Happy nautical memories worth more than a trip to the dentist

THERE ere are times when we reflect on the careers or trades we chose when beginning life’s journey.

Soon after leaving school, young Curtis packed a kitbag and went off to sea to become a mariner.

Looking back it was a wise move, but after spending 20 years as a seafarer, missing his family made him swallow the anchor and come ashore to seek different employment.

Becoming Torbay Harbour pilot, he was never going to become a millionaire, but it kept him in touch with ships and mariners of different nationalities, all within sight of home.

However, recently a necessary visit to a local dentist made him consider that perhaps he’d chosen the wrong occupation.

After examination, the dentist ‘kindly’ informed the retired sailor that total repairs and extractions would cost close to what had been the equivalent of three months’ work as a pilot, anchoring about 25 vessels within Torbay.

On reflection, how much easier it must be on a calm morning to say, “open wide, sir!” rather than, during the darkness of a wild night, “let go the starboard anchor, please!”

***

Writing for this newspaper for more years than can honestly be remembered, I can count on one hand the number of grumbles received from residents, complaining about my published ‘thoughts’.

However, two weeks ago, via the letters section, a Brixham man had a quiet go at the ‘ol sailor, about a few comments made regarding Brexit ... to leave or remain?

This gentleman suggested my comments should be restricted to boats or piracy, and stay away from Brexit or politics.

If only!

Because the general public is continuously bombarded by a range of different proposals from those elected to guide us towards a steady course in Europe, is it any wonder the keyboard sometimes takes control of my thoughts?

Nevertheless, sir, point taken, I’ll never mention the B-word again.

Promise!

***

There are certain times in life when we experience a feeling of deep pride in our home town.

The Saga Pearl collides with yachts in Dartmouth

Many years ago, approaching Christmas, heading towards the Belgium port of Ostend, I was anxious to get a cargo of wheat loaded and head back towards Plymouth where, fingers crossed, we’d spend the festive holiday.

An hour from the Belgian port the pilot station informed me there were no pilots available until noon the next day and I should go to anchor ... yeah!

Firstly, we’d lose another day before loading and then there was a northerly gale forecast.

So I advised the pilot office I’d been to Ostend several times and knew where the loading berth was ... so I’d be entering the port without a pilot. Silence!

After docking without any problems, the chief pilot arrived at the quayside and requested I accompany him to the harbour office for breaking the port’s pilotage rules.

The harbour master didn’t look too pleased and firstly requested my name and home address.

When I told him, he looked at the chief pilot and said: “Okay. I’ll deal with this, you get back to your office.”

When we were alone, he smiled, “Brixham?

“Years ago when the Nazis invaded, because my family were of the Jewish faith, we took Grandad’s old fishing boat and fled down the Channel.

“Days later, approaching Start Point, being low on fuel we entered Brixham harbour.

“The local people were extremely kind and made us most welcome.

“Right! Business over, I’m going to take you to the bar next door and buy you a beer ... maybe two!”

Memories like that make you feel so proud of where you live.

***

Many mariners, including yours truly, will have felt sorry for the Dartmouth harbour master, piloting the cruise liner Saga Pearl into the River Dart recently.

While manoeuvring towards the moorings, they apparently damaged four yachts

There could be many reasons, wind, tide, engine problems, etc, etc.

Been there, done that, but thankfully none of my mishaps reached the press.

As human beings we can all make errors of judgement ... not that I’m saying this was the cause, but navigating such a large vessel into the river requires concentration and trust between captain, pilot and engine room.

The incident made me think back to March 1971 when the tanker Trinity Navigator, calling to embark a deep-sea pilot ran aground close to Berry Head.

When I boarded her the Chinese captain was in tears and after advising him that to clear the rocks we must manoeuvre closer to the Head, he hid away in the chart-room until we were well clear.

Problems sea!

at

Steve McMillan