Promotion at last!

Caramor - sailing around the world
Franco Ferrero / Kath Mcnulty
Wed 18 Nov 2015 21:24
34:52.49S 55:16.85W

From humble skipper and galley slave, we have been promoted to Roving Rear Commodore, no less! for the Ocean Cruising Club.

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Our new Commodore's flag

A Commodore is a rank superior to a naval Captain! We are so proud.

In fact it is causing friction aboard Caramor; too many officers and not enough able seamen. We aren't so sure about the 'roving' and 'rear' bits though. 'Rear' sounds a little cowardly, as though we are skulking at the back of the ship rather than standing straight under the mast ordering the crew. As for 'roving', another word for 'ducking and weaving', maybe.

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Franco practising his new 'gentleman officer' look, and giving orders to the other (rear roving) Commodore

So here is the new version of my favourite Gilbert and Sullivan song, the one I always listen to during the 2 - 5am watch.

When I was a lad I served a term
As office boy to an attorney's firm
I cleaned the windows and I swept the floor
And I polished up the handle of the big front door
I polished up that handle so carefully
That now I am a Commodore o' the OCC.

As office boy I made such a mark
That they gave me the post of a junior clerk
I served the writs with a smile so bland
And I copied all the letters in a big round hand
I copied all the letters in a hand so free
That now I am a Commodore o' the OCC.

In serving writs I made such a name
That an articled clerk I soon became
I wore clean collars and a brand-new suit
For the Pass Examination at the Institute
And that Pass Examination did so well for me
That now I am a Commodore o' the OCC.

Of legal knowledge I acquired such a grip
That they took me into the partnership
And that junior partnership I ween
Was the only ship that I ever had seen
But that kind of ship so suited me
That now I am a Commodore o' the OCC.

I grew so rich that I was sent
By a pocket borough into Parliament
I always voted at my party's call
And I never thought of thinking for myself at all
I thought so little, they rewarded me
By making me a Commodore o' the OCC.

Now, landsmen all, whoever you may be
If you want to rise to the top of the tree
If your soul isn't fettered to an office stool
Be careful to be guided by this golden rule
Stick close to your desks and never go to sea
Or you risk being Commodore o' the OCC

Thank you to Gunther Anderson for the lyrics and sincere apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan.

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Kath viewing Caramor from her new height

Rear Roving Commodore Kath