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Retire to Eden by Geoff Hargraves – In 2004 I took part in the 60th Sydney to Hobart Yacht race. It was also my first. Shortly after the start while offshore from Bondi, we blew out our first Spinnaker. Some hours later we blew out our second and last spinnaker, so the decision was to head offshore to keep as fast as we could. When the expected southerly charge found us, we were about 160nm offshore, and encountered winds in mid to high 60’s. I’ve written about that storm with my painting “Storm”. Needless to say after the damage in the Saloon, it was decided to head back to Eden and retire from the race. Before the race the Weather man had told the assembled crews that we could expect winds of about 45kts, and I remember exchanging looks with Tony, a Canadian woman joining us for the race. This painting is of our yacht Fiu, a Grand Soleil 46 heading back inshore in what seemed like a pleasant breeze after our storm experience. I remember having a chuckle with Tony as we “cruised ” back in 45 kts. Sides painted black, unframed, wire across the back, ready to hang.