An Old Mans Ode to Sailing in Croatia
Phuket, Thailand - late 1990’s was the last time I sailed
If I can remember correctly I miserably failed.
Young, Single and too much to drink
I spent most of the week with my head in the sink.
Fast-forward to July 2016 and the Family Dunn World Trip
We joined the Hedley’s in Croatia and I was ready to become Skip.
With the confidence of a seasoned Pro
I arrived at Sunsail HQ pumped up and ready to go.
However I found out Paul Hedley was our most experienced man
So I accepted my demotion and went to the bar for my first can.
Being 2nd in Charge didn’t last long
As out of the shadows along came Tom.
Tom was a bronzed English Surfer looking guy
Whose arrival on our boat made put a glint in my wife’s eye.
He was our skip in charge of our 53” yacht
Oh well at least now I had the chance to learn a lot.
Next morning we set sail North on board Evolution 2
It was sunny, calm, clear waters and an amazing view.
Now was my time to show all my skills at sea
But the only job I was given was to make the tea!
Paul, Tom and even Emma did the easy rope work each day,
Whilst I had the tedious job of keeping out of their way.
A highlight for all was anchoring in a bay for lunch and a swim
Which Erin loved as she said “there were no sharks to bite off her limb”
Late afternoon we would head to a Marina and moor to be out of the heat
Then crack a cold beer or 2 and relax until it was time to eat.
Steak, Lamb, Seafood the choices were plenty and devine
Even better washed down with a bottle of local Croatian wine.
So that was how it worked for the first 4 days on the boat
Easy life you might say but that is not all she wrote.
For Day 5 when we awoke there was something wrong
The sea was no longer flat and the winds were now Strong.
Surely we don’t sail in conditions like this
But our skip was having none of it and says this is a piece of piss.
So out we went to our potential grave
But of course I was the leader and had to remain brave.
As we left the bay and we were all gripping the rail
Tom our skip said “I think it’s a bit dangerous to hoist the sail”
The waves hit the boat hard and almost split us in two,
And then we had our only casualty, Paul who had a tremendous spew.
Needless to say we all managed to stay alive
But please remind me next time that is why I prefer to drive.
So there you have it – all good things must come to an end
I have zero sailing skills but some great memories with family and friend.