A Perth boatie doesn’t know why but he’s managed to agree to skipper a support vessel at the Rotto Swim for another year running. An activity he finds about as pleasurable as sitting on a dodecahedildo strapped to a 15 year old washing machine.
From the absolute chaos of the boat launch to the nautical cowboys, it’s a tough gig and he can’t even suck back a few froffacinos to make the pain go away.
Fortunately, there is much speculation the mighty sea breeze is going to cancel the Rotto SWim, even if organisers are waiting for the last possible minute to make the call.
Thus, our captain is praying desperately to the sea breeze gods to keep up their gusty smiting and allow him a day away from the horrors of Rotto Swim skippering. He told The Times,
“Mate, deadset sometimes I reckon it’d be easier swimming 19km in the ocean than skippering. It’s a big responsibility. Have you ever been to a boat ramp on a normal nice day? Yeah, times that by 1000 and don’t even get me started on the anarchy once you’re out, please be cancelled”
Indeed, once finally out of the boat ramp queue you are required to stay on constant alert to avoid pissed skippers, wayward kayakers and of course make sure the swimmers are out of harms way. All in all, it’s a bit of work.
Thankless too. With most skippers getting a pat on the back while the swimmers they chaperone get to go home with the most sought after plates in the Golden Triangle.
Fair enough really.