JesseMartin.Net
29th December 1998
CHRISTMAS was not such a great deal.
I woke to an albatross that squawked "Merry Christmas", then went below to open my presents.
Thanks mum for the Tim Tams and Twisties, but what I want to know is how did Santa land on my yacht?
Three seals did a couple of jumps at the back of the boat and the sunny day was something to be grateful for.
Last week I had a huge fright when riding out a blow. I was in my bunk dreaming when I heard a loud tapping on the porthole.
I looked up and, to my astonishment, I saw the bottom of a shroud (wires that hold up the mast) knocking against the cabin top.
In a panic I got my wet weather gear on and harness attached and ventured out to the front of the boat, while ideas of fixing it were going around in my head.
It was not a major problem but merely a quick release lever on the baby forestay which had been flicked undone.
For the first Christmas in my life I think I really understood and appreciated what this time of year was all about.
I had presents - my usual reason for enjoying Christmas - but this year it wasn't the same. I was on my own.
I would have given all my gifts away to have lunch with relatives and to hear Pop read out of the Bible.
To chat to my cousins, who I hardly get a chance to speak to all year, and hear about what everyone has been up to. Good company is the most valuable gift . . . enjoy it.