I had always wanted to be a boat owner, and after my divorce, when the time came to plough most of my savings into a purchase, I soon realized the truth in the statement that "a boat was purely a receptacle into which one pours money".
"Brigand" was a 36 foot ketch – rather neglected - and after the spring months of hectic – and expensive - fitting-out work in the local Marina, I managed to spend some pleasant weekends sailing in the vast Cornish estuary leading to the Marina. I had spent nights aboard in the two-berth cabin, whiling away the late evenings studying for my Yachtmaster's Certificate.
The Marina was fairly full of an amazing array of boat designs – some sail but many powered.
One evening I was reading quietly, sipping a whisky, when I heard footsteps on deck and a female voice asking if she could down below. I went to the cabin hatchway and in the darkening light saw a young lady in jeans and a sweater, with a marlin spike in one hand (no rings!) and a rusty looking length of chain in the other.
"I'm looking for a strong man" she said, grinning, by way of introduction, "I've tried everything to get this shackle undone, but can't"
"Well, I'll try to help" I said, gesturing for her to come down into the well lit cabin. I could then see that she was about 30, with unruly blonde hair and a shapely figure disguised by the sloppy sweater.
"You've got this looking lovely" she said, "I've seen you working on her. I'm in the cabin cruiser on the next pontoon. By the way, I'm Sue"
"Mark" I countered, looking at the chain in her hand, "Fancy a whisky? It's all I have in the Bar"
"Love one – I'll watch you try this damned shackle for me"
I managed to free the obstinate pin and handed it back to her, taking in the lovely smile.
"Have you eaten?" she asked as she downed the scotch.
"Not yet –I was reading up on this navigation stuff. Hoping to get my Offshore Ticket soon"
"Got mine last year" she said, "It's not THAT hard – or I wouldn't have one! Anyway, d'you think a simple supper would be fair payment for Services Rendered? – just a Bolognese – there's enough for two if I just do a bit more spaghetti. We could have a glass of Red while it's cooking"
"I'll just tidy myself up"
"Don't you dare!! I'd have to then – and I've no intention of doing so. Just "as you are" will be fine"
Sue picked up her chain and made for the companionway. I followed and secured the hatch before joining her on the pontoon.
"At Last", the cruiser we headed for, was about the same length as "Brigand", but plastic and very modern, with a large cabin and nice afterdeck for fair weather relaxation.
"Are you Captain or crew of this fine vessel?" I asked as Sue opened the cabin door.
"I was promoted to Captain & Owner three months ago" she said with a wry grin, "The previous owner took the house and I took the boat – when we divorced. I work locally so I live aboard. I didn't change the name, but it's very appropriate now" she chuckled, throwing the chain into a corner.
Sue produced and opened a bottle of red wine and poured two glasses before stirring the rather appetizing smelling concoction on the stove.
"We can sample this while I cook the Spag" she suggested, locating a packet of dried spaghetti in a cupboard.
In ten minutes she announced that supper was ready and poured more wine as she dished up the meal.
"May I use the facilities before we eat?"
"Straight through – for'd" she pointed, "You could take the chain & shackle up there – it's for the bottom end of the anchor cable"
I found the Heads in the narrowing bows, beyond a very neat double bedroom and put the chain on the deck before I relieved the effects of the scotch & wine. The bathroom was well fitted, with a shower, above which hung a selection of miniscule panties & bras, drying on a rail. It tended to show Sue in a different light, since her boat-repairing clothes would have conjured up images of white cotton "schoolgirl" knickers.
"Your facilities are a bit more up-market than mine" I said, "although I am beyond the "bucket & chuck it" era - just!! Mine is a chemical toilet, but you're all posh with a holding tank"
"That is rather nicer – especially for a Lady Captain" she grinned.
We sat at the saloon table and the meal was excellent, washed down with more red wine and requiring another bottle before we finished.
During the meal she discovered that I lived in Falmouth and worked as an Estate Office manager, while she was employed by the Solicitors office with whom I did business.
"You haven't recruited any new male crew yet then?" I ventured.
" No" she smiled, "Firstly I've been too busy getting things sorted here, and secondly I was rather fed up with men after my break-up. In fact, you are the first man to come on board – apart from the Marina chaps – and the first to be entertained"
"I'm duly honoured" I grinned, "The same applies to "Brigand" – no females aboard until you appeared today"
As we sat and finished the second bottle of wine, I was beginning to feel pleasantly mellow & we chatted about so many things – the Marina & boats, even touching briefly on the problems of our respective divorces.
Eventually Sue stood up and put a kettle on. "Keep an eye on that while I pop to the Heads"
I was looking out of the cabin window when she returned and felt her hand on my shoulder.
"I have an apology to make" she said.
"Why?"
"Displaying all my work undies to my first male visitor"
"Work undies?" I gasped, turning towards her,"Wow, some work undies"
"No, not Boat-work ones, Work-work ones" she giggled.
"I'm not sure that's a good thing for a recently divorced man to know"
Her face became serious and she let her hand just rest on my chest.
"So you have those problems too?" she said softly.
I looked down into her deep brown eyes. "I don't only think about boats – and since you ask, they've gone right out of my head at the moment"
"And what has taken their place" she asked, smiling up at me, her finger making little twirling movements on a loose thread in my sweater.
