Sydney 38's on Channel 7's Sydney Weekender

by Alex Barrass on 5 Dec 2000 FORMER cricketer turned television personality Mike Whitney was bitten hard by the sailing bug when he went out to Pittwater last month to film a
piece on Teamsail for the Channel 7 show Sydney Weekender.
He spent the day out on the Sydney 38 ``Tazzie2', with instructor and Teamsail co-owner Alec Barrass, getting a feel for the yacht that is taking the
racing world by storm.
Whitney came armed with some basic sailing knowledge, but it soon became apparent that he was a natural. Under Alec's guidance, he learned all
about steering, trimming sails and the role of a skipper in calling the shots and keeping the crew busy.
It didn't take long for his competitive spirit to rear its head - when Tazzie2 joined Pittwater's regular Wednesday afternoon race, Whitney was loudly
urging the boat forward.
He was having a great time, until his producer Charlie was forced to remind him that he was supposed to be concentrating on his lines.
Concentration was a big ask when he was so focussed on pushing the yacht as fast as he could.
``Don't disturb me, I'm concentrating on the telltales,' he uttered.
A great day out would not be complete without a good meal, and the group headed to the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, the headquarters for
Teamsail.
Whitney said he had really enjoyed the day out and wanted to return for some more sailing training, so he could charter a yacht and test his skills to
his heart's content.
*The segment on Teamsail will screen on Sydney Weekender, Channel 7, on Saturday December 9, at 5.30pm.