New and younger crew!

Today was a wet and windy day in Brightlingsea but greatly improved by the arrival of enthusiastic new crew. Our twins John and Emma are both keen to help with Bonita's voyage. The picture shows them newly arrived on the waterfront in Brightlingsea.

Behind them is the anchor of some large ship, now mainly retired to decorative duties but temporarily performing a useful function in anchoring down the marquee. We have seen many old anchors whose sea going days are over used to add interest in coastal towns. Plymouth scores highly as it has one of the huge anchors of the old Ark Royal aircraft carrier: waterside pubs often display ancient specimens bought up in fishermen's nets. Even humble terraced houses often have rusty yacht sized anchors in their front gardens. The anchor is said to be a traditional emblem symbolising hope. Anchor and hope being the sailor's last resort when all else has failed.

By contrast the anchor often used as a naval insignia and on cap badges is usually a fouled anchor. Emma's jaunty cap badge shows this clearly. The cable has become wrapped around the stock making it unreliable and likely to pull out under load.  It is odd that so often we see the anchor symbol represented in this dangerous state.

The third picture shows the Christ's College boat club captain honing his skills during the long summer holiday.

Lighter winds and dryer weather are forecast for tomorrow.