Sail 8 - Anyone likely to take part?

I was also thinking of the logistics.

Say 2000 of our cousins wanting to cross from this location. I'd want a crew of 2, so space below for 5. That's 400 yachts and embarkation is going to take 10 minutes each boat before leaving to go to the holding position in the outer rade for passenger briefing. Need at least 6 embarkation points, preferably hammerheads if it's going to complete daylight hours.

Expect Greenpeace would want a slice of the action (they have a smart office in the Allee des Kebabs) so would put them in charge of footwear. No hobnails nor drugs.

One member of crew on immigration duties during embarkation. No valid passport, no berth. No weapons so a body search also.

Eventually we depart the outer rade and that's when I discover we're short of 2 buckets. Suddenly it's all becoming a bit of a headache. And this helps Africa how, exactly?
 
You know me nick, a man of many words! Iam all sure you understand, thats why we should help Children On The Edge.
 
Re: fundraising

I note that none of COTE's work is in Africa . . .

Still, I am sure they are doing a great job. If you are going to organise something involving yachts then:

a) Doing anything in the Channel is probably a bad idea. I like the idea of yachts doing something for the Live8 demo, but truth to tell a mini Dunkirk was probably not a brilliant idea . . . I think Geldof just wants to get everyone involved.

and

b) it needs to be something that will stimulate the public imagination a little.

Maybe your own Fastnet, or if that is too much then just Round the Island.

If I can help with publicity or a website then let me know.

- Nick
 
Re: slagging off Bob

Hi Nick

Geldorf had a dream – and lived it. He helped to alleviate suffering in a small area for a short time. His success was to make more ppl of all ages aware of the regions ills – both geographical and political, he even put the place on the map and in ppls minds for a short time. But did he do any lasting good ???
The money raised was not well directed, food not well distributed and didn’t last long – but long enough to destroy the fledgling self sustaining start to growing their own and providing for themselves, and his refusal to assist in providing sustained support over the next few years led to misery and ‘burn out’ from the public.

The aid showered on the problem 20 yrs ago has left little to show for it – more guns, stronger war lords who have become more territorial …… even fatter rats around the wharehouses in the docks…… the pictures of bloated bellies and wet cheeks are still there to be had ……

When the circus left town they were even worse off – the charities which were there before the ‘show’ were left to pick up the litter and restart their long term offensive of helping these poor (destitute) ppl to help themselves.

If you wanna help, join your generous well intentioned friends into a group and adopt a village, commit yourselves to 20 yrs of assistance, or adopt a child until he/she is 20+ ……… provide assistance to those with a long term commitment – irrigation schemes, vso – yes go and educate the children so their children can have a better life – of finance schemes so they can go in your place ……

Transporting ppl across the channel is a puerile gesture, if you want to be seen to do something positive sail to the houses of parliament, if you cant then drive your boat there and show solidarity – not all of us can cause mayhem in Edinburgh. However don’t you think those resources you use doing that is wasteful and can be put to better use, i.e. giving assistance and support in a longer more practical way …... discuss it over a beer and do something.

Debt relief is a ‘nice start’ but in reality will not help the ppl who need it – it will make the rich (and corrupt) more riches ……. etc ……. this sound bite of ‘the poor working as slaves for western banks to pay off debt relief ‘ yuck puke and shite

As for ignoring the needy – I did not advocate that ………… as for lack of compassion – where did you get that idea from ……… as for doing something more meaningful than having a jolly to Edinburgh – as I said, do some real aid and not fall into the trap of protest politics …….. following the geldorf flock on a political protest.
 
Open letter to Bob - Hippy on board

Hmmm... what a lovely dream Bob, looks like space cakes do have long term effects on the mind.

I worked damned hard to buy my boat and continue to do so to keep it just the way I like it and in good working order.

The last thing I want is some strange hippy/communist/tree hugger coming on board, eating my biccies, drinking my whisky etc. boring me senseless about Africa (a subject they in all probability know [no thanks] all about).

Did you know Bob that the pinko's that come on board are then my legal responsibility? I'd rather have responsiblity for crew or passengers that I know about and know some of their history than for a total stranger.

Dunkirk was an evacuation and could have turned into the total extermination of our army. It was our darkest hour and anybody who was anybody helped. To compare crackpot regimes in Africa to this noble act is highly inappropriate and an insult to those that perished on the beaches from exposure and those that risked their lives to save their fellow countryman.

In fact to be honest I don't give a toss about Africa, I give more of a toss about the problems we have here with poverty, injustice and corruption.

Why not have a free concert for them?
 
Dunkirk and sir Bob

Dunkirk was the result of an Admiralty command to use all available vessel under the british flag and NOT a bunch of willing boaty types "helping out" as Sir Bob's (and your) comments imply. Suitable boats were comandeered and towed off to ramsgate without so much as a by your leave.

The other less palatable aspects of Sir Bob's venture is that the new way of raising money for "expenses" to put on the gig is to publish a phone number - and each text costs £1.50. Yeehah! I wonder how many texts were sent by the same person who pays the bill. And i wonder just how much the expenses should be for a charity concert. 2million texts raised £3m which sounds a lot - somebody, somewhere, gets £3million, don't they?
 
Yes, the first £1.6 million...

[ QUOTE ]
somebody, somewhere, gets £3million, don't they?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes, the first £1.6 million goes to the Prince's Trust, by way of compensation for the cancellation of a concert they were planning for the same day.
 
You need to search everyone you take on board for drugs, as skipper you'll be liable.
Need to check passports as well, ideal opportunity for a load of illegals to get into the country free of charge.
Either way you get charged and lose your boat.
 
Re: Dunkirk and sir Bob

[ QUOTE ]
Dunkirk was the result of an Admiralty command to use all available vessel under the british flag and NOT a bunch of willing boaty types "helping out" as Sir Bob's (and your) comments imply. Suitable boats were comandeered and towed off to ramsgate without so much as a by your leave.


[/ QUOTE ]

My apologies, didn't know that, damn my dumbed down history lessons and education via Discovery channel /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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