To end a triptic of posts about navigation here is a re-post from last year when I went with various family members on a chartered motor yacht on the Thames......So imagine the scene: the lock doors open and JP carefully steers the Winnebago Caversham Royal inside, choosing with care a space with plenty of bollards to loop lines around.
JP: Ropes on left please
(it wasn't the moment for "lines" or "port side")
Senior crew: Oh look at those lambs!
Junior crew (chorus): Oh wow! There's another one! Ahhh!
Ship's mates: Be careful children, mind the gap!
JP: Hey people, can we have some ropes please?
Junior crew (various): Oh look at that one - it's black! Where? There! etc
Ship's mates: Wait for a grown up to help you get on land
JP: ROPES!!!
In retrospect I regret those exclamation marks. As always boating is a learning experience and this was no exception. Better communication would be a good goal for next time, to avoid having to speak in capitals.
But it did leave me with a thought - would that have happened had I worn the captain's hat?
