This was the 3rd Women Who Sail Australia Gathering in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens. And what a wonderful few days it was! I got to hang out with a crowd of warm hearted and funny women sailors in a 3 bedroom apartment on the waterfront walking distance from the Gathering. ( I think there were 9 of us at one stage!) So many inspirational women attended including Charlotte Kauffman who flew in from the USA of Rebel Heart fame. So honoured to meet her and hear her incredible story of courage when she and her small children and husband were rescued from the middle of the Pacific Ocean. And then our own Lisa Blair who sailed solo around Antarctica. I couldn't help remembering speaking to her live at last years Gathering then the shock of her dismasting in the Southern Ocean 2 days later. But with her determined spirit she soldiered on to complete her mission.
I also enjoyed early morning yoga each day with the lovely Leanne Hembrow feeling blissful and calm among so many wonderful women.

Meanwhile my darling Captain Underpants was preparing to sail his recent project boat Bohemian, a Folkboat with his brother to Iluka.

An eventful and memorable few days in Port Stephens. Pic is of me, Linda with Lisa and Charlotte

Bohemian is a 26ft Folkboat built in Australia in 1976. She is currently moored down in Port Stephens. This project is a Gumtree one this time! Bill has been down to work on Boho in preparation for her sail up the coast to Iluka. She needed a hip tow over to the boatyard as the engine was still in the car after Bill repaired it at home.

She had a large number of barnacles which he removed and with a day’s work painting on antifoul and back in the water to get her engine in and going. Still some adjustments to be made.

So soon she will head out to sea for the 200 or so nautical mile trip up to Iluka where a mooring has been allocated. Bills bother Chris will be crew this time while I, Linda will support and cheer them on from land.

I’m currently on holidays with my friend Jackie. We’ve been to Bali plenty of times so thought we would explore Lombok. And what a great decision it was too. It’s quieter, very few tourists where we’ve been and the scenery is magnificent. We have explored small guest houses and accommodation at the northern end right around to the east coast of Labuhan.

The first place was Rinjani Beach Eco Resort where we had our own bamboo cottage on a black sand beach. So quiet and good for the soul. Cheap and friendly with home cooked meals. Next was Pondok Siola on the east coast to go snorkelling with Enam. He filled the car and boat with his mates for the ride! I love the outrigger boats here. It was a great day out but unfortunately my snorkelling experience was spoiled by a nasty jelly fish sting. I eventually recovered and we enjoyed a picnic on a little island of Lombok fare of fried fish and vegetables.

The best thing about Pondok Siola was wandering into the village and chatting to locals. Our blonde hair stood out but it was too hot to wear a headscarf and I didn’t feel right doing it. Lombok is predominantly Muslim so every morning we are woken by the call to prayer followed by the roosters!

Yep and my clothes are so loose I’ve given most of them away. Sarongs go around me twice now. My wet weather gear instead of being too tight is now comfortably loose. Yay! And I am feeling happier, healthier and fitter. 26 kilos gone. Gone forever I have promised myself.

The cruising lifestyle with sundowners and snacks, passage making with lots of high carbohydrate snacks, sitting on my bum writing a book has all taken its toll on my body. My fault I know and I love good food and wine. But my gut wasn’t happy. My body wasn’t happy and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up with my Captain Underpants....

One day I saw an amazing photo of my sailing friend Caitlin who had lost 40kg! She looked vibrant and gorgeous. I kept staring at her photo. So I contacted her to ask about what she was doing. The answer is Gutsy. A healthy clean eating program that heals the gut and the unwanted weight drops off. How was I going to go without my glass of champagne? The program is for 30 days so I thought ‘Ok. It’s not forever...’ But after the first 30 days I didn’t even want champagne! My friends couldn’t believe it...

After 4 months, 20 kg was gone and I’m now slowly creeping down to the weight I was in my twenties. 26.5kg gone with 4kg to go. I love Gutsy. The food is delicious and I don’t get hungry. I am so enthused by Gutsy I am now helping others. If you would like to know more message me. You can also join my groupGet Gutsy with Linda Anderson and have a look around. Love ya guts!