Postman Pat Goes Sailing

[BlowingOldBoots]

A remarkable little book on sailing that depicts the fiction very close to the facts of sailing small boats. And no surprise there, as it authored by non other than Saint Cunliffe the Unflappable.

Pat has to deliver a package to an island where Mr and Mrs Shackelton live. Well, what a palaver, as Pat cant row, the wind picks ups the cat looks miserable and Pat knows that he has to return to the jetty. Along comes Ted Glen sailing a dinghy and takes Pat and his Cat to the Island. they have to tack up wind, sit out, and generally struggle in the strong wind to deliver the package, the cat hates the whole experience.

There is lots of talk of balance and trim, tacking, best course to windward and reefing. Ted is useless and they cant get to windward and miss the island, so back again to the jetty. They decide to get Dr Gilbertson's launch and what a faff getting it started, much ado about getting battery and back smoke. Luckily, when they got the boat started, the Reverend Tims arrived and decided to go with them and he prayed and sang hymns from the prow.

Pat exclaims that he likes the motor boat, sitting in it rather than on it, compared to the yacht. They arrive and all have tea with the Shackeltons and the cat looks mighty relieved.

Cunliffe brings a realism to a miserable day on the water that only an experienced sailor can, but still manages to keep the story simple and free from jargon. An enjoyable, brief read.

[marisca]

Thanks a bunch! Talk about a spoiler.

[BlowingOldBoots]

Thanks a bunch! Talk about a spoiler.

Don't worry, you will be fine, it has pictures as well.