The Ballad of TNS 366
We found the Grand Harbour inMalta,
Tenacious was moored alongside.
We boarded and stowed all ourluggage
So easy when there was no tide.
Bring back, bring back,
Obring back Tenacious to me, to me.
Bring back, bring back,
O bring backTenacious to me.
The next day dawned springlike and sunny
We workedhard at learning the ropes
And how to get out in a hurry,
And climb upaloft to the tops.
Bring back . . .
At two we got going fromMalta,
North-westerly winds on our beam.
We sailed for a while and thenmotored
And Hammie served lashings of cream.
Bring back . ..
The third day the wind was from eastwards
So bracing was needed -and more!
We smartly set most of the square sails
Showing off to Sicilianson shore.
Bring back . . .
That night as we sailed towardsSicily
A fisher thought we were too near
And swore at us over theradio
And Nicky translated - oh dear!
Bring back . . .
Next daywe explored Siracusa
Greek temples and churches galore -
With pizza,spaghetti and vino
We just made it back to the shore.
And we justloved Archimedes
A native of Syracuse town
And also that ladCaravaggio
A painter of worldwide renown.
Our fifth day we rose brightand early:
The pilot was coming aboard
To steer us well clear of theharbour
And anything else that was moored.
Bring back . ..
Happy Hour was spent on the decks scrubbing
Afternoon we took turnsat the helm
And what was that thing in the water?
Oh! Only a rotten oildrum!
Bring back . . .
Day 6 saw spectacular climbing
Withwheelchairs abandoned below.
Then visiting rumbling old Etna
Her slopesall a-sparkling with snow.
Bring back . . .
Day 7 we were upbright and early
To leave Etna harbour behind:
A northerly wind kept ussailing -
A small storm, then weather was kind.
Bring back . ..
At eight in the evening we handed
The sails before going tobed.
The wind was now dropping, so sadly
We motored to make wayahead.
Bring back . . .
Then finally we motoredsouthwards
To anchor off Mellieha Bay.
And as for tomorrow - wellshipmates
That will be another fine day.
Bring back . ..
Heather and Aft Starboard Watch