Cruise of 1000 isles

[Fjgrogan]

For the benefit of any readers who are totally bemused by all this - the 'heads' in nautical terms refers to the toilets on board a boat/ship!

[J.R.]

For the benefit of any readers who are totally bemused by all this - the 'heads' in nautical terms refers to the toilets on board a boat/ship!

I think we knew that.

A friend of mine who is the navy and was when women (WRNS), were allowed to sail on HM's warships told me that this term took on a whole new meaning.

Don't believe all people tell you about a segregated warship !

[DavebytheSea]

I think elsewhere on this forum the origin of the term has been explained, but for the benefit of those who missed it, I will give it another go.

Whereas the modern yacht in British waters is rigged with fore and aft sails (set between the forestay and main mast or the mast and the horse or traveller securing the mainsheet block) the clipper ships of yore set square sails hanging from yards (poles set horizontally from the mast). This "square rig" (you see it in all the old pictures on jigsaw puzzles and biscuit boxes) is much more efficient and powerful when sailing downwind i.e. along the old trade wind routes of the great oceans. However this rig becomes clumsy and inefficient when sailing into the wind - hence the fore and aft rig of the modern yacht.

Now back to the old clipper ship sailing majestically down wind i.e. with the wind blowing from behind. Now as any old salt knows, if he wishes to relieve himself overboard at sea, it is of some importance to pee downwind - to do otherwise can result in blowback. (The same is true of the seasick passenger who vomits with the cool breeze blowing in his face!)

So in the trade winds, the matelot wishing to relieve himself would move towards the bows (front) of the ship in order that his outgoings might be deposited in the sea rather thaN unpleasantly elsewhere. Unfortunately the bow of the ship, with its clutter of capstans, bowsprits and bobstays was not an ideal place. However, as if made for the purpose, one on each side of the vessel near the bow are two horizontal beams sticking out each side of the ship. The purpose of these "catheads" was to keep the anchor clear of the ship when weighing anchor, but they additionally served to offer an ideal view of the entire ship as one squatted, facing aft, "in the 'heads". The "great cabin" which was the master's private domain aft was, of course, fitted with a commode emptied, as required, by his steward.

[Fjgrogan]

Wow! You learn something new everyday. Thanks Dave.

[englishangel]

Oh dear! I could have expressed that better."Accuracy" was used in the sense of common lexigraphical usage rather than mere aim - but I do insist that "gentlemen pee in the ladies' style" on account of the uncertainties of wave induced movements.

.... and as age creeps on, it's far more easy and relaxing !

Oh Dear,as my offspring say definitely TMI (too much information). Do waves induce movements better than prunes?

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

In Poole Harbour Flush Loos are strictly forbidden to be used in the Harbour Precincts.

Since this is the 2nd largest Harbour in the World --- elderly Skippers need Sunseekers to leave at speed, for the open water

[J.R.]

A bit like the good old BR signs.

"Please do not flush the toilet when the train is stationary' !

[NEILL THE NOTORIOUS]

To the tune of "Marigolds" ----from my CH days !

Passengers will please refrain
From urinating while the Train
Is standing at the platform
in the Station

Should it take you very hard
Then pull the chain-- and call the Guard
And he will bring ----(Long Note) a small enamelled Basin.

[DavebytheSea]

Well, the skies did grey over a bit today - even rained a little - but now a gorgeous caerulean blue with little fluffy fine-weather clouds scudding along on the last of the breeze. The expected high moves in apace with the prospect of wall to wall sunshine, calm seas and beautiful bronzed bodies bathing on the deck for at least the next ten days.

I go aboard tonight! My crew start arriving tomorrow. We sail for Scilly at noon on Saturday.

[DavebytheSea]

YAY! The El Animado embroidered rugby shirts and hoodies have just arrived! They look and feel gorgeous - and we are having a CHA flag and burgee made up as well

[Fjgrogan]

Bon voyage to you all, Dave.

[DavebytheSea]

merci beaucoup, Frances - why are you not sailing with us?

David x

[mvgrogan]

good question... i'd be curious to hear the answer to that one!

[Fjgrogan]

Dave, I confess that I have never sailed in my life. I was the only Sea Ranger skipper who could only row in a circle, and I actually dislike small boats. I can swim but it is not something I do for fun. I grew up with my father's tales of life in the Navy, and then I married into the Sea Cadet Corps. I also did a short stint in the WRNR before getting pregnant with Maria, but it was all a long time ago. So I have an interest in things nautical, but I don't think I would be of much practical use even if my paltry pension would run to a ten-week cruise (or even a weekend in Cornwall). However, I can dream! Kirri (younger daughter - 3s and Barnes A) once steered Rona into one of the Channel islands, I believe. Have a good trip.

[J.R.]

Dave, I confess that I have never sailed in my life. I was the only Sea Ranger skipper who could only row in a circle, and I actually dislike small boats. I can swim but it is not something I do for fun. I grew up with my father's tales of life in the Navy, and then I married into the Sea Cadet Corps. I also did a short stint in the WRNR before getting pregnant with Maria, but it was all a long time ago. So I have an interest in things nautical, but I don't think I would be of much practical use even if my paltry pension would run to a ten-week cruise (or even a weekend in Cornwall). However, I can dream! Kirri (younger daughter - 3s and Barnes A) once steered Rona into one of the Channel islands, I believe. Have a good trip.

I trust it didn't damage Rona !