By Richard Jessup
Why don’t we buy a little yacht
a cutter might be nice
two masts and a pretty bowsprit
a ketch or a yawl would suffice.
A shallow draught and a centreboard
for sliding up the coast
but a cosy cabin warm and dry
that’s what we’ll need the most.
A host of sails all crisp and white
I’ll keep them trimmed and tight
sheets and halliards to ease and haul
to keep the tiller light.
Knots and lashings seizing and bights
we’ll learn the sailor's craft
but between you and me we’ll call it string
just let the others laugh.
Navigation now that’s a worry
I’ll learn it bit by bit
lots to study on those storm lashed days
In a classroom brightly lit.
A brass compass and a colourful chart
to help us find our way
with tidal diamonds and buoys and wrecks
and areas where we mustn’t stray.
A tide table brimming with ebbs and floods
to stop us from running aground
if we’ve worked out the difference to the secondary port
and our maths are the correct way round.
With a little engine under the floor
for when the wind is light
and a bright light at our masthead
that’ll keep us safe at night.
The shipping forecast from the BBC
will tell us the weather that’s due
So here’s to safe harbours and mugs of tea
And days of good sailing with you.