The Austen Morris Sailing Event

The Austen Morris Sailing Event began beautifully. The day was warm and blue with just enough wind to cool the air and fill the sails.

After a delicious breakfast at Mesa on Julu Lu we climbed aboard our 52 seat luxury cruiser coach and headed out to the lake.

We knew we were close when we spotted the air craft carrier (are we sailing on that?) - luckily Alistair had organised slightly sportier boats for the day.

Once we arrived the day slipped by lazily and enjoyably. We flew kites, watched the water and tucked into Markus Winters delicious home made barbequed sausages. And thanks to the ingenuity and determination of Oliver Quinton and Alan Vassallo, we even managed to have a glass or two of wine (come on now, who said we need a cork screw to drink wine at a BBQ?!)

Oh yes, and we sailed. Kitted up with life jackets, sunscreen and sailing caps we headed out into the breezy blue day. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought could it be possible that we are only an hour out of Shanghai?

The weather was perfect, the company was terrific, all in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a Saturday.

Thanks go out to all the crew from the Shanghai Sailing Club, and to our guests for joining us and making it a lovely day.