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The Trials and Tribulations of the Bosun.
The bosun, an abbreviation of boatswain, is by definition the parson responsible for the maintenance of a ship or boat, and all its equipment.
It has never been an enviable job. On the old wooden ships, the bosun and his trusty servant, the bosun’s mate had a constant effort to keep everything in good working order. Nothing has changed over time! |
Caulking, filling the narrow gaps between the seams of a ship with oakum and pitch, was a frustrating job–especially in the tropics! A loggerhead (a type of hammer) was used, and fights would often break out using the loggerhead as a weapon. |
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The phrase “ at loggerheads” to show an angry relationship dates from then.
While being bosun at Lymington SailAbility is a far cry from that, nevertheless it is a pretty thankless and demanding job. Help is always available from the volunteers, the Yacht clubs, and members, as it is always expected that the boats are in tip top condition, and rightly so.
Our fleet is quite large
2 RIBS to use as our safety boats
1 flat bottomed Pioner, to carry 3 wheelchairs
3 17ft Trimarans
2 16ft ‘challenger’ trimarans
2 16ft ‘windrider’ trimarans
AND all the trailers for each boat |
'Man + Boat + Tools = Happy' |
The work covers everything from hulls to rigging and sails, trailers to tyres,engines and fuel, including radios, flares, and life jackets, all to comply with the Safety and Insurance regulations which increase as each year progresses. |
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But it all seems worthwhile when disabled sailors return from a sail, saying how much they enjoyed it-something they couldn’t do without the volunteers and Lymington SailAbility.
Derek Hancock, Bosun, Lymington SailAbility. |
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