By Pam Merritt
In 2007 we tentatively held our first Progressive Dinner on cruising boats around the marina. I wasn’t sure how it would work and if it’d be successful. It was, and quickly became a popular annual event.
On Friday 21st October we held the 15th Progressive Dinner with 18 guests and 24 boat owners. A few days ahead the weather was looking a bit dicey with rain and possible thunderstorms forecast, so with the help of our General Manager a backup plan in the Bayview Room was organised.
As we met in the Members’ Bar beforehand the weather was warm with light wind, cloudy, but no immediate rain on the radar – so no backup plan needed.
Programs for the evening were distributed and we headed down the pier to allocated boats for Main Course. About halfway through Main Course the heavy rain and lightning show began, luckily easing a bit before people started dashing around the marina at 8:45pm looking for their allocated Dessert Boats. At 10pm a few headed home and many continued on to It’s a Privilege for chocolates, port and some comparing of notes. All comments were complimentary with praise going to the chefs for their amazing efforts. There were reports of Beef Bourgignon, BBQ’s and delicious chicken dishes. On Halcyon we’re treated to Wagu Beef Burgers, with the bar being raised somewhat higher with pre dinner nibbles and a Margarita handed to us on arrival. Thanks Rod and Kristina!
Dessert had a distinctly ‘citrus’ theme with reports of lemon tart, orange and almond cake, lemon curd slice – as well as other sweet delights.
Huge thanks go to Boat Hosts, for without their willingness to host, generosity and cooking expertise this event wouldn’t happen.
Hosts were:
MAIN COURSE
Rod Cuthbert and Kristina Beltran Halcyon
Brett Heath and Niesje Hees It’s a Privilege
Peter Gebhardt and Alison Hedger Nimrod
Terry and Suzanne Frankham Reliance
Geoff Brewster and Barbara Burns Saffron
Richard and Marian Johnson Sophistique
DESSERT
Will and Pam Merritt Andalucia
Bryan and Sue Drummond Birubi
Steve and Sue Etches Favourite Child
David and Lyn Bingham Mirrabooka
Rod and Sandy Watson Sophistique
David and Sally Spencer Sun Kiss
Another great Progressive Dinner, may the tradition long continue!!
I’m looking forward to next year’s already.
