The boat before we ran it into the ground
The boat before we ran it into the ground
What a week that was. So intense- yet so enjoyable. Coloured by a diversity of characters and scenery, never to be forgotten. A seamless combination of activities and skills that reached far beyond sailing, but somehow blending with the gentle movement of Jessica Jane flanked by dolphins as she made her westward path along the beautiful sun-drenched southern shores of Ireland. From time to time anchoring- mooring or even luxuriously berthing in places like Bere island, Sherkin or that southern harbour of Cape Clear, waters that looked and even felt like a semi-tropical paradise. With its small pub and open air seating arrangements of old ecclesiastical origins. Benches that moved even before we enjoyed those pints!!
All hands on deck
Planning this trip in the long dark winter evenings it seemed like a distant hope that some how it would all come together. With initial enthusiasm fading as certain member withdrew their support. Aiming at a crew of six for the 40 ft yacht felt just right, unfortunately as time went by this figure seemed out of reach. With a stroke of luck that missing person was quickly conscripted, the ship's doctor Olaf from Berlin. Relaxed and confident a reassuring person to have on board. Especially when things went wrong!!! Like hands jammed by anchors!!!
Waiting hand on foot on Stephen on Sherkin Island
Reflecting over the glorious days that took us from Kinsale to the Skellig rocks and back it seems that the sailing skills were really of secondary importance (No doubt a tricky point that will be debated and proven wrong). It was the blend of characters that kept the ship afloat. With the essential Joachim providing food for mind and body. His epicurean standards reaching unimaginable heights considering the limitations of our boats larder - fortunately supplemented by freshly caught mackerel on a few occasions. Such culinary delights even appeared to give him a temporary immunity from Feena's inexhaustible slagging repertoire. Or so it seemed at first until dependence was found in the form of a special stainless steel pot - emitting the most beautiful wafts of coffee aroma.
'Second right, then straight on till you get to the Fastnet.'
Looking back it seems that great amounts of energy must have been consumed - not by Stephen's 1 mile walks or sailing manoeuvres, but by serious research and observations followed by planning and execution of verbal sparing matches, extending well beyond normal playing hours. These verbal attacks were of course accompanied in perfect harmony by very threatening elbow bending exercises.
I may look grumpy but I assure you I am not.
By no means wanting to lower the high standards achieved by this professional crew, I certainly came away with a serious inferiority complex. Having seen Feena on the helm with her sparkling new Musto jacket and trousers and matching booties, my gear with matching sticky tape can only be described as faded trash- like its owner.
Trying to build surprises into our trip failed me miserably, they were not what was intended and somehow managed to misfire. With jib sheets flapping on Stephen's deck and the noise of my boots on the deck- trying to sail single handed off the mooring in Crookhaven, proved to be a total clanger. Quickly all was forgotten in the beautiful atmosphere of the rising sun as we left the harbour. I think all was forgiven when the wind sprang up near Cape Clear and mobile phones, crockery etc. went into orbit around the chart table, with Joachim and Olaf fighting for a place on the helm.
Sherkin Sunset
No doubt countless hours have been spent trying to analyse the characters on this trip. But suffice it to say that we were all sufficiently different to create an interesting tapestry, perhaps sometimes a little frayed at the edges. Certainly staying on track and faithfully sailing towards our objective.
Not being an impartial observer it would be most unfair of me to comment!! For my part I would like to say a very big thank you to Noel and Stephen who supported me with this idea right from the very first pint!! And of course to that extremely brave lady Feena, without whose charm and excellent coffee this crew would have fallen apart. Last but not least our German delegation Olaf and Joachim, with their professional expertise, managed to keep us alive and healthy.
Yes I know people are asking, what did I do? This question would probably be best answered by saying nothing- but I know this would leave the topic wide open to rumours and speculation. SO here is my confession on paper: