Sailing correspondent

This is the lovely Snap (dragon) boat, the subject of my deep devotion...

How life moves in mysterious ways. As from last Thursday, I am now sailing correspondent for Cornwall Today. How about that?! We’re launching the sailing page with an interview I did with a fascinating man who helped Mylor Yacht Harbour become successful.

It was a really interesting interview – also because he reminded me of my little brother in his enthusiasm and manner of speech. Yet he is called Jonathan, the name of my late husband and older brother. So, it was like interviewing my two brothers and Pip rolled into one. Whereas I usually find I can keep up with most people, this man has incredible drive, enthusiasm and stamina. Get the September issue of Cornwall Today and you’ll see what I mean.

So that’s very exciting. Mr B is convinced that the turnaround in my fortunes is due to his absence, but even I couldn’t contrive that one. (Or could I?) It’s odd how in life you can throw as much as you can out there and nothing happens, and just when you’re about to give up, things start happening.

I had a great test sail with Alan in his lovely Dragon, Snap, on Saturday, though I was more than a little unnerved when, just as we left the pontoon, he said, “I’m not happy with the mainsail. Can you steer, Sue?”

Now, getting out of Mylor Harbour is like weaving through an assault course, there are so many boats moored up. I thought, what is he DOING asking me to steer out of HERE? Where is Mr B when I need him? Why is he putting me in charge of this beautiful, valuable, classic boat? But I squeaked, “OK.” And for the next ten minutes I concentrated so hard I nearly went cross eyed.

But I got out! And I didn’t hit anything! I was so overcome that we sailed over to the opposite shore and I gybed instead of tacked (went in the opposite direction to the one I should have), but luckily that didn’t matter. Mind you, it didn’t half throw me. Just when I thought I was doing so well…

Luckily it didn’t seem to throw Alan who was very stressed after a horrible two weeks’ work. I told him a sail would do him good, and it seemed to – even with me at the helm. I did suggest he should take over but he refused. Said he was having a lovely relaxing time. Though I’m glad to say he did bring us in. That was the REALLY tricky bit.

And before I go, I must remind you all to tune in to BBC Radio Cornwall (103.9, 95.2 and 96 FM, DAB) on Thursday at 3pm. For those of you who don’t live in Cornwall, you can listen online and I think there’s a play again facility.

I’m going to be interviewed about a place called Carn Marth and will take Tiffany (the presenter) on a walk there in the morning. I can at least publicise the current walks book and give the next one a plug.