pjs100
Well-Known Member
Sunday saw an "upmasting" ceremony at our marina by the local yacht club. The congregation of yachty folk descended to perform their springtime rite.
Although not mainly marina people they were quite happy to raft up alongside our high fee paying boats and monopolise the place for the day.
It's really the first time I've had the opportunity to observe such a gaggle at close range, rather a David Attenborough experience. You could obviously see a number of dominant males posturing on the upper works whilst a good number of females attempted to asssimilate. Many of the ladies and some men had bought brand new rigger boots and overalls for the occasion.
A few had obviously invested in matching accessories to include a heavy leather belt and pouch which must contain the mysterious tools of the raggy's trade.
In most cases I think the women looked a lot sharper than the men; especially those with knives strapped to their side who strode purposefully around hailing in loud voices whilst waiting their turn for the crane. I suppose they must have liked the novelty of the more convenient pontoons with loos and as all tourists were making the most of a cheap day out.
We were treated to a party piece to end the day when a remasted yacht crew got out the bosun's chair and gave an accomplished exhibition of mast climbing with must tugging and shouting.
As my raggy pontoon neighbour, a generally good sort and distance cruiser said, "you'd think they would have sorted that before they put the stick up "
All in all an interesting day for those of us who appreciate the absurdities of life.
JJTOP
Although not mainly marina people they were quite happy to raft up alongside our high fee paying boats and monopolise the place for the day.
It's really the first time I've had the opportunity to observe such a gaggle at close range, rather a David Attenborough experience. You could obviously see a number of dominant males posturing on the upper works whilst a good number of females attempted to asssimilate. Many of the ladies and some men had bought brand new rigger boots and overalls for the occasion.
A few had obviously invested in matching accessories to include a heavy leather belt and pouch which must contain the mysterious tools of the raggy's trade.
In most cases I think the women looked a lot sharper than the men; especially those with knives strapped to their side who strode purposefully around hailing in loud voices whilst waiting their turn for the crane. I suppose they must have liked the novelty of the more convenient pontoons with loos and as all tourists were making the most of a cheap day out.
We were treated to a party piece to end the day when a remasted yacht crew got out the bosun's chair and gave an accomplished exhibition of mast climbing with must tugging and shouting.
As my raggy pontoon neighbour, a generally good sort and distance cruiser said, "you'd think they would have sorted that before they put the stick up "
All in all an interesting day for those of us who appreciate the absurdities of life.
JJTOP
