|
|
We
are the People that are FREE! |
|
|
From
The Coastal Passage, issue # 19 |
 |
A new ‘land mark’ for the Whitsundays..
I was down the coast when the project was under way and caught
Brian and Linda getting their first look at the boat. This is
the same builder that did “Extra Chilli” so I am confident
the boat is finished very well. Congratulations Brian &
Linda and thanks for the invitation for sundowners... but
don’t be surprised if I show up with a swag! |
|
You should have seen all the
photos I had to take of this rotten mob before I got one that
I could print and still call this a family rag! This voyage was
for a “Blessing of the Fleet.” Now, no offense to the
Padre but I’m not sure the old boy was up to the job. An
exorcist would be more appropriate. So just to make sure it wasn’t
a waste of time I hear by confer upon this vessel and it’s...
er... crew the Blessing of TCP. And I know you guys need it.
I have the photographic evidence after all. May you be forgiven
for all your outstanding sins and the ones you are probably plotting
as I speak. May your livers tolerate your sin of getting snockered
before noon.. or even breakfast this day I think. But most of
all congratulations for going through an official blessing of
the fleet without lightning striking you all. The “Scurvy
crew” is Graham, Euwin, Skipper Bob Fenney (sporting
the lovely red bonnet) Cheryl, (front) Troy and Jenny.
Bob Fenney, AKA Bob III is happily retired from a long career
as a news photographer for The Courier Mail, Women’s Day
and other barely forgivable sins and now can be seen around the
marina or the Whits on his pretty old Gaffer. Best beer brewer
in the marina! |
|
Richard works at the Mercury, the local paper in Mackay.
I know because that’s where I have TCP printed. Most would
assume there is a big machine that puts in those inserted advertisements
that you get in the paper. Not so, it’s done by hand. But
what has that got to do with boats? The inserters are independent
workers. Richard did insertions after regular work for seven
bloody years to pay for the materials to build (how did he find
the time!) what I think is as pretty and clean a little Snell
cat as I have ever seen. One more brilliant example of how hard
people work to relax on the water! I think the name refers to
Richards working history, that is long hard days, so when he
finally quits all the jobs maybe the boat should be re-named
“No More Bad Habits!” |
|
I met
Shirley and Sam Chambers several years ago on a paper
delivery. Got on from the start and we have kept in touch since.
It came up in conversation that Sam had done a web site before
and I needed someone to do a little tutoring on the subject so
he agreed to help me out as long as I understood he didn’t
know very much but maybe could get me started. Yeah Right!! I
found Sam extremely modest in his appraisal of his abilities.
He has been involved with computers in one way or another since
the sixties! But more than knowledge it takes patience to make
a good teacher and I am grateful to find that was in good supply
as well. It took two days of hard work to get me going but that
is just what Sam and Shirley do. A generous spirit and a keen
sense of social justice are typical for cruising folk but these
guys gave me a hand directly this time. So for Shirley and Sam
and all you others out there... Thank all of you that have helped
over the last several years! My responsibility is to insure that
the effort isn’t wasted. So if you are cruising through
the TCP web site and find it good, thank the crew of Priority
1 and all the contributors that make it truly your rag! |
|