TCM Model Skipper - doing a test run first

[tcm]

As some may know, I am planning to have some friends fly from UK across the atlantic to the boat, and sail back.

But it seems that some crew are rather cautious because well, as more than one has pointed out, none of us have taken this route before. So some trepidation is understandable and entirely as it should be, I suppose.

So! At vast personal expense I have organised to eliminate all such worries, and am going to take VERY SAME trip myself first of all, next week, and have therefore booked myself on the EXACTLY the same airline, flight number, same day of the week, everything. I'll even be doing the trip a second time, in reverse, just to make doubly sure.

Thus I will be able to confidently and accurately route myself and crew through or around any and all the hazards, pointing out vital waypoints such as the correct gate number, the baggage collection point and the airport exit.

I am pretty sure that this will dramatically ease any slight lingering concerns.

 

[sarabande]

If you point a video camera out of the window on the way back, you'll be able to record the sea below, and show the crew how smooth it all is.

Bon voyage (twice) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bedouin]

I think bringing the boat back might class as "excess baggage" - could work out quite expensive /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[tcm]

Brilliant. I'll do that as well.

 

[Sgeir]

TCM\'s What-will-it-be-this-time?

You'll leave something terribly important behind, which will mean you'll have to go back and do it all over again. Do you know what it will be?

 

[Helina]

The only ease is for the lust to see the new boat again !

/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[Twister_Ken]

Documents? I understood the objective of the recce was to check out the abilities/talents/availability of the trolley dollies, in order to make one an offer she could not possibly refuse, to fill a similar position on the good ship Diana 3&4 for its inaugural east-bound flight.

PS. You might also see if you can blag a spare map off of the pilot chap. After all, he must know the way by now and can't possibly need pictures. Failing that, make sure you tear the appropriate page out of the back of the in-flight comic book.

 

[stevebrassett]

I'm not sure this is a good idea. What if you come across major problems, such as US immigration, or, even worse, delays at Heathrow? You could put your crew off sailing the Atlantic for life.

 

[tcm]

RYA AirportMaster

well, it's this sort of thing that as skipper i will have to lead them through, so there will be various familiarisation procedures and a nice safety briefing of course including a bit about lifejackets first of all.

As you imply, it would be foolish or even frightening to have them come on a longer flight straight off so the plan is to fly a shorter trip just for an hour or so to Paris and get everyone ok about that, and only after that tackle the longer leg of the trip.

 

[claymore]

Re: RYA AirportMaster

Oh God Matt you are so cautious. What happened to the bright young thing you used to be with that charming devil-take-the-hindmost attitude we knew and loved. Stuff the blasted crew and their pathetic anxieties - believe me matey - if we'd tolerated all that daft stuff on the Chents Cruise we'd still be in Iona Sound waiting for Silkie.

 

[Pinnacle]

Please make sure that when paying and collecting your e-tickets for the trial run, that you actually wait for the tickets to be printed and don't just run off when you have got the credit card receipt. Trying to board with that alone could produce some frustration. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

It will prolly be ok though as I believe the tables in the seat-backs stand up quite well to punishment................

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[graham]

This blag of yours will only work so many times. my SWMBO is well aware now that when I leave my phone on the boat its just possible i may go for a sail while collecting it the following day... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[longjohnsilver]

Surely if you go often enuf you can bring the whole boat back one piece at a time thus saving having to sail back!

 

[jimi]

Well, I left the Carribean back on flight one eight nine
An' went to Heathrow' on an airline
The first time I brought back my cockpit cushions

Next time I devised myself a plan
That should be the envy of most any man
I'd sneak it out of there in the luggage in my hand
Now gettin' caught meant gettin' VAT'd
But I figured I'd have it all by the time I retired
I'd have me a cat worth at least a hundred grand.

CHORUS
I'd get it one piece at a time
And it wouldn't cost me a dime
You'll know it's me when I come through the Solent
I'm gonna sail around in style
I'm gonna drive everybody wild
'Cause I'll have the only one there is around.

 

[tcm]

excellent. Git...

 

[FullCircle]

Priceless Jimi, Top Form.....