Posted by David Bamford on April 22, 2006 at 04:26:48 from 220.253.114.71 user David.
Jon Labaree, in his recent post under "best sailing experiences", says that he feels that John is always trying to prove himself to someone. I have also thought this. It is usual for an eldest child to assume a deal of responsibility, but I think that this is overlaid in John's case by trying to prove himself to his [usually absent]father. I think that his father's absence causes this extra [albeit subconcious] anxiety. Thus, the gentle chiding by his mother after the night sailing would have been felt most keenly, making any futher expression of disapproval unneccessary.
David.