26 January 2015 ~ Australia Day and the Soren Larson

Listening to: Above & Beyond ~ Quieter is Louder

Australia Day is the official national day of Australia. Celebrated annually on 26 January, it marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and raising of the Flag of Great Britain at that site by Governor Arthur Phillip.

I took a harbor cruise on the Tall Ship the Soren Larson. It was built in 1949.

 At noon, Russell Crowe over a loudspeaker, announced the beginning of festivities, with a 21 gun salute and flyover. This navy ship was a big spectacle.

What a view from the top of the bridge!

Our ship took part in the Tall Ships race. Here is  one of our opponents, the Southern Swan.

Thanks to Captain Marty, we won the race by a huge margin.

Despite the rain, it was a fun afternoon. Champagne, wine and beer were served along with bbq and potato salad.