 THE SAILING BOAT Alive on the water the wind in her sails, the helmsman turning the wheel. The captain on deck is adjusting the sheet and the boat is beginning to heel. The feel of the wind pushing hard against hull. propeller is turning so fast. The bow rises up on the crest of the wave , with the sails straining hard at the mast. Adrenaline rises as knot speeds increase, the steersman is braced at the helm. All red sails are full, with the freshening breeze, The excitement will just overwhelm! To feel in your face , the speed of the wind, as she zips across the main bay. With the sun beaming down, and the ocean so blue, you wish it could last all the day.  
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SNICKERSNEE When I first saw her tied up there, beside the yacht club pier. I wondered what the future held, my mind was joy, and fear! As I climbed up on the deck,- a dream came true , at last! A sailing boat, -and all our own - I held on to the mast! Into the new marina, we took her late that day. The Medway Cruising Club, - they thought, we'd sailed her right away! Then one day in summer time, we took her out to sea, It was a journey of delight, - the first for you and me. I steered her down the medway reach , when tide was going out. My heart was pounding in my chest , as I let out a shout. Out to sea, around the Swale, so I could get the feel, Of boat and water under me , swirling around the keel. Exhilaration , wonderment , - it all came over me. Here I was afloat with you,- upon the restless sea. We knew right then how great it was, - to have the Snickersnee! This dear old boat would come to mean, "the world" for you and me. In Gillingham marina , they lifted her ashore. We cleaned and painted lower parts, then upped the wheelhouse floor. To work upon the engine and grind seacocks anew. You always were quite certain of what we had to do. A new propellor's needed , -we found out one fine day. The other one was broken, - one blade had worn away. You took it off and noticed, the shaft was worn as well. We'd need to get another one, - as far as you could tell. The water tank was leaking - dripping everywhere! We got one made in fibre glass,- a lighter version there. There were so many things to do ,- and so much to put right. But when we were quite finished, she looked a pretty sight. The "old girl" looked so splendid, standing in the shed. We'd worked on her both day and night,- before we went to bed. Then ,down to Ramsgate by the sea,- I made all covers new. For sails and wheelhouse,- what a job! (I knew it would be too!) We sent away for canvas , and other things we'd need. To stitch it all myself, - I knew, - would save much cash, indeed! I planned to make it fit so well,- to keep out all the rain. With zip-up doors to let us in, -new windows,- clear again. Several weeks it took to make,- those covers - all brand new. Those zip-up flaps and windows,- I knew just what to do. Then new sail-covers I did sew, -(the machine working well ) And SNICKERSNEE in letters high,- that all the world could tell, that great name of our boat you'll see, - so clear in letters white. Against the dark blue canvas,- 'tis such a lovely sight. Some cushions for the wheelhouse, were next for me to sew. ( to get the foam to fill them,- we hunted high and low.) Now we can sit in comfort , upon that padded seat, There's room for four ( but not one more), when we sit down to eat. The last piece of the canvas,- an apron I did produce. With pockets for the charts and things,- so handy is it's use. For pens and pencils, ruler too , torch and tools are there. Instruments fit neat inside,- GPS with care. The apron hangs in wheelhouse ,-contents safe and sound. It stays secure when , with the swell, - the boat will roll around. We've made the boat so comfortable ,and cosy as can be . She is our home.- we love her so.- our good old Snickersnee. To sail the world together, go miles across the sea. Be wary of the weather, - you'll take good care of me! The wind and waves will take us ,- to distant lands anew Our Snickersnee, a haven,--is just for me and you. |
