Peter Andrews ©2001. All Rights Reserved.

With an early mark for the day from the media operation at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and having just missed a train, a half an hour was available to kill before the next arrived. Being a stinking hot Christmas Eve and looking for an escape from the scorching heat, I called into the local supermarket at Edgecliff for some last minute gift shopping.

Wandering around the aisles like myself were numerous people, suspiciously looking like yachties on some kind of a mission. Finally at the chocolate section which was looking a little bare, the skipper and two crew of the South Australian yacht Epsilon, were embarking on some crucial tactical decisions in regard to their preparation for this year's Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Crew member Amy Jordon noted that "Cherry Ripes' are definitely a big hit. Bounty bars' are another favorite... must be the coconut".

Being a bit chewy, Mars bars' and Snickers' do tend to last a little longer while sitting out on the rail during the race.

And with more light-hearted thoughts on the race itself, skipper Michael Tromp pointed out that "The ones' with nuts are a little rough coming back up".

Drawing laughter from myself, Amy and fellow crew member Michael Birks, it was back to matters more serious; considering that the food preparation appears to be all sorted out.

Asked how things were going with the boat, Michael Tromp was quite happy. "All the jobs are done. Its a bit of relaxation for Christmas Day".

But as it is for any boat sailing to Hobart on Boxing Day, Amy Jordon points out that "The only thing we haven't crossed off out 'to-do' list is the practice sail. You can't have too much of that and I think we will do a bit of that tomorrow".

Well perhaps the crucial tactical decisions over chocolate had paid off for the crew on Epsilon as the boat sailed on to take out first place in IMS Division C, on handicap.