Unofficial Christ's Hospital Forum

J.R. wrote:

Fjgrogan wrote: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 !

Or Alderney!

Then you should send Kirri along - and, for Old Blues, the cruise is free apart from food etc. We still have space from Belfast to Falmouth (13th-25th August) if anybody wants to come. (now on mobile 0798 457 1052)

Oh Dave, at any other time I am sure Kirri would have welcomed the suggestion. However, she is expecting her first baby on or around 31 July (grandchild number three) so I guess it is out of the question!

I remember, on completing my Skipper's Course --- I asked what my qualification now was ----- The answer was "To navigate a Desk round a Classroom " -----Absolutely correct -- there ain't no substitute for Experience

This also applies to Sailing ! ! !

NEILL THE NOTORIOUS wrote:I remember, on completing my Skipper's Course --- I asked what my qualification now was ----- The answer was "To navigate a Desk round a Classroom " -----Absolutely correct -- there ain't no substitute for Experience

This also applies to Sailing ! ! !

Except, of course, even more experience. I am still learning.

Kirri was on Royalist, not Rona... it was while she was being a Sea Cadet! Not something I ever managed myself....

NB Royalist was once skippered by a Captain Wheeler, father of an OB of my era!

...and you might be interested to know that the Tall Ships will be visiting Turku at the end of July.. we live only minutes from the river, so I'm really looking forward to it! It's going to be bustling! Hopefully it'll warm up a bit before then, too.

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

Hope all goes well on the voyage.

I sailed on the Malcolm Miller with 4 others from CH back in 1987 - a few days after "The" great storm.

More recently I have been on the Ventura

Bon Voyage, and give a little wave to my (step)daughter as you pass to the south of Glandore. (County Cork)

Glandore may be our first port of call after Scilly

Kathy Woods would love to see you!

Sailed from Falmouth as planned on 20 June, rounding the Lizaerd in moderate seas and anchoring at Newlyn to offload Jonathan and Chloe (OBs) who had helped train my crew of girls.

Sailed in gorgeous weather to Scilly where we anchored one night in Porthcressa and the second in the Cove, St Agnes where we heasted on a mountain of fresh crab claws.

The crossing to Ireland (150 miles) was achieved with a lovely force 5 up the bum which got us there in just over 20 hours with the girls in bikinis and drinking gin. Thence via Glandore Barlogue, and Baltimore to here. The gathering of the O'Driscolls in Baltimore entailed very late nights for some of the girls (one an O'Driscoll) who arrived on board yesterday morning just after 6:00 am. Most of the rest of us were in bed a little before dawn.

Now in Schull having sailed yesterday from Baltimore through the tortuous rocks and shallows of Roaring Water bay via the Goose Island Channel. Wind force 6 but channels calm. Fastnet Rock now in sight bearing due south. While anchoring between the Catalogue Islands and Heir Island to await sufficient tide to pass the Goose island channel, we saw and otter cavorting near by and a lonely donkey on a tiny islet.

Looking forward to Judith and Oliver arriving at Glengarriff (Bantry Bay) on Sunday together with Old Blues Miles and Gemma - now in her last week at CH.

We hope to sail for Crosshaven this afternoon, perhaps rounding Mizen Heade (Ireland's SW extremity) tomorrow.

First pics now available on

http://www.flickr.com/photos/getbelle/s ... 735796210/

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Now in Bantry awaiting arrival of crew HERE tomorrow - NOT Glengarraiff. Buses from Cork run 10:30 and 13:30 ish. Will meet both on arrival at Bantry (Murphys).

Wonderful Scenery tho weather now more mixed. From Schull sailed out to the Mizen and then north to Bere Island and the incredibly beautiful and laid back marina. Girls skinny dipping on the beach while skipper banished to other duties. Into Castletownbere for essential supplies and then yesterday to Adrigole - second only to Glengarriff as the most beautiful anchorage in all Ireland. While there Imogen and Sophie made a (nearly) successfull attempt on Hungry Hill before returning for the sail into Bantry last night.

Sorry to lose Pat this morning and Kimberley from Schull. Understand that both are making good progress on their homeward journey.

Love the blue hat, David !

Great photo's.

Now in Dingle on schedule after being stuck in beautiful Bantry Bay for an extra day or two due to strong NW winds. Glorious coastal scenery and a wonderful sail around Dursey Island and past the Skellig Rocks.

Sorry to lose Pat and Sophie (Bantry) and Chrissie (Glengarriff). Replaced with Judith, Oliver, Gemma and Miles (Bantry) and Christian this afternoon in Dingle.

Flying our Old Blue flag as majority of crew now OBs. (Miles Russell, Chris Collins, Gemma Newlands and DE.)

Darn! If I'd known you were in Baltimore! But I suspect that must be a different Baltimore to my neck of the woods.....