Every now and then you just know something was a mistake. The comment was meant humorously or unintentionally but the consequences are never what you expect. In fact, probably much worse. The results can be strained relations with your partner; serious damage to your relationship with friends and work colleagues; even war!
In my case the most recent example was a result of my waxing lyrically yesterday about the Rapier and how you need to look after and use older cars or they don’t work properly! Yesterday, I went to do some preparation for the weekend – this morning I am off to buy a new battery for the Rapier, and a second for another car!! I am not superstitious and I don’t believe in ‘tempting fate’, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed I don’t have any further problems!
I was reflecting last night, as I wrestled unsuccessfully with the new WiFi gear, on the adventure and the preparation and help I had from many people. In particular, I have mentioned Tim, Nick, and Scotty from KTK Prime on many occasions, Kingfisher Marine, DDZ Marine, Beneteau, Raymarine. I am sure there are others I have forgotten to mention and I apologise if you are one of the forgotten few!! But there is a smaller group of folk who made the journey possible and gave me the confidence to actually cast off from our berth in Portland and set sail around the UK. These are the instructors who prepared me for life at sea and gave me the boat handling, navigation and seamanship skills to survive.
I ought to start with Richard and Michelle Howell from Howell Sail. Richard and Michelle, through their online theory course and personal support helped me work through the rigours of Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster theory. The RYA courses are a challenging, but very rewarding experience. The very tonic for study on long winter nights – when you get to my age there aren’t many other options! They certainly provide a challenge to the ‘little grey cells’ but they also hold the promise of adventures to come. What more could you wish for when the rain is pelting against the windows and the wind is howling outside in the darkness.
My next port of call for thanks is Mendez Marine. Jon Mendez, based on the Hamble, runs a great training school. I did my Day Skipper practical and VHF radio course with them. My instructor was Steve Tyler on both courses. We had a great week with lots of fun and learning and loads of practical experience. Jon even gave me some sound advice on boat buying! The fact we were on location for Howards Way did not achieve the level of significance that it now holds! But we did eat and partake of liquid refreshment in the Jolly Sailor. But Jack Rolfe wasn’t there!
My final instructor, other than the sea herself, was Dave ‘Crusty’ Saywell from Castaway Charters of Poole. I did my Coastal Skipper practical with Dave during September/October of last year. We went to Guernsey and Jersey for a week and had a great time. Even when we were storm bound in St Helier for 4 days. I guess it’s times like that you really learn to study the weather, looking for that window when you can get back home. We had some very smooth and some very bumpy seas and the exhilaration of coming back through the Alderney race at 16kts with a further 7 kts of tide underneath us.
I am very grateful to all these folk that helped me prepare, but First and Second Mate would like to pass on an even greater vote of gratitude!
Apparently, it is our last chance to influence where Richard III is to be reinterred. Should it be Leicester or York? Currently, the plan is to bury him in Leicester but you can sign an e-petition to have a debate in Parliament on whether it should be Leicester or York!
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/38772
But,if you have an opinion, you must make it known today!! Personally, I don’t think poor old Richard gives a toss. Having spent the years since 1485 underneath a carpark in Leicester he is apparently more worried about the outstanding carpark charges!
Many folk are getting rather hot under the collar about the issue. I think my personal view is Parliament might spend its time on more fruitful subjects. Such as compulsory discounts for purchasing multiple batteries!
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