Rule # 98

The ABN AMRO boys crave to be amongst the action over the entire state of Victoria. After all, they are rockstars, so I guess they deserve to be amongst it.

Whilst wondering through the sweaty, salty and swaying crowds in the designated crew area at Skandia Geelong Week I stumbled across an ABN bloke whom I had met on a few occasions at various crew events back at Docklands where Volvo Ocean Race crews are based. In the beginning it was just a few off the shoulder “hellos” but as we continually kept on tacking and gybing into each other, we thought it was time to actually have a conversation.

Now this guy is who rockstars aspire to be, but to tell you the truth, I actually forgot his name. He didn’t know mine either, so the three cheek kiss salute was engaged and the introduction was complete.

After being on a yacht racing across the Southern Ocean for twenty odd days, this foreign lad was definitely out of drinking practice. In the heat, he opted for a warm beer rather than a refreshing blend of rum and coke. He was to begin his initiation as an Aussie Yachtie.

Now I’m no talent when it comes to this famous beverage, and was not even consuming the liquid delight myself, preferring icy cold water in the Geelong heat as a smarter option instead. But my new rockstar mate needed to be educated.

“Ok (name deleted), Rule # 1 – Always grip your Bundy can. In the event of a capsize you need to ensure there is no damage to the can promising for further sipping action of the beverage.”

“Rule # 8 – Correct stance. Ensure your feet are shoulder width apart with your left foot forward. Your left hand on your hip and your can of Bundy in your right. Remember to grip incase of a capsize and slowing raise your left hand while shifting your hips from side to side. Got it?”

It was quite an amusing exercise witnessing this international hero making an absolute fool of himself. I should have felt guilty… But I didn’t!!!

The make believe rules continued to flow and slowly a support crew began to gather in eager anticipation to learn the ever growing list of rules.

“Ok Aussie girl, do you know about Rule # 98?”

Hmmm Rule # 98. I had a feeling (name deleted) was onto my little game of humiliation.

“Tell me about Rule # 98 (name deleted)”

“Oh you want to know do you? Well how about I tell you at 1230 am, and you can learn all about Rule # 98”.

My suspicions of this yachtie being a cheeky lad were now at the surface, and I was fascinated to learn about this newly established rule.

The crews of yachts racing in Skandia Geelong Week continued to dance the night away in the scorching heat and mounds of empties began to pile on the grassy enclosure. The atmosphere was astounding and I was totally blown away by event and put the experience down as a must do annual event.

Finally 1230 am arrived, and I met (name deleted) in the designated area to learn the fate of Rule # 98.

“So my international friend, what is this infamous rule and how does one from a distant land happen to know a Bundy drinking rule?”

“My Aussie mate, you are too young to learn of this rule. Once I sail the oceans of the world in this race, I shall return to the land of Oz and deliver the details of this rule when you are somewhat older than now.”

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

Me thinks this rockstar was out of his depth, because at this point he had tacked over to the quenching icy water struggling with the Victorian heat and showing elements of fatigue.

So by the end of the evening, I am still wondering what this rule is, and am determined to learn the truth behind it.