Posted by Tim Johns on September 03, 1997 at 13:47:00:
In Reply to: Re: Nancy's Open Day posted by The Ancient Mariner on September 03, 1997 at 01:19:06:
Just a line or two to confirm The Ancient Mariner's report of the tremendous success of the Nancy Blackett
Open Day. For many of us this was our first opportunity to meet Nancy in person, and to understand why AR
called her "the best little boat I ever had", while for me there was the chance to realise a fifty-year-old
ambition and sleep in board (Roger's berth!) on the Saturday/Sunday night. The AM's seamanship triumphantly
passed the test of a brisk breeze, rewarding the watchers (and photographers) on shore with the
sight of NB 'stonking along' (the AM's term) before the wind, and also, dramatically, sailing close-hauled
with the lee rail under. The task of maintaining Nancy in top condition and making her available as a
'figurehead' of the Arthur Ransome Society is going to be a big one: however, I'm sure that she is in good
hands that will give her all the Tender Loving Care she needs providing the rest of us can find the
necessary cash. Virtual Tars played a vital part via the Internet in saving the Nancy Blackett: now it's
up to us to show that we can do our bit in helping to keep her going!