LIFE ABOARD
almighty tug but nothing happened. I thought my arm had come clean off… But we soon sorted it out (it hadn’t actually been tied to anything) and I capered about hauling and tying for all the world as if I knew what I was doing. ( I can’t hear a bellowed instruction to “do a turn” without wanting to recite or break into song. Is it me?). Later, I noticed that all the ropes I’d handled had been re-tied when I wasn’t looking. I simply cannot understand it. The Harbour Patrol were heroic
– eyes in the back of their heads, totally unflappable and courteous in the face of idiocy. We added our mite by entering an exclusion zone completely oblivious to an imminent parachute drop! Ooops!…but since I’d spent a happy couple of days gleefully chortling over the mistakes of others and even including, I’m ashamed to say, at someone being seasick (every time
The Harbour Patrol were heroic – eyes in the back of their heads, totally unflappable and courteous in the face of idiocy.
they retched I hooted with mirth ) you might say I had it coming. We were firmly but politely waved
aside. They are brilliant. I wonder if we could persuade them to pose for one of those charity calendars with – say – a shackle in front of their tackle for the sake of modesty? They come in all sizes! I take safety very seriously, actually.
More so, I think, than Hub. Only recently as we were setting off to the pontoon I handed down a carrier bag into the dinghy. He asked what it was. “Hand-held Distress Flares” I replied, proudly. I couldn’t quite hear his reply – but it sounded like “Rowlocks.” Furthermore, he has
taken to teetering about in an attempt to stand up in the inflatable. he looks like Bambi. I blame Dartmouth blokes who think dinghies are like heads and would rather die than be caught sitting down. The Typhoon display actually shook
the boat and judging by the dung and feathers I had to scrub off, it shook a few gulls too..,.. But, how popular we are! It’s really
shivered and in honour of the splendid Regatta, I’ve invented a new cocktail. (it’s inspired partly by Hub watching the fireworks with his flies at half mast). Anybody for a Sea Cock Glory? The visiting craft have slipped away and the bunting must be taken down like cards after Christmas. Boo Hoo Hooray!.....•
most gratifying and we had no idea until we owned a boat during Regatta week. Several friends made spirited attempts to come aboard but were fended off. We fell at the final hurdle though and hosted a last night party which I am told I enjoyed. The next morning revealed that we are completely out of wine, cash, water, fuel, patience and clean underwear. Now, that’s what I call a very good week. Our timbers have been thoroughly
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