From Skipper to Gilligan, the adventure begins.
Editors note: The tall tale your about to hear is generated from the salt encrusted sea sprayed deranged mind of one sailing gent known as Nat Manning. He will be setting off on a sailing adventure to the Bahamas this week, and sending me regular updates. I’ll post them here so you can go on the adventure with the crew of the Elice II, a 47′ Catalina sloop rigged sailing vessel.
Enjoy the ride!
Larry Annen / Editor
Two Years Before the Mast – From Skipper to Gilligan
In the days of the tall sailing ships, common sailors were housed in the forward part of the ship, “before the mast” while the ships officers were housed aft. Richard Henry Dana Jr. wrote an excellent book of that title which I highly recommend as reading material.
Marlin the Captain of this adventure...
His epic tale will surely pale in comparison to mine though as I’ve decided to give up the lofty position as Captain of my ship and sign aboard as crew on a sleek Catalina 47 for a cruise to the Bahamas and maybe back under Skipper Marlin Brigman, a hard, strict man. Leaving port the ships compliment will be the Skipper, an Admiral (his daughter), and the deck crew (me). He assures me that there will be plenty of floggings handed out amongst the crew (me).
I will, as always, tell this tale in the format of our esteemed leader, Jimmy Buffett (hat removed, head bowed in reverence), as a work of fictional facts and factual fiction. As a work of fiction, I am free from having to verify all facts and assure complete accuracy. In other words, if I don’t remember what the wind speed was, I can guesstimate. Being able to adjust the facts also makes for better reading and flow. For instance, “The Captain stood in the companionway with giant waves breaking over him, yelling down to me for help as I cowered in my bunk, afraid to respond” might read something like “I stood rock steady at the helm as the waves crashed over me bringing the ship through the storm with my skill and determination.” See? It’s a true story in that there was a storm at sea, I was on the boat, there were breaking waves, and my pants were wet!
This story will be told in series as I get an internet connection to send Larry what I have so far. The next chapter will be nothing but the list of personal effects (crap) that I’m taking with me, so don’t even bother reading it as it will be boring.
We will be shipping with the tide on Monday the 19th, in 2009 in the year of our Lord. May the seas be kind and the heads remain functional.
Filed Under: Nat's slip • Travels
About the Author: Nat Manning is a retired law enforcement pilot and local legend with marine towing companies. His sailing skills are unsurpassed when it comes to handling a large boat while imbibing in his favorite rum beverage. Captain Manning is quickly becoming a local folk hero with his above average skills at scarring the hell out of unsuspecting local fish resting peacefully under his boat.