RAOC Gazette - page 57
Image details
| Corps | RAOC |
|---|---|
| Material type | Journals |
| Book page | |
| Chapter head | |
| Chapter key | |
| Chapter number | |
| Full title | RAOC Gazette |
| Page number | |
| Publication date | 1980 |
| Real page | |
| Colour | Yes |
| Grey | No |
| Early date | 1980 |
| Late date | 1980 |
| Transcription |
HOMEWARD BOUND By MAJOR JOHN CRANMER AFTER participating in Exercise Christmas Coral it seemed a logical progression for the RAOC Sailing Association to run a Nicholson 55 Exercise for JSSC, and with the agreement of our Commodore Brigadier Cowdry and Colonel Thomas, we set to work on the Exercise which was to be of three Legs: — Second Light Infantry would sail out to Gibraltar after their Northern Ireland tour; Fortress Engineers would have the middle leg, and we would bring the yacht back to England. The planning followed closely ' The Guide for Units Plan- ning a Major Sail Training Expedition' supplied by JSSC, and an Exercise Instruction was produced. Adventurous Training Funds were applied for, mainly £1,050 for aircraft seats if required—as usual we were told that money would probably not be available so we would have to make arrangements with the RAF. All seemed to go well until Kukri lost her top mast in the Fastnet and the RAF were suddenly unable to fly Leg III. Sabre the replacement yacht was out of the water and in poor state as she was scheduled for a maintenance period and was not up to the high standard that one has come to expect for JSSC yachts. It eventually all fitted together and what follows is the account of Leg III. Skipper—Major Cranmer; Navigator No. 2—Major Ross; Watch Leaders—Major Bradshaw and Sergeant O'Neill; Purser —Major King; Engineer I Bosun—Sergeant Codd; AsstlEngr to Bosun—Corpora] Farrant; Medics—Lieutenant Colonel Brad- shaw (RAMC); Radio I Electrician — Captain Agott; Crew Members—Corporal Nisbet, Private Hodgkinson and Private Davies. and some even managed two beating retreats, one with "2 Light Infantry and one on HMS Bulwark. The only real problem seemed to be the vast quantity of bonded Vodka left by the previous crew and the fact that the border with Spain was closed. It was, however, a good thing that we had three days for maintenance because we needed that amount of time to prepare the Sabre for the trip home. We set sail for Tangier as darkness fell. One third of. the way to Tangier we were longing for more wind. We got it. The boat gathered way and we were soon speeding into Tangier Bay and ever increasing speed. As we turned south onto a broad reach we were really moving—it seemed to be a reminder of what a thoroughbred yacht, a Nich 55, is. Things were not working out as we sped on: The lights were not as on the chart (something we were to get used to), and the land was coming up far too fast. On looking back we could see what should have been the two coloured lights, in fact white, which should have led us in, so we quickly rounded up and took the sails down, started the motor and made for harbour. The harbour entrance was difficult, mainly due to the harbour lights in confusion with the town behind. It was a relief to be alongside and get our heads down. Tangier is an old city that is subdued and rather tatty. Apparently before independence from Spain the waterfront was full of cafes and dance houses, but now the shops are now only selling day to day groceries. There is the Kasbar and the new town. The old town has much of its walls left and within the walled city there are narrow irregular lanes and two markets. The markets were very crowded and we had difficulty keeping the party together. We were warned to watch out for our money. The people were in a wide variety of dress with women in purdah, for this is a muslem city, or totally European dress. Occasionally we had pointed out the old style dress for women, pure white dress with veil. The men were either in European dress or were dressed in kaftans, often of a very simple brown woollen weave. As was to be expected, we were plagued by people selling handbags, brass, baskets, kaftans etc. A pleasant day was had eating local food, buying souvenirs and strolling through the markets. We set off from Tangier harbour at 2030 hours in a strong wind, but as we turned North West a steady Levanti blew over the starboard quarter. This gave good speed, but a difficult rolling motion. We had all had Avomine, I don't know if it was necessary, but no one was sea sick. We sailed throughout the next day, spinnaker set for a short time, but as the wind deadened we made poor progress until two hours before dusk, when the wind dropped almost completely. We were close to Portimao and went in under engine. The harbour is large and made up of a deep estuary protected by two moles which must be effective with the South West Atlantic gales. ,We anchored in The crew. Leg III looked at first as if it would not get off the ground. As the time to go drew near to leave England the RAF were not able to fly us out, because all the aircraft for Gibraltar were full of Naval Technicians who were travelling out to Gibraltar to refit ships in the Dockyards. The situation was saved when we learned that two warships were sailing to Gibraltar, so we managed to get eight of the crew on HMS Bulwark, which took three days for the trip. Those who went on Bulwark had a marvellous time visiting all corners of the ship, with helicopter rides etc, and many friends were made. The remaining four, who could not get away early, managed to eventually scrounge RAF passages. A very pleasant time was had working up in Gibraltar. Our new contacts on HMS Bulwark made repair, maintenance and provision easy and cheap. The weather was kind and we were able to take those who had hosted us for a sail. Every sail was set except for the No. 2 Genoa, which was being repaired by a local sail maker. Most of the crew managed to visit the gun emplacements and the Barbery Apes, — 276 — The world of sea and sail. |
| Book number | R0403a |