Gentlemen's section, first sail

[ishtar]

In response to the roaring success of the ladies sailing section, we decided to form a gentlemen's section, where gentleman sailors can enjoy themselves, smoke cigars, drink brandy and so on, in a female free environment.

The inaugural sail was aboard Ishtar, with Martin, Allan and Vince as crew.

We locked out at 13:30



There followed a 20 minute argument about who would be skipper, followed by another 20 minute argument about the destination. Being the gentlemen's section, this was accompanied by a good deal of cussing and bawdy talk.

I'd been concerned it would rain, but as we sailed on, heading down channel from the Ranie buoy, the wind picked up and the sun came out.

[ishtar]

Vince trimmed the sails, and Allan, being the most experienced, explained to us how going to sleep on the deck was the best option for him, acting as balast.



It turned into a very enjoyable sail indeed, the closest we came to rain was ominous clouds over the devon coast.

[ishtar]

When Allan awoke, he had decided on our destination. Gather round fellas:



He explained to Vince that we would be sailing to the Scilly isles, and that, since both he and I had forgotten our wallets, Vince would be paying for the trip. Vince was in total agreement:



Allan went on to say that Vince would be on first watch, starting immediately.

[ishtar]

We really didn't want to turn back, but did so about 5 miles past Aberthaw power station. It was raining just along the coast, but we stayed dry. A cracking sail at up to 9 knots sog, and the barrage very kindly opened the lock early for us at 19:30.



What a brilliant afternoon, and what great company again, sailing with allan and Vince. Cheers lads. I don't think any of us had high hopes, and it turned out to be a very enjoyable sail indeed.

Here's to the next outing of the Gentlemen's section. Anyone care to join us?

[sandpiper]

I'm up for it.

[Viv]

Now you see, when we ladies sail, we enjoy the male free environment but we don't have any arguments about who's going to be skipper or where we're going - we just get on with it!

[ishtar]

Yes, but that's the point Sheila. It's just that testosterone fuelled environment that we crave. The drinking, fighting, and so on, that's what us gentlemen sailors have done for years.

Allan and I were going to take the lash to Vince, but he wasn't up for it.

;D

[vikingsmb]

we are not on little yachts but on pirate ships with all the fighting lol

[ishtar]

That's a good point. Allan has a pirating flag. We could go down to Watchet or somewhere and do some pillaging, one trip. Get barrels of rum and things. I'm starting to get into the swing of this now.

Real sailing, for real men.!

[sandpiper]

rum and pillaging - i'm definately up for it!

Maybe even affable wenches in every port! Hope Angie doesn't read this!

[Angie (Camelot)]

hey thats an idea if its good enough for you "real men" its good enough for the ladies !!

[louiseishtar]

I think we'd have more luck than them and we'd get there faster, eh Sheila?

[allan]

As Martin explained to me, speed is not everything! It is more about the style in which you achieve your goal.
Allan
PS The pictures above really prove my great skill, sleeping! Martin had to knock pretty hard on Chausey to wake me for the sail, after all it was only just after mid day.

[ishtar]

Hope this works. Us gents got a mention on the radio the other night.....

Attachments:

[Viv]

Well, Louise, we'd only get there faster if we were on Ishtar - Alana just doesn't cut the mustard when it comes to racing - as you witnessed on our way back from Portishead (no matter who the crew is).
Now now Huw, wenches in every port? Aren't you supposed to be doing macho men's stuff in a female free environment? And you see, while hubby is out sailing, Louise is only thinking of him and sending nice radio messages.
I think we ladies really should be throwing down the gauntlet, and we'll be happy with just a couple of big wInches and lots of buoys!

[sandpiper]

Should Martin be worried - the message was for Allan!!!!