Posted by Ian Baines on September 03, 1997 at 21:00:19:
In Reply to: Re: Nancy's Open Day posted by The Ancient Mariner on September 03, 1997 at 01:19:06:
Many thanks must be given to Peter Willis and Terry Absalom for organising such an excellent day at Wolverstone on Sunday.
Speaking as a member of the "crew" on that first sail "stonking" down to Pin Mill, it was both exciting and exhilarating to be on the lee side of the cockpit with the water lapping at the coaming. Reports from the cabin below told of drawers crashing open from below "Susan's" bunk as we first went about - just as Susan had experienced in chapter XIII of WD. We were going about every few minutes at the beginning of the trip as the AM demonstrated his expert seamanship whilst negotiating around the many moored craft. The return trip back up river with less sail was a little more sedate.
I hope the AM will forgive my young son Samuel for teaching him a thing or two about using the tiller while trying to moor NB back at Wolverstone. He will no doubt remember the occasion for some time to come!
At the end of the afternoon we were fortunate to get a second sail in somewhat milder conditions. The sun shone and from below in the cabin, with the engine off, the sound of the water rushing past the planking - just as Roger and Titty had described - was a sound not to be missed.
Nancy Blackett was on her top form on Sunday and has made many lasting friends. As Tim says, now it is up to us to provide the support to make sure she remains that figurehead for the Arthur Ransome Society. She certainly has mine.