MOONRAKER MEDAL APRIL 2011 AWARDED TO M SOLOMON

Moonraker Medal April 2011, Awarded to Mary Solomon for stepping up to the plate

We were refuelling, ready to board guests for a lovely weekend. One of Moonraker’s crew, imaging herself to be fit, athletic and 40 years younger than she is took an flying leap from the bow of the boat onto the fuel wharf several meters below. Between the exhilarating take-off and sudden landing, she remembered how old she is, and that her muscle sproing has long since sprung.  But it was too late. The result was knotted back muscles, excruciating pain plus incredulity and a distinct lack of sympathy from the other crew member.

At just that moment Mary arrived, in holiday mode.  She, with her partner Ken, had stolen a couple of days leave from a demanding job to join us on Moonraker on the Gold Coast. They flew from Sydney, and we had planned a gentle sail from Southport, through the Broadwater to Redcliffe on Morton Bay.  Mary was to relax, gently float along, reading books and watching the other boats.  The weather was fine(ish). I’m was to be navigator and sailing strategist, first aid person, washing-up hand, anchor man and sailing master. Dean was to cover helmsman duties, be chief engineer and chef. I can serve champagne and the scenery looks after itself. Ken is very handy as crew too.



Mary at the helm



Mary heard about the ‘great leap’, and immediately stepped up to the plate by sourcing a huge bag of ice from who-knows-where, applying it to the affected area.  She continued to step up to the plate the whole weekend.  On the practical side, she is really practical. Dishes need doing?  Lunches need preparing?  Need someone on the winch?  Mary got the hang of it all quickly.  On the more technical side, she stepped up to the mark too, inexperienced as she was.  Need to navigate between those red and green sticks and floats in the water? Mary studied the book on cardinal marks, beacons and rules of the sea, and by the end of the weekend I would trust her piloting us anywhere.  Need someone to take the helm? Mary applied herself to the helm with great concentration and accuracy.  And she is clearly a good manager as well. Need someone to manage the anchor or take the helm?  Mary supplied Ken to do that. Need a good desert that an injured cook could prepare? Mary was able to be encouraging and supervise the preparation of the Apple Crumble, and to disclaim any credit.  All in all, to quote from the Sherman and Sherman lyrics from the great Disney Classic Mary Poppins: 

Oh, it's a jolly holiday
With Mary
Mary makes your 'eart so light
When the day is gray
And ordinary
Mary makes the sun shine bright!
Oh 'appiness is bloomin'
All around 'er
The daffodils are smilin'
At the dove

Oh, it's a jolly holiday
With Mary
No wonder that it’s Mary that we love!