Is the rumour true ... re. Tom Cunliffe?

[Guest]

Heard a story that Tom Cunliffe ran aground while going around Ireland (didn't read of it in his articles). Just curious why it wasn't written about in the articles ...

Also, exactly what were the circumstances which caused the broken leg/foot? At least we know that it would not have been from fending off with his foot because no Yachtmaster Examiner would do that ... would they?

 

[doris]

The old boy probably got a donkey mixed up with his harley and tried to find the kick start. Fierce things these Irish asses.

 

[Twister_Ken]

When you are sufficiently exalted you do not run aground. You "take the ground".

It's all about perception!

 

[Mirelle]

I have been told that Adlard Coles once grounded and dried out just off Jack in the Basket - someone passing hoisted "Creeks and Harbours of the Solent" to the masthead in salute!

 

[Twister_Ken]

"Just researching the next edition, old boy!"

 

[Guest]

What is the problem with peoples attitude to Mr Cunliffe, I find his articles and books interesting and well written, however so many people appear to dislike him!
Is it envy that they themselves are not making as good a living from an enjoyable pastime ?
Everyone runs aground at some time or other !

Exe cruising

 

[Mirelle]

Furthermore, when you actually meet him you will find that he is a very nice chap! His main drawback is that he is about 8ft tall, which makes it hard for the vertically challenged, like my owner, to keep up a conversation with him!

Nobody is really having a dig at Tom; it is just that, when anyone occupies his exalted position as Guru in Chief to yottiedom, people can't resist a passing swipe!

Incidentally his advice in "Hand Reef and Steer" that you need not mouse the peak halyard block hooks is wrong; I speak from bitter experience. There, that's my swipe!

 

[Guest]

No problem at all!

None. Seems like a good sailor and I have a couple of his books (both speak comon sense).

I was just curious as to how he happened to run aground and break his leg - his articles just seemd to gloss over it all. Simple curiosity and no ulteria motives.

 

[Guest]

Re: No problem at all!

I have a theory when he run aground on a sand bank he decided to have a game of footy using a crab shell and he broke his foot in the process.

 

[Adrian_Morgan]

He certainly ran aground in Kayhaven, and had to be towed off. He also collided with the Sowley outfall beacon, the sign from which fell (in a cloud of guano) onto the deck of his Tumlare, Zest. He'd been brewing up at the time. He retrieved sign, repainted it, and replaced it the following week. Then wrote about it in Sailing Days.