Foreign waters

A night time drive, a windswept, rain coated journey with a dressed to kill mermaid. Destination, the dark, distant, mysterious lands of Ilfracombe. Far beyond the comfort zoned coastal Atlantic waters, passed the light flashing, hooter bleating, metropolis of Barnstaple, entering the surging, sweeping tides of the Bristol Channel. Away from my Harbour, carparked and puddle trodden, we sought the inner temple of Ilfracombe mariner types; that seabourne, waterlogged, gin brined collection of Grenvilles descendants.

One of the pleasures of being a Harbour Master is the invitations to the various and varied dinners, functions, celebrations and general good times that the many clubs, organizations, associations, institutions and other assemblage who make use of the harbour and its convenience hold each year.
Imagine my delight when that first invitation arrived; from the Ilfracombe Pilot Gig Club.

We blew in through the door and found the sanctum, warm and welcoming. We were here for the Gig Clubs inaugural award giving night, it was to be as entertaining as it was friendly, with a dish of chilli to sustain us and plenty of flowing ale, we watched and applauded while the fantastic Dartington Glass awards were presented to their best, their finest and their most promising rowers and supporters. Continuing into the night a more alternative collection of prizes were revealed, highlighting the blushingly memorable moments you are never allowed to live down. Finally the club chairman presented a couple of gifts of his own and the night descended into a strumming of shantyesque music provided by a collection of roaming banjo and guitar playing North Devonians, known as 'Fifers Ruse'.

For me the night was made all the better for the presence of a few of my Yachties, those that weren't curled up in front of the telly in dressing gown and slippers, nearly all surprised to see me out of the harbour, a visitor to a strange land; it may well be another Spring before we meet again. Well done to all the Ilfracombe oarsmen and women, hello to all the Winter stranded Yachtsmen and thank you for the invitation and the wonderful night.