A Word from Bill

Hi There Scott and Armando.

It is now a week since I left you both in Plymouth and I feel I have had sufficient time to reflect, and recover, from my experiences aboard the good ship 'Severance'. I felt I would be marking time had I stayed aboard as the transmission had been removed, quite rightly as a priority, and you were preparing for a diploma in 'yachtmastering'! Junketing around the coves and hostelries, my forte, was on the back burner.

I must just say that after a career of flying and navigating around the world I am unable to navigate into your 'blogspot' to post this. No geek me! So....

To join Scott and Severance involved a flight from Southampton to Guernsey aboard a 'light twin'. The Captain did the refuelling, baggage loading, collected our tickets, briefed us on safety and emergencies and actually flew the plane (no coffee or biscuits). My arrival at the marina in St Peter Port coincided with that of Severance and Scott's face was a picture when I hailed him to throw a line. He threw many lines after that, but of the verbal variety!

Made to feel most welcome I found a corner, small, to stow my gear and became acquainted with my bunk mate, an outboard engine.

We toured the Island by bus, visited Beaucette, a marina that was an old quarry with the access blasted to the sea by British sappers and ate in the fine restaurant there. Nautical tales were exchanged later with the landlord in 'The Albion', a fine watering hole for mariners! .

Plans were made for the sail to Blighty. Tides, winds, possible destinations and the crossing of the Channel traffic lanes all went into the pot. Options limited, we saddled up and set off as soon as we could clear the cill.

An interesting 21 hours followed with some short, steep seas and winds varying from light to force 7. The electronic displays aboard Severance are impressive, all the more so that they work despite the apparent tangle of wires. One can interrogate contacts and find all manner of information regarding a vessel. It was then that Scott's gregarious nature came to the fore as he hailed, by radio, every ship in our immediate vicinity. But we had one success and it clarified who would do what vis a vis altering course. Falmouth was a welcome sight after some tacking with main double reefed. It almost woke Armando!

Our man set foot in England and we celebrated with a small libation. Somehow the bottle had been broached previously for another noteworthy occasion!

Leaving the dockmaster in gales of laughter, 'tiddy oggies' (meat pies) were consumed and then washed down with local ales. Later Scott was in fine form sounding off about flags, ensigns and how he kept being ripped off for web contact that didn't, and the like, to anyone who would listen. The late night with Michael Collins, a single hander, (look the name up in Irish history), of Irish descent, sorted out most of the worlds afflictions. Happily I am a deep sleeper.

Rather than walk the streets of Falmouth in the rain, a popular past time with the tourists, we departed for Plymouth with large following seas and a handkerchief of headsail. Armando had been there recently and so, on his advice, we berthed at The Haven' marina. This was an inspired choice as once again Scott fell on his feet. His charm and outgoing nature soon had a fix for the engine, coaching and examinations for the yachtmaster ticket and a 'cheap' buoy to moor on!

Celebrations were obviously in order so, after a short ferry ride, we discovered the home of Plymouth Gin and were entertained, not only by the mixers of the drinks, but also by a remarkable firework display. We had stumbled upon a firework competition that went on for 3 days (nights).

Thus it was time for me to depart. I would miss the 2 Michelin star cooking and the fast, verbal repartee. 7 hours fighting the British transport system saw me safely home with memories that I will dine out on for some time to come.

Thank you Scott. May you continue safely.

Bill