Chrismas on the harbour

We've spent time sailing on Sydney Harbour twice this month - both outings were EO events. Our nautical excursions began with the EO Sydney Chapter's annual Christmas party on 4 December. All I can say is "Wow! What an insane event!" The chapter chartered The Jackson, a stunning super yacht.  We're talking about the "lives of the rich and famous" stuff.

The Jackson is a genuine super yacht. It's 60 metres long and boasts stylish décor and furnishings across its three levels of sophisticated spaces and expansive decks. Garry and I joined 200 other guests for an unbelievably decadent evening where the Veuve Clicquot champagne flowed all night.  

I've honestly never experienced anything like it on a private yacht. As we cruised around Sydney Harbour, we were entertained by a live band, a DJ and roving circus acts.  Canapes circulated non-stop. I'd hate to think how much this lavish affair cost. EO is certainly living up to its mantra of delivering "once in a lifetime" experiences.

On Thursday this week, my EO Forum hosted its own Christmas party on Sydney Harbour.  However, our event was a far more modest affair.  We hired the stylish luxury cruiser, MV Alfie, and spent the evening quietly circling the harbour while drinking Taittinger, and dining on a slab of eye fillet, ham on the bone, oysters, prawns and an assortment of other lavish goodies.

I also got to spend some quality time with Dr Ginni Mansberg. She's one of my forum member's wives and business partners. Dr Ginni is a bit of a mini-celebrity on Australian TV, cohosting shows like Embarrassing Bodies Down Under and Things You Can't Talk About on TV. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her a little better. My forum really is filled with impressive people doing amazing things.

Afterwards, Garry and I went back to Julia's house in Valcuse. She's one of my forum members with a taste for the high life!  Her marble-clad home with its sweeping spiral staircase is impressive, to say the least. We seriously over-catered for the event. As a result, Garry and I have some fancy leftovers to keep us going for a few days including wine, beer and 3/4 of a massive baked salmon.

Update: 18 December

The baked salmon came in handy.  My cousin Kevin and his daughter Alex dropped by for lunch yesterday.  I've not seen Kevin since he and his wife relocated from Melbourne back to New Zealand before COVID. Garry and I entertained them with leftover salad and a massive slab of salmon which made us look like incredibly gracious hosts.