Guestblog from a Landlover
Two drifters, off to see the world
Anthony Good
Wed 26 Dec 2012 11:54
By Oliver Good, visiting son of ship’s captain, age 28 ¾
It wasn't until Christmas Eve - the third day of my visit to Capisce -
that I did anything of great use onboard the vessel. But while the
task undertaken wasn’t exactly critical to the welfare of the boat or
its crew, I’m confident that my actions helped save Christmas for
millions of children around the world.
The job was to scale the mast (aided by the bowson's chair), to free
Santa Clause. The old guy had become snagged in the halyard, just
hours before he was due to deliver presents to the youth of Europe. It
was accomplished with ease. As you’ll see in the picture below, he was
smaller than expected and bore a striking resemblance to a cheap
decoration that we’d spotted in a local shop the previous day.
Probably just a coincidence.
Otherwise, my responsibilities during this week-long stay have been
less strenuous. My previous role of ‘entertainment attaché’ has
remained unchanged. I came onboard equipped with enough gigabytes of
essential films, TV shows and music to help keep crew moral high for
many months after my return to London. Not unlike the Santa himself, I
also arrived in time for Christmas with a sack full of presents from a
faraway land, ready to spread joy. Finally, I have helped selflessly
contributed to that most essential seasonal job of “eating, drinking
and being merry” by doing just that. In fact, I believe I executed
this important responsibility to brilliant effect. Above and beyond
the call of duty. Every day.
My least useful contribution to the welfare of Capisce came to light
on Boxing Day morning, when it was revealed that forward head had
become blocked. This was due to an accidental incident which involved
the flushing of a wetwipe into the tubes, (the effects of which are
regrettably still being dealt with by the ship’s captain as I write).
Away from my various contributions, the weather has been delightful
for the duration of my stay; warm enough to sunbathe for the first few
days, and with a moderately strong breeze picking-up midweek. During
my final days on Capisce, I look forward to the arrival of the
crewmembers who will help make the imminent transatlantic crossing
possible. Although I will be sad to leave my family and their new
home, the long haul before them is too daunting a voyage for me to
even contemplate. Regardless, I will remember this visit as one of the
most unique and enjoyable Christmases of my life, and hope to spend
many more here (wherever ‘here’ turns out to be).
Godspeed Capisce!
