees at our National Gathering in January (to menton just one event) had driven in excess of 1200km (745miles - almost the return distance London to Edinburgh) to be there, and we managed 5 boats, 11 motors and 15 attendees in total, it makes the UK Seagull owners look like a pretty lackadaisical lot.
Why, even the Dutch were able to send representatives to last year's Hayling Island event - and they had to shell out for boat and trailer passage on a cross-Channel ferry....never mind driving all the way from the Netherlands..!
It's kind of ironic that many on this forum are somewhat scathing of the alleged "American style" restorations, involving lots of polish and not much use.....
And before the less well-humoured take lighters to blowtorches, the above 'critical' comments were prompted and approved of in discussions with 'more active' UK residents. They are intended to be a 'gentle whipping' - much as the Kiwis gave to me last year.
So, how about it, all you European 'enthusiasts'......put your motor and boat where your mouth is, and start organising, supporting and attending some more events.
Maybe even thinking outside the square...as Lerryn's residents have done...to create an event that 'happens' to involve Seagulls, but is really about local community..???
Let's be honest, few of us are really into the 'racing' exploits that drive the Bermudans, many of the Kiwis and a few Poms....
...but we still love our Seagulls....
So let's all get out there and USE them a bit more, eh??
. 
