Posted by Joe Windsor on July 28, 2006 at 19:20:40 from 84.12.178.90 user Joe.
In Reply to: Re: Let's talk boats!- notches. posted by Joe Windsor on July 28, 2006 at 18:49:23:
Having posted about sculling, I sat here thinking about those days. And remembered something I haven't thought about for ages. I was in Illfracombe. A small beach / open harbour surrounded by cliffs. If storms were forecast one had to take the fishing boats to a safe haven along the coast. (I did that sometimes and it was VERY exciting!)
So one lovely day another young bloke and I were out there, messing about in boats. Well, a small rowing boat. The wind got up and we were struggling to get the boat back to shore. We were swept on to some rocks close to the beach. We couldn't row off. OK, no prob, we can do this. PING! We can tow this boat ashore. So we put an oar down to measure the depth beneath the boat. Piff - 2 foot or so. So, dressed in shorts and shirt I climbed overboard - on the other side of the boat. This was not a good idea. No bottom. Up to neck. Solution? Took anchor rope (with anchor removed) and swam to shore. Pulled rope. Beached boat. Phew. But being young and stupid we had no idea how hairy that was.
How many times in my life have I boobed with a boat and got away with it? We're all stupid at times.
Joe