18/09/12 - Lord Nelson

The ballad of LN824
To be sung to the tune of 'My bonnie lies over the ocean’
We sailed off from Dublin’s fair city
We left wives and husbands behind.
Now please listen well to my ditty
And hear what adventures we find.
Bring back, bring back
Oh bring back Lord Nelson to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back
Oh bring back Lord Nelson to me!
The morning dawned bright as we readied
To motor through Sam Beckett’s bridge.
We moored and scrubbed decks, then we headed For sailing parade – privilege!
Bring back . . .
Together with other tall vessels
We showed off our sails with the best
Manoevring to avoid yachts and cruisers
Helm orders gave steersman no rest.
Bring back . . .
South easterly winds sped us onwards
Assisted a wee bit by power
To make harbour before the gale forecast Not to mention the occasional shower.
Bring back . . .
We dropped anchor early next morning
Rocked by gales near the harbour at Peel.
We shopped and we spliced and we tidied – It helps when it’s queasy you feel.
Bring back . . .
The next day dawned fine: it was sunny
The wind was now down to Force Five.
We managed to moor at the quayside
And shore leave was given – we’re alive!
Bring back . . .
We sauntered, saw cats and museum
In the evening all hands ate ashore.
At Creek Inn the food was fantastic
We sampled Manx queenies galore.
Bring back . . .
Day five and fair weather continued
So 'Wheelchairs aloft!’ was the call.
And Graham and Jimmy went upwards –
Take care, we don’t want them to fall!
Bring back ...
James and Craig climbed up the foremast
With other brave sailors they went.
Each step of the way was a struggle
The futtocks a battle well kent.
Bring back . . .
Then up with the anchor and gangway
A fair wind helped us out of Peel.
Our helmsman from Aft Port was Emily
And she held our course vary weel.
Bring back . . .
Now let go those clewlines and buntlines And haul on that halyard right hard.
Now look at fore course and fore topsail A billowing out from the yard!
Bring back, . . .
The next night the wind was against us
We motored along with the moon
And the stars giving light to the seascape Then finally, ye can stand doon.
Bring back ...
Then we turned nor’east towards Scotland Again a most beautiful day.
We motored along in the sunshine
Admiring the isles of Cumbrae.
Bring back . . .
And now as I finish my ballad
We haven’t quite ended our trip.
I’m hoping we’ll dock before nightfall
For barbecue and a wee nip.
Bring back . . .
Heather Goodare Aft Port